by Leo Wiles
26 August 2015
I admit I am completely confused when it comes to my FB and Twitter platform portraits. Should I use a logo or do people respond to / follow / engage with a person’s image more? Amy
Our avatars and images that we use on social media platforms are often the first impression others have of you, making them super important. Otherwise known as your visual signature, this is your logo or icon of who you are and what you offer to clients. As we know, it takes less than 4 seconds for people to make up their minds about you – so make those precious seconds count.
There’s quite a bit of debate about whether to use a logo or a photo of your face in your social media accounts. Here’s what I think. While logos are a useful branding tool and can make big and SME companies immediately identifiable, if you are a sole trader I’d advise against it. If you’re offering a product – like a florist client of mine, whose profile pic is her business card logo – no problem. But as a freelance creative you require, say, the FB or Twitter banner to be reflective of the services you offer – such as a typewriter– with the profile pic to be an up-to-date version of you, as you want to be seen at work.
Obviously that does not mean pyjamas or tracky pants! In fact, this can be as widely diverse as your target market, as you are going to dress to impress the people you want to attract. The reality is that people, life stages, industry sectors and opportunities change – it’s life’s only constant. We’ve all heard stories about people padding their CVs and with online identities the fibs can be even further from the truth, especially when it comes to our profile pic. It’s meant to be an honest depiction of who you are, so make sure you choose an image that reflects you right now (not ten years ago when you opened the account) and is professional.
It was a fact that really hit home with me when, after moving to Queensland, a well meaning editor took me aside and let me know in no uncertain terms that my PR manager look was far too preppy for her readership. My new client’s frankness led me to kick to the kerb the full make-up, perfectly coiffured hair, white shirts and or black turtleneck and pearls persona I had built for corporate clients. I promptly overhauled it with modern accessories and a far more approachable and natural and casual hair and make-up look – an image that still manages to give off the same ‘trust me’ vibe. (Well – I hope so! See attached pic, soon to be updated on our About page.)
It’s only been a week, but so far the feedback has been 100 percent positive and the engagement levels are rising with my new clients, too. Just to be clear though, that while my look is new, it still has the same elements of a happy, confident professional with a to-camera open smile. Just to be clear here we’re instiling trust not lust in your professional audience, so be professional. The other thing I would add is, make sure you use the same image across your networks, so you’re easily recognisable.
Over to you, Listees: do you use a logo or a personal pic across social media? We’d love to hear your thoughts (and please send links to your social media accounts, too!)
