How to boost your popularity through a simple profile picture

TommyCarey Level X³

February 13, 2018, 3:00 am

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How many times have you uploaded a profile picture that didn't actually show your own face? How many times has it been an image or a logo that you had made for your website and wasn't a real person? I'm sure a lot of us have done this over the years, myself included, but did you know that it could actually be hurting your sales and branding? A first-person impression says a lot about a profile, especially when you're trying to sell something or get a job that will pay you more than you make freelancing or with your current job. Think about it, how many times have you been on LinkedIn and saw a professional with a cartoon character as their profile image? Not very often, and that's because it doesn't portray a professional behavior. This is why choosing the right profile image can make or break your business or success.

In this discussion, I'll be going over a few points to think of when choosing the right profile picture, such as:

You'll be seen as a real person
If you have an actual picture of yourself on your profiles, especially LinkedIn and Facebook, it will show everyone that you're a real person and that is a real account. The photo should actually be you in case you ever go meet with a business in your area because the meeting could get a little awkward when you try to explain when you used someone's picture as your own profile image lol. You'll need to make sure it's a recent photo and not one from 10 or 20 years ago, for the same reason of meeting with potential clients or partners in person. If you don't look like your profile image, you won't be taken as serious.

Take my profile picture, for example, it looks like me and I actually have a well-groomed beard. My lady is in the picture, but I have her in there to show I'm a likable person lol

Right now I'm sitting at my desk in sweatpants and my beard is a bit unruly, but if I had to meet with someone in person I would dress just like what my profile shows

A great image helps people identify you
Using your own pictures, of your face, will help people identify you across various platforms and not only your main website. Think about it, if you use the same profile picture on your facebook page and your LinkedIn page as well as your website and blog, people will be able to link them together and trust you more. Think about it, if someone were to find you on LinkedIn and research you, they would come across your facebook page as well as your website or blog and see similar images across all of them, then they would trust you even more because you're not trying to hide anything behind an image that was created specifically for your profile.

Your profile image is like an online personality
Unlike writing up content and talking to people through a chat system, your profile picture is what people will see first and evaluate your personality based solely on what it looks like. Like I mentioned above, my profile picture was chosen specifically because it shows I'm a clean cut and loveable person, which has helped me land some great clients ever since I started using it for my SEOclerks account as well my blogs and social profiles

Your profile picture is your first impression
People will judge you instantly based on your profile image, and if you're not seen as an approachable person, you won't get as many people contacting you. Just like the point above, your profile image showing your personality, it is also a first impression that you can't get back. If someone thinks you're intimidating, or a scary person, they will likely avoid your profile or website and try to find someone else that can do exactly what you're offering, but they will look happier and more approachable.

In conclusion
Choosing the right profile picture is a big thing when it comes to creating a positive online identity, and also boosting your sales because people want to know exactly who they're working with. If you're hiding behind a logo, you won't be seen as a real person, and people will likely avoid using your services for the next person who is using a real image. If you do use a real image, make sure you're smiling or having fun, because it goes a long way. I can't tell you how many times I've come across a freelancers profile and thought "Their services seem pretty awesome, but their profile picture makes it seem like they hate life" and I'll avoid buying from them. Smile in your damn picture, look like a professional, and have a fun tagline if possible lol

Remember to follow me!
https://www.seoclerks.com/user/TommyCarey

Thanks!

Tommy Carey

Comments

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JoeMilford

Tommy,
Good post here. I have to admit that I do appreciate the profile pictures of people who I am doing business with. I would much rather prefer to do business in person and face-to-face, but when doing business online, I think it is smart to present yourself as a "real" person with an approachable personality and demeanor. It is tough to pic the best profile image because you really have to think about how you are presenting your overall image, and the image of your brand, to the overall markets you are trying to profit from. I think that having a great logo is a good idea too, but you should also include a profile pick to add some warmth and welcome to your sites. Exactly--smile, be professional--give us something authentic to grasp.

9 years ago

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Everett

I would much rather prefer to do business in person and face-to-face, but when doing business online,

Me too. I am very suspicious of people who use just random images (if you are a seller here and you use just a random image, I am sorry but that's how I feel). I believe when I uploaded my actual picture buyers took me more serious since they could see the real me, and could actually see who the seller is and get some idea based on the picture about what I am capable of.

For those that are reading this reply without a pic:
So I would suggest everyone to upload a photo of themselves and try that out. I promise anyone that if you are a seller you will in fact get more sales, and increase your trustworthiness or if you are a buyer sellers will take you more serious as well.

Doing business online is all about trust, so why not just upload a picture of yourself and build your trust that way?

9 years ago

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TommyCarey

I recently started using my own picture here on SEOclerks, but that's probably because I don't have a professional one and I never went out of my way to get something done for my online profiles lol

The profile picture I have up right now is from a wedding I was at, but it turned out pretty well and I even explained why I used it in the discussion. If you missed that part, I used this current image because it shows I'm professional and loveable because my lady is there with me lol

It's not a professional headshot like you would see on entrepreneur.com or forbes.com, but it shows I'm a real person and not someone that is trying to convince you that I'm a professional in my field, even though I am (I think lol)

The best way to get a great profile picture is to stop critiquing your images and just let it happen over time. There will likely be a picture that stands out from the rest, and it's likely not one that is a professional headshot, and then you'll be good to go

Most of the people here don't use professional headshots, and I trust them more than anyone else who actually does

9 years ago

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Corzhens

The subject of this discussion is so difficult for me to comprehend. I know about the adage that a picture paints a thousand words and that can also apply to the profile picture. Maybe I have to change my profile picture into one that is smiling so that people will find me friendly. However, my profile picture is me, I mean what you see in the picture is what I am in person.

8 years ago

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DenisP

People really underestimate the value of a proper profile picture. The way you present yourself through a profile image is going to influence people's views of you, whether it is in a field of business or just leisurely forum activity.

Take forums for example. If you have a well lit, well composed, high quality profile image paired with well thought out posts, I'm going to think highly of you and maybe even look into your profile to see if you shared more content. On the other hand, someone with a poor quality image they took off the internet or no image at all, paired with short, spammy posts is obviously not going to be as impressive.

Yes I realize the irony in my statement given that I have an image that I took off the internet, but I did so for the sake of anonymity for the time being.

9 years ago

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Martinsx1

I completely agree with you on this, sometimes what I do with the kind of profile picture I use on any particular forum for my account depends on the nature of such forum. Take for instance, if it's a baby blog or forum that I'm creating an account on, I deem it more appropriate to use a baby's picture as my profile picture because it tallys with the nature of the blog or forum.

9 years ago

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Everett

I would actually have to disagree with one aspect of your reply:

Take for instance, if it's a baby blog or forum that I'm creating an account on, I deem it more appropriate to use a baby's picture as my
profile picture because it tallys with the nature of the blog or forum.

This could actually be seen as spammy or deem your account as fake. What I have noticed in regards to fake accounts on multiple platforms, the bots gather images based upon the website's genre and basically build profiles that way (or just use a random image via google or other similar search engines). To upload a picture based upon the website genre in my opinion (just my own opinion, and thoughts) is like spam, that is based off of my own website experiences.. People may not agree but they probably haven't seen the amount of spam/fake accounts/profiles that I have seen..lol

9 years ago

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DenisP

You actually bring up a good point that I haven't really considered. I can definitely see how someone would do it with good intention though. Perhaps they are shy and don't want to present themselves in front of the entire internet, so they think that the next best alternative is posting a profile picture that relates to the topic at hand. While I don't think it is a bad idea when done with good intention, I agree that at worst it can bring your profile under suspicion, and at best, people will just think that you aren't very unique.

9 years ago

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Martinsx1

I think that the last call on how relevant a profile picture that syncs with the blog or forum niche falls on the perception of the forum or blog owner and not the members of the site. Personally, I find it very creative and appealing because of the impression such pictures create at first sight.

9 years ago

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overcast

I think using logo definitely adds up and helps a lot. I have seen some of the people making use of the logo. And they seem to be doing good job for the profiles. You can see that some of the time there is more to popularity. I think another point is that simple images can be very powerful for the articles. And so people have to find ways to do simple branding. That's what works for most of us.

9 years ago

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Everett

A picture is worth a thousands words, a real image of yourself is probably (in my opinion) worth so much more! You can definitely change your online
selling game if you post your actual picture. People would be much more
trusting of you, and you can earn more money. Not many people will
remember a logo, but people tend to remember faces. There has been
studies about this, and it appears that the faces you see during the day
whether it be online or offline linger in your memory and you sometimes
even see these faces in your dreams. So this is very interesting,
especially if you use your pictures as your own brand.

9 years ago

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overcast

I think some of the business can make use of the branded logo. And that way they can have more identity and branding part sorted. I guess on that note you can see that people are handling the profile and the opinion. So it looks like matter of time when things are to be properly handled in social media where instead of influencer some of the time brand has to do this.

9 years ago

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treecko142

In addition, use a profile picture where you look nice and approachable, as people will more likely to be friendly towards you and treat you as an actual physical employee in the job. If you have no problems in going public, this would really help in providing a good impression by picture alone.

9 years ago

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Martinsx1

Pictures serves greater impressions when it's a good one that is used for profile display. I have seen people use all sorts of things as display pictures but in truth a real human picture of yourself gives a strong personality to your page. It commands more respect and dignity than just using an object or plant for your profile display picture.

9 years ago

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centurion

Thanks for some beautiful tips about a profile picture. Its true my profile picture is an online personality. In case of brand promotion and local marketing lots of people can identify me easily by the picture. If I have a good impression with the picture- than there have huge facilities are available with marketplaces.

Thanks
Centurion

9 years ago

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Martinsx1

Your profile picture looks great, I see absolutely nothing wrong with that in my opinion, it's very good. Mine happens to be my favorite pet "Cat" and it's what I used to set up my gravter account image which means that any site I registered on that is gravter enabled, it would automatically cue in as my profile picture.

9 years ago

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Everett

I have been using my real picture for quite some time now so I am absolutely certain there are those that recognise me if I am on another website (basically I use this picture everywhere that allows profile images) and I have actually been followed because of reverse image searching. For instance, I sell products on many platforms and someone followed me to each platform I sold products on. It is a little concerning, but it's great too because I guess that means I am quite popular? LOL

However, what I have also noticed is and what needs to be addressed, some sellers seem to use celebrity images. I think this is so unprofessional - it's not even funny. I would never ever consider ordering anything from an account that used such a fake picture. I would totally order something from a seller if they used their picture because it would completely change buyers mindsets if they see the REAL you.

So if you are that type of seller that does not use a real photo of yourself, then consider less sales and not many real buyers actually taking you serious. This image thing should be business 101 and probably the first thing to learn when selling products online - be real.

9 years ago

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kgord

I think it is good to have a profile pic. especially if you are doing business online. You want people to be able to identify you, and if you have an open, friendly countenance so much the better. I think you can't go wrong with a good pic.

9 years ago

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Martinsx1

A good profile picture helps to promote your brand as well because people would always identify your brand through your profile picture. It's good to maintain one profile picture over a long term and not necessarily keep changing it because it would look as if you aren't sure of how you want people to view you as.

9 years ago

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kgord

I think some people like to keep the same picture online and it is good for continuity sake. I think that people feel like if they have a good image they like to stick with it. It might mean more than a logo to others.

9 years ago

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Jral14

It is very inportant that you use your real picture when you are dealing with business transactions. This is as important as indicating your real name, real description of yourself, real contact numbers. Some people use other picture and other information for frauds. That is what people must be aware of. People who actually frauds are scammers. That's why in every business transaction, you need a couple of sort-of-investigation or identification. It is best that you ask them to present valid ID as these can be a support evidences when this incident happens.

9 years ago

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cmoneyspinner

I had no problem with using my real picture. It was my husband who objected. So I came up with an avatar. When one of my kids got married my husband and I took a photograph together at the wedding. One of my other kids gave me a digital photo. My husband insisted that his picture not be on the Internet. So I cropped the photo, took him out of the picture, and started using it on my profile. In addition, I found an artist on Tumblr who did an ink portrait of me. Has it boosted my popularity? I don't know. (O.o)

9 years ago

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AmieBotella

I agree with the real photo used as a profile picture when using your account for your online business. It harbors trust and reliability. However, I've been cautious to do this at every chance I'm asked to because I've been bullied online in the social media before and it was a big mistake to mix your personal page to your business page. I will keep this in mind though because right now I am hesitant to use my photo. Unless someone contacted me personally, that's when I'l just give my details.

I'm a just a small time (beginner if you must) freelancer who just started doing the whole online business thing for a year now and I am in the process of aligning my path towards success online and I am glad I stumbled upon your articles and they are helpful for the newbies like me.

9 years ago

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Judas2018

I think if you're a business or company a logo works better than a personal picture. Because you're promoting your brand or company, and ultimately the profile is about that. Not you personally. If you are a person who is in business as just another freelancer who lacks a company or brand structure, or a media 'personality' or 'public figure' then a personal picture would be okay. I understand why someone wouldn't want to post a profile pic though, as they fear bullying or people taking the picture and doing god only knows what, with it. You also fear clones.

I know a few business people I talk with on FB who've had their profile pics stolen, with people pretending to be them in random spurts. Sometimes setting up fake profiles using the stolen photos more than once. It's quite disturbing. More immature rivals can also deface your photographs. Meanwhile, there's a whole different set of consequences for female freelancers or business people. Who will undoubtedly have multiple 'creeps' contacting them at random once they put a picture of themselves on their profile. So while a pic can increase your popularity in some ways, in other aspects it can also cause you stress, grief or create a multitude of new problems.

9 years ago

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vinaya

I have always used my own photo as a profile image on social media, forums, discussion boards, writing websites and other websites. By using my own pictures I am trying to build my brand. Since I am using the same picture across various platforms, I think I am a recognizable face. I have not used my real photo only on few occasions when I wanted to have a secret profile.

9 years ago

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Pixie06

I don't use my own photo on all the sites that I am active on but only on those sites where I have to interact with my customers like on my Facebook page and blog. I have noticed if you have a profile picture then your customers and other stakeholders take you more seriously. They know they are dealing with a genuine person.

9 years ago

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jpyy

I don't like using my own picture. In that case, I don't really want to go into sales, at least not the direct type. However, though, I do like to sell things indirectly from a forum. In that case, I would make sure the forum looks good.

9 years ago

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Corzhens

I really don’t want to talk about my profile picture but it’s one of the candid shots that I liked. Yeah, that photo represents my personality, simple but not naïve. Anyway, there was a time that I was mistaken for a guy. Maybe because my name is not descriptive of my gender, just by my picture, one user assumed that I was a male. That’s why I am using another profile picture in some other forums that I am subscribed to. Maybe a change of face?

9 years ago

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vinaya

Corzhens, I can recognize from your profile picture and username. I participate in many forums where you also post. This is the beauty of using the same username and profile picture. It was in 2005, when I first joined an earning site. I used my real name and picture. I wanted to be famous therefore I used my real identity. Later, I learned about establishing a personal brand. Therefore, I continued using my real identity. Except in few occasions, I have always used my real picture and name.

9 years ago

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Kakashi2020

That's true in most niches related to bussiness. Using a professional looking profile picture in your business related social media accounts does enhances your popularity and trustworthiness it's also a good portfolio booster.

9 years ago

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Tronia

I think that when it comes to anything business related it is better to use your real picture. It just represents that you're serious, not afraid or hiding and it gives a sense of "trust" to the person that's viewing your profile. I do use my real life picture on the social media but for my blog profiles, I have the website's logo as the avatar/profile image.

9 years ago

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TheArticulate

Anytime you're working directly with clients, I think it's necessary that your photo be a real picture of yourself. This makes you look more human (because you are human, right?), which goes a long way when you may never talk the client face-to-face. I had professional headshots taken a year ago, and that was probably one of the best moves I made when I was starting up my offline freelancing business. Clients could see what I looked like and when they emailed with me, they could put a face to my writing.

Granted, I don't use a photo of myself when I write here, but that's because a lot of my freelance gigs come from offline sources, and I don't use SEOclerks for freelancing very often.

9 years ago

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edencaga

Since a lot of scammers are roaming around the internet world, clients and businessmen/women prefer to choose those profile with real picture because the one you contacted might be a scammer but the business owner or client should have background check first the profile if it's the real person whom he/she talking to because it might be the poser and not the real one whom he/she look up to which might give the client a problem later on the contract.

9 years ago

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Rernana

I agree with you guys, a good profile picture can make your profile significantly more appealing to other people. This applies to dating websites as well, which is evident if you look at some pages from the list on seniordatingxp.com/short-people-dating-sites/. Users that have the most popularity there all have tasteful profile pictures, making them attracting to potential partners that are looking for a loved one.

6 years ago

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