Skip to main content

Are you happy with the photograph of yourself that you use within social media platforms? They are sometimes called profile pictures, avatar images or headshots.

Here are some suggestions:

* Get a professional photographer to take a fresh set of photographs. Sometimes, they offer a special rate if several people can arrive at the same time at their studio.

* Ensure that there is proper lighting, which is one of the reasons for using a professional photographer.

* Dress appropriately.

* Do not wear a hat (a member of staff at one of my clients was wearing a wide-brimmed hat within his LinkedIn profile; when I asked him why, he said that it was to put off the recruitment consultants; this strategy must have worked, as years later, he is still working for the same company).

* Look directly at the camera. You will create a better emotional response from the viewer if you do this.

* Smile.

* Look rich and successful.

* Think carefully about the background.

* The photograph should be in colour and you will need it in different file formats and resolutions.

* Use the same headshot everywhere.

* Upload your photograph to Gravatar and it will appear all over the place.

Nigel Temple

Author Nigel Temple

Nigel Temple is a marketing consultant, speaker, trainer and writer. Topics include: AI / ChatGPT, Marketing strategy, Digital marketing, SEO, Copywriting, Mailchimp. Nigel is available to hire for a consultancy meeting, training workshop, speaking event or marketing project. Email: nigel@nigeltemple.com Or call Nigel on: 01628 773128

More posts by Nigel Temple