9 Tips to Nail Your Social Media Profile Picture (plus, research and examples)
Andy Crestodina
Co-Founder and CMO at Orbit Media | SEO, Analytics, AI, Content Strategy and Website Optimization
You’ve seen thousands of social media profile pictures. You see dozens every day. And every time you see someone’s profile picture, you form an impression of that person. In a split second, you decide if they are likable, trustworthy, smart …or not. You judge them.
Everyone judges your profile picture in the same way.
On Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and everywhere else, they are swiping right or left in their mind, connecting or dismissing, engaging with your content or ignoring your connection request.
So your profile picture is key to your personal brand and online networking. It has an impact on your job opportunities and ultimately, your career.
Note! I’m skipping the online dating impact, but this post could help with that too…
And fixing your picture is a one-time action that gives you lasting benefits. So invest some time in the most important aspect of your online presence. Here are nine ways to nail your social media profile picture.
1. Show your face
This should be obvious, but if they can’t see your face, you’ve got a problem.
Faces are a uniquely powerful type of imagery. Studies about the psychology of images show that faces leverage a cognitive bias built into our brains.
Of course, you have passions. You love dogs or helicopters or skiing. But your profile picture isn’t the place to make this point.
Are you an avid mountain climber? Great! Put your face in the profile picture and your passion in the background image.
The world’s most popular website is called FACEbook, not SILHOUETTE-ON-A-MOUNTAIN-book.
I also recommend against cartoon heads, dogs and babies. Show. Your. Face.
To make a great first impression, read the full blog post here.
Content & Brand Leader | Driving Demand & Growth Through Storytelling, SEO, & Digital Strategy
5 年Agree. Showing a friendly face in your profile picture also exudes confidence and mutual trust.
Certified Chief AI Officer, Client Success, Networking and AI Architect: Empowering Success through Strategic Client Partnerships, Innovative Networking Solutions, and AI Architecture Expertise.
5 年Thank You Andy! Always a wonderful and informative post from you!
Water Technologist | Environmental Marketing - Helping Water Technology Companies Grow
5 年Great post Andy Crestodina, I really like the tip of smiling.?
Building Brands with People-First Strategies, Delivering Results with Passion & Precision, and Empowering Sales at Every Aspect of the Funnel
5 年After meeting you, your profile photo is exactly who you are - energetic, approachable and optimistic. Keep the great content coming!?
Marketing & Sales Systems for Indie Consultants | Referrals are great, but a steady pipeline is better. ?? Top Ranked Podcast > Tiny Marketing ?? Founder @ Tiny Marketing Club
5 年I’ve never heard of PhotoFeeler. That’s an interesting one! Great point about the show your face, too. I don’t even accept invites from connection requests that don’t show their face. I just assume it’s spammy.