Your profile picture follows you everywhere. Every post you share, every message you send, every comment you make, every reaction you leave – they all feature that tiny photo you’ve chosen to represent your business. And for all those people like myself who can’t remember people’s names, it’s what they’ll remember and recognise you by!
Is yours currently doing its job? And if not, how can you change that?
Your profile picture options
Imagine that someone searches for your business and can’t remember the exact name. They end up with a short list of possible options. Unfortunately, if they can’t quickly recognise you by your profile picture, they might just give up at that point.
With that in mind, what do you think would be best for you?
- Your logo – a great option if you sell products and/or use your logo on everything you do.
- A recent headshot – a great option if you need to be the face of your business. If you provide a service and people work directly with you, a headshot also can help create that feeling of trust.
- A recent photo of your physical location – a great option if your customers have to visit you in person. As soon as they pull up in your car park, they’ll feel like they know you.
Note: If you can’t find the ‘right’ thing, make it! My own Profile Picture is a combination of two photos, my logo, and my brand colour – all put together in Canva.
Your profile picture across multiple platforms
As a general rule, it’s best to have the same profile picture across all platforms. If someone knows you from Facebook and sees one of your posts on LinkedIn, they’re more likely to stop and pay attention if they can quickly recognise you.
That being said, if you use the platforms for very different reasons, you might consider using different profile pictures. Let’s say, for example, that you use your Facebook account to reach potential clients but your LinkedIn account to reach potential collaborators. In that case, having your logo on Facebook and your headshot on LinkedIn would be an interesting option!
How to change your profile picture
If you’re reading this and thinking “I need to update my profile now”, please don’t be too quick about it!!
You will have many people following you who haven’t yet remembered your name and who might stop recognising you if you change your profile picture.
Instead, I want you to get your audience involved in the update and take your time. This is a big thing; it doesn’t need to be rushed.
STEP 1. Choose two or three possible new profile pictures.
STEP 2. Ask your audience which one they prefer.
STEP 3. Pick your favourite with the help of their replies and set it as your new profile picture on all relevant platforms.
STEP 4. Share an intro post (who you are, what you do, and how people can find out more) and use your new profile picture as the image.
Need more?
Check out this FREE 4-Page Social Media Audit Checklist, which offers not only the handy checklist, but also a breakdown into exactly what each point means. Get it now!
I help passionate small business owners with their social media so that they can create a powerful and supportive space to promote their business.
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