There used to be a thought that having a private profile meant you could do whatever you want. When employers might not have looked at your profile.

If your personal Instagram account doesn’t have a business name or tie to the company you can freely post.

 

You are always representing yourself and your brand. Always. {Period}.

 

Every member of my dance team had to sign a contract about how we would act and represent the team. In college you were held to a similar accountability for your sorority or group you had joined.

When you are a part of a team, you are playing a part in their representation. If you are on your own, you are representing yourself. There is nothing that will ever be private on the internet. We now have a wonderful Timehop to remind us of the posts and photos we had once thought worth sharing. Keep it classy and when in doubt leave it out.

 

The first impression people have when you meet someone in person is your appearance. Your face, smile, your outfit, your grooming. Online you have 360 x 360 pixels and 2.6 seconds for a great first impression. Here are a few ways to carefully choose the best photo.

 

My face or my logo?

Well are you a personal or professional brand? Here’s something I wrote to help you figure out what type of brand you are.

If you’re still not sure, reach out.

If you are a business of ANY kind, sole employee or 500 employees, you need to use a logo. A logo builds a solid foundation and leaves room to grow with you. It represents your products, service and client experience not just yourself. Even if you’re the only person they will be in contact with, still use your logo. I think it’s important to have your face on your website, photos with customers, live video of you, etc. so they recognize your part in the work and the representative of the business.

 

Logos as profile photos should include…

• You should have figured this out with your marketing consultant but include your brand’s colors and company name.
• POSSIBLY tagline; this might be something more suitable for your cover photo.
• If this thumbnail were the only thing someone saw would they understand who you are and what you were about?
• High quality. Look up the current dimensions, test it out and make sure the high quality image shows up well in your software as well as in that tiny box. Check it out on your desktop, mobile phone, tablet and any other platform you use.

 

 

If you’re a personal brand (singer, author, YouTuber, etc.) use your face. You are representing a professional service or business and will need a professional photo. If you don’t have the cash to invest in professional shots ask an up-and-coming photographer or friend with a very nice camera to take a variety of well-lit, well-dressed photos that represent your brand well. If you’re a beauty channel you can get away with a fun makeup look, bright colors and feminine background. If you’re a professor writing a book, wear a button down, get some smiling to be relatable and enjoyable to your prospective audience and some more serious for some posts.

Profile photos should include…

• Can you wear an outfit or use a background using your brand colors? I like to cover my shoulders and arms since that translates as professional and makes me feel comfortable in photos. I make sure my clothes are ironed and not sheer before taking photos in daylight or a studio. Make sure your shirt isn’t too low cut (both males and females!) Wear suit jackets for layered photos and you have the option to be formal or semi-formal. If you are in a construction, agriculture or casual field where you can wear jeans with a nice top and nice shoes, use this as an outfit change. You never know when or where you might be asked to speak or provide a headshot so having multiple options allows you to choose the best photo for your audience.
• SKIN vs CLOTHING. I am all for being confident and wearing what you like but this is the one time to keep a constant photo. Try using the ones that didn’t make it as a post not as your profile photo.
• Represent yourself. It should look like you. If you get your makeup professionally done using false eyelashes or heavy makeup not be the time. Aim for a little more than natural makeup, keep it simple and pretty to accentuate your features. Keep your hair clean, parted and done (curl, straighten, etc.) If it’s pulled back it won’t translate as very flattering. If you normally wear glasses, wear glasses. Take a few without or be cautious of flashback.
• Polish it up. Have your nails painted or manicured since they might show next to your face or by your sides. A french manicure or natural color will keep the attention at your face and compliment your outfit any time of the year. REMOVE THE HAIR TIE!
• SMILE. Don’t look surprised with raised eyebrows or upset with that model glare. Have a relaxed face, smile like you just said hello to your new customer. People want to work with someone they like so be friendly to the camera.

 

 

These tips pertain to the social media accounts that are used to represent your business. If you are looking for something on your personal page remember everything will lead back here and a shot of you in a bikini, doing body shots or sometimes even with a funny Snapchat filter can be just as big of a turn-off to people looking to work with you. Even if you feel this invades your freedom, it’s the connected world we live in. If you’re friends with people on your personal account they should know this side of you exists. Use your professional account to connect with colleagues and clients.

Luckily there are ways we can personalize your page after uploading your logo. By using cover photos (or cover videos) you can showcase your smiling face, you in action, working on a craft or shaking hands with a client. If you’re a fitness page choose a photo of you leading a workout class in action. If you’re a bakery, a video of you mixing or decorating and eating a beautiful cupcake is perfect. 

 

Cheers!

Marin

Have a question you’d like me to answer? Send me a message.