Send to Kindle
You have a blog, or comment on blogs, or hang around on Facebook and Twitter for a reason.
Usually, it is because you want to get noticed. So you can sell your book, or get customers, or find business leads, or whatever your goal is for being on social media.
I have written before about how important it is to have a platform and a believable author brand. But did you know that your online avatar is an important part of your brand and image?
An avatar is merely a graphical representation of you. It can be a real photo or an illustration, such as a cartoon portrait of you, or your business logo. Whatever it is, it represents you online and is connected to your name in blog comments, on your own blog, and on social networking platforms.
A gravatar, which stands for Globally Recognized Avatar, is the same avatar that follows you from site to site. It is connected to your name and gives you a consistent brand across the Web.
Dump the generic avatar.
A generic (default) avatar is one in the pool of avatars a blog owner lets you select from.
You have seen them before. Perhaps you even have one yourself. They are those icons, usually silly little faces, that every other person who hasn’t created their own unique avatar gets.
Having a generic avatar means that you are leaving it to someone else to define who you are. You might want to consider dumping the generic avatar for one that connects with people in a more personal way.
Consider how important privacy is to you.
I say this to my blog coaching clients:
Unless you are in the Witness Protection Program, you should have your own, unique online avatar.
Now, I know, that’s a simplistic statement. And there are always exceptions (domestic abuse situations, stalkers, child custody disputes, to name a few). But if you are marketing yourself online in some way, we need to see who you are, so we can trust you. So we feel we can build a relationship with you.
So we know that you are not a spammer.
If you use a real photo, think about who you are first.
You have certain characteristics and personality traits that are unique to you. Your avatar should give people a sense of who you are. I prefer to use a real photo for mine (and like to see others in real-life format, too).
Once, when I was part of a group of teachers at a school for gifted kids, we were sitting around a table planning our lessons when my friend Jayce said, ” Okay. Here is a question. What do you want inscribed on your headstone?” (We were a strange group and our conversations could be unpredictable).
We went around the table. Each person before me had something dry or witty or clever to say. When it was my turn, I said, “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”
The other five teachers burst out laughing. I frowned at Jayce. “What?” I said.
“That’s perfect. It’s exactly what should go on your headstone!” she said: “‘I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.’”
She was right. First and foremost, I am a thinker and dreamer. I don’t like replying off the top of my head.
I like to think about things.
So my avatar photo strikes a thinking pose. (Oh, and by the way, professional photos are nice, but if your budget doesn’t allow that, don’t let it hold you back. I took that photo of myself one day sitting at my desk, using Mac’s Photo Booth program.)
Think about your biggest asset, your most positive, prominent personality trait. Try to portray that in your avatar. And whatever you do, make yourself look approachable.
I have made the decision not to follow someone on Twitter based on their avatar: maybe their arms are crossed, or they are pointing at me (I hate being scolded), or they are shaking their fist at me (yes, one popular social media figure actually does that in his avatar).
Think twice about using crazy colors or tints in your photo.
Colors carry with them emotions. You may love that green tint on your face, but it may look downright scary to someone else. A purple face can make the person look cold or angry. And so on.
Also, in this election year, know that political candidates’ names or political issues on your avatar can alienate some of your followers. It is good and fine to care about causes, but consider the possibility that you might be turning away some of the very people you are trying to attract.
Look at several possibilities and think carefully about your choice.
Play around with different poses: some serious, some playful, some thoughtful. Lay them all out and start eliminating some of them. You will eventually be left with the one you that best says “you.”
I snapped 40+ photos of myself with Photo Booth and kept narrowing it down until I found the just right one.
Oh, by the way. If you’d like to create your own gravatar and join the smiling faces in the comments section of Cat’s Eye Writer blog, go to Gravatar.com and sign up for a free account.
What about you?
What do you use for an avatar?
Do you stay with the same one or switch them out?
Which type of avatar are you naturally attracted to on the Web?
About the author
- More at
Loooove it and not only because I agree with it all but because this is one of the topics I think about a lot. I am in the process of making a new Gravatar photo, since the one I have is just an edit photo from a trip. I do know that some photos just stand out which is really great. I added red color to my background because it is my favorite color and it is really ME. No matter how you “understand” red, it is still me, lol
Brankica recently posted..Website or blog | Why SBI beats WordPress any time
Hey Bran,
So, tell me, what is the significance of the star in your avatar. I’ve always wondered about that. What I like about your avatar, having gotten to know you, is that it matches you. You are looking at me with a serious but thoughtful expression.
On the red, I wasn’t talking about background—it’s more when people tint their actual face. Sometimes they look like an alien and sometime they just look scary.
I chose black and white because that’s me. A black and white girl ion a color world. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Is Twitter Making Us Crappy Writers?
Just a reference to “Blog like a star” tagline
But I am NOW changing my Gravatar, just got the new pic and played with the background, it is going to be crazy! And I am even looking all not-crazy-shooting-person in the pic!
Brankica recently posted..Website or blog | Why SBI beats WordPress any time
Haha. I sort of liked the crazy-shooting-person look. Oh my gosh, I just looked up and there was your new avatar. I LOVE it!
Judy Dunn recently posted..Preventing Apostrophe Abuse Begins at Home
Hi Judy,
Great food for thought! Avatars are a huge part of the first impression you give online, if not all of the first impression! It took me a long time to find an avatar I am happy with. I’m still not sure I look as glamorous as I wanted to look, but at least I believe I look friendly, which was my intention! Hmmm…I’m not sure how I’m logged in here – you may see the sunset from my blog rather than my mug!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted..Do You Look for Meaning in Your Dreams?
Lori,
First of all, great to “see” you here! Hope your book sales are going wonderfully. I leave next week for NYC to pitch my book idea to agents and editors at the Writer’s Digest conference. God, give me the strength, smarts and bravery!
I think you were wise to think long and hard about just the right pic for your avatar. Some people, I notice, seem to change theirs almost every month and that is not good for branding. So you want to look “glamorous”? It’s working! : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Social Media Fail: 5 Reasons I Will Unfollow You
Hi Judy,
Good luck at the WD Conference! I’m sure you have the smarts, strength AND bravery for it! If it doesn’t work out the way you want, I can introduce you to a different path
Yeah, I’m not changing that avatar! I may age but my avatar will remain forever young. If you’ve ever read Ray Bradbury’s short story collection: Dandelion Wine and in it, my favourite story: “Lime Vanilla Ice” you will know why. A girl can dream!
Wait! What? You said I look glamorous? Now you have a friend/fan for life!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted..Do You Look for Meaning in Your Dreams?
Thanks, Lori. I’d like ton hear about your experience with alternative (nontraditional) publishing sometime. Still weighing my options.
Judy Dunn recently posted..Is Twitter Making Us Crappy Writers?
I think about this a lot. My current avatar is sort of a personal default pic. It is a real picture from a trip but it was meant to be used as a placeholder.
Long story short, because so many people associate it with me I have chosen to continue using it. I expect that I will probably swap it out, but I’ll do that as part of a bigger change.
Jack recently posted..Jesus Hates Tim Tebow & 17 Other Reasons Why Your Blog is a Failure
Jack,
Good point. I thought about your avatar as I was writing this post.I think the danger with going with one in a default sort of way is that, yes, you get branded as that, people start recognizing you, and it becomes hard to make the switch.
By the way, you have the most interesting blog post titles. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted.. Harry Potter Headlines: 10 Ways to Conjure Up a Viral Blog Post Title
Hi Judy,
I have strong feelings about the role of headlines. I think most of mine tend to be pretty sedate but sometimes it is kind of fun to just let them go wild.
Jack recently posted..Are You a Cyberstalker Or Just Socially Inept
Hi Judy,
I really enjoy your blog ~ great work! I especially love this line, “Having a generic avatar means that you are leaving it to someone else to define who you are.”
I never thought about our avatars in that light, which makes me consider where else in my life I could be allowing someone else to define me.
As for avatars, if someone puts up their picture, I prefer one where they are smiling, thoughtful or appear approachable. I want to feel like I am having a conversation in person with them. Pictures that are angry, mad, aggressive or anything on that “negative” side just push me away.
And I like your picture ~ you appear deep in thought pondering some sort of puzzle or mystery
You know, as I doing the research for this post, I read a study that said people remember 50 percent more of the information if it is accompanied by a photo. That’s pretty powerful. That and the fact that our brains are hard-wired to connect with someone when we their face. Really makes that avatar with a pic even more important.
Thanks for your take on my photo. It’s exactly the feeling I was going for. And thanks for visiting the Cat’s Eye blog. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..How to Write an Irresistible Blog Bio
I am with you all the way on this one Judy! I started out with a generic ‘Top10′ logo, moved to a side on profile pic and finally showed my crooked smile in all it’s glory. It just took a little time to have the confidence I think.
Mostly I think that a face is the best option as anything else leads me to think ‘business’ although I’ll happily make an exception for Jack who has succeeded in creating something unique
Tony Hastings recently posted..Relationships or Rankings? What Does Social Media Mean To You?
Tony,
Good to see you!I know what you mean about easing into the photo thing. I HATE having my photo taken. At family and friends’ gatherings, I’m always the one ducking and hiding. Being short helps because I can just go in the back row like I did at the BlogWorld Social Media Examiner breakfast and I’m invisible.
And Jack? Yeah, I guess it’s okay that he is landscape and not person. But really, aren’t you just a little bit curious? I love his sense of humor and I picture a rather sarcastic grin on his face. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..‘Clean Slate’ Blogging: How to Write a Post Your Readers Will Remember
Great post on an important and often overlooked topic! I totally agree about having a gravatar as a way of establishing your brand across the web. After all, it’s universally true that people remember faces even when they don’t remember names. I finally decided to bite the bullet and put some work into finding the right one for me.
Cute story about the headstone inscription too. : )
Thanks!
Annie Crawford recently posted..Are You a Closet Christmas-Hater?
Annie,
Just want to say: I absolutely love your avatar. Have never met you in person but this photo makes me want to. People do remember faces better than names, but the cool thing about an avatar when commenting on a blog is that your name is there in print, too, so I can recognize and remember both. Good job.
Judy Dunn recently posted..Preventing Apostrophe Abuse Begins at Home
Well, I’m using a robin as my gravatar, and I’m not planning to change soon. I used it on the first place where I begun writing articles because robins have always been a sort of lucky amulet for me and given that I’m known with the robin that’s why it remained.
I agree that having a real picture is the right way to have a kind of personal relation with readers but it could become a boomerang in case a troll decides to go trolling in the real world. Putting any kind of personal details online is something that should be thought upon well. Imho.
hypnodude recently posted..Dr. Link Check Review: Free Link Checker for Broken and Bad Links
I get the privacy part and understand where people are coming from there. And maybe your goals aren’t marketing and branding when you comment on blogs.
Still, I do feel a deeper connection with people who choose to put their photo in their avatar. It kind of adds a personal touch to the rather sterile, technical-focused Web environment. Thanks for sharing your views here. (And the little bird is cute.) : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Is Twitter Making Us Crappy Writers?
The little bird says thanks.
You’re right Judy, surely having a real picture add that personal touch which is needed to establish a different kind of relationship with readers and fellow bloggers. Maybe I should add one on my welcome page, but I like the robin too much to quit using it.
hypnodude recently posted..Open the Third Eye and Be a Psychic Medium
Great post, Judy. The photography on my blog header and side bar were taken by my daughter, the amazing JenC Photography. I have an old picture of me to deceive the public into believing the blush has not gone out of my worn out, ex-hippie bones and I am fond of white paper, regular print … have you gone blind reading black backgrounds with red or lime green printing? Thanks again, this was fun
Oh yes, as per my daughter, I never use a graphic or photo without full credit to the artist.
florence fois recently posted..The Writer’s Life, The Debate Continues …
Well.I replied to your comment and don’t know where it went. Interesting. Yes, readability on the screen is another huge issue. If bloggers knew that readers are more interested in the content than colors, well…
Ex-hippie bones? That’s pretty funny. The question, I guess, is how often should we switch our photos out as we age? I made the decision to stop coloring my hair, so I definitely need to get a new photo up here soon. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Write Better in 2012 by Reading More: What’s on Your Bookshelf?
Judy, got your response today. I’ll think about the pic. In the mean time, I’ll give my readers what they expect … a little creativity. Mine has gone all to silver and as soon as my daughter learns to “photo shop” out the lines life has been kind enough provide, I might even expose myself for the boomer, late bloomer that I am. Love the dialogue this post has generated
florence fois recently posted..The Versatile Blogger Award …
Great points, Judy. The question people have to ask is, “Would I buy a drink for a logo? Would they buy one for me?”.
Generic and business logos are all well and good, but at the end of the day, we still relate to people. So why not be a person in the picture?
Cheers, miss!
Danny Brown recently posted..Heritage, Culture and What the Japanese Can Teach Us About Business Longevity
Hah, I like the way you phrased that one Danny. I may have to “borrow” that one from you
Ricardo Bueno recently posted..Unsolicited Testimonials: Recommend Someone Today
Any time, mate – just stick the $47 in the mail.
Danny Brown recently posted..Hope, Change, Belief – The 12for12k Book and How You Can Be a Part of It
Would I buy a drink for a logo? I can just picture that: the Nike swoosh sitting at the bar with me. Wonder what he/she would order. : )
So true! You have such a way with words, Mr. Brown.
Judy Dunn recently posted.. Harry Potter Headlines: 10 Ways to Conjure Up a Viral Blog Post Title
Ha, I just steal all the best lines from people like you, Judy.
Danny Brown recently posted..Hope, Change, Belief – The 12for12k Book and How You Can Be a Part of It
My Gravatar seems to be working well for me so far. I think it lets people recognize me online at a glance, so I don’t have any plans to change it soon. But if I do, I’ll definitely stick with a similar motif so that it’s not too jarring for my online friends.
(That said, if I chose to re-brand myself, I’d go with a re-branded Gravatar as well — and encourage everyone to make the switch with me.)
Judy, I love the image you included with this post. I don’t know whether to laugh or run screaming. ; )
Courtney Cantrell recently posted..Can We Bare It or Bear It: The Breasts of Superheroines
I love the close-up-ness of your Gravatar, Courtney. Talk about that lens focusing down on the main character. It also shows a little of your, shall I say, mischievousness, while, at the same time, making me feel I can’t put anything over on you.
I know what you mean about the alien pic. I found it for just one credit on iStock and, frankly, I’ve seen avatars almost this scary online. The thing I was most fascinated with was his perfectly straight row of pearly teeth. Interesting and horrifying at the same time.
Judy Dunn recently posted..Social Media Fail: 5 Reasons I Will Unfollow You
Thank you, Judy! How you describe my Gravatar is exactly the message I hope viewers get when they looks at it! You’re the first to tell me in detail how the Gravatar comes across, so I appreciate your words very much.
I took note of those perfect teeth, too. They’re disturbingly hypnotic! ; )
Courtney Cantrell recently posted..#Amediting: 1st Drafts in Riding Gear, People
As always Judy, you’re great for a discussion. Great points.I prefer a Gravatar that gives me a little attitude about you and your personality. Something to connect with. Like Danny above, I’m attracted to people, not someone’s generic logo. I’ve been known to mess around with mine and ‘cartoon it’ just to see if anyone notices, but not for long.
René Fabre recently posted..First Moose Sighting of 2012
Yes, real faces over logos any day, I say. And the cartoon ones are fun to play around with, but there is just something about the real thing. Honored that you visited my blog, René. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Social Media Fail: 5 Reasons I Will Unfollow You
My avatar says I have great hair and I’m probably a really cool guy……
My first one was a studio shot we used in our bio’s at work; it was professional, but man was it stiff. It took me awhile to change it out, but glad I did.
Truthfully, it took me awhile to figure out how to change photos, add links, etc. I just jumped in responding to blog posts and had to pick everything else up on the fly.
It is important, because sometimes it is the only visual association we have with you.
BTW – I think @TheJackB is in the witness protection program, so don’t push him to hard for a photo; he will have to reincarnate himself again…….for like the 5th time……..:).
Bill Dorman recently posted..If this were my last blog post
Bill,
If you only knew….
Jack recently posted..How 3,000 Sycophants Made One Man A Better Blogger
It’s all starting to make sense now. No photo, and the Jack B. thing, like the people who only give their last initial in testimonials on those infomercials. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Write Better in 2012 by Reading More: What’s on Your Bookshelf?
Coolness and great hair? Can’t ask too much more of an avatar. I know what you mean about the professional head shots. I much prefer casual, unless the photographer knows how to draw out the poses that are the real you. But bland corporate shots? Not so much.
On things like switching out photos, I rely on my in-house tech guy, Me. WordPress. I’d be lost if he didn’t live here.
And TheJackB? I have a feeling there is still much to be learned about that guy. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..Social Media Fail: 5 Reasons I Will Unfollow You
This was very useful info. Thank you. I just created a gravatar, and here I am to join the smiling faces!
Very good! So nice to see your smiling face. And thanks for the mention on Twitter. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted.. Harry Potter Headlines: 10 Ways to Conjure Up a Viral Blog Post Title
I prefer it when a person uses an image of themselves (recent image, not a glamour shot from 5-10 years ago) as opposed to a company logo. And, I’d recommend keeping that image consistent across all of your networks.
Ricardo Bueno recently posted..Unsolicited Testimonials: Recommend Someone Today
Hey, Ricardo,
Yes, recent images are best. I’m working on my new avatar. A little more gray hair. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..How to Write an Irresistible Blog Bio
I prefer using my own photo as my avatar. I don’t like when I comment on some website I have to pick some emoticons as my avatar. Using my own photo means I can be also recognized by the blog owner.
chanikacha recently posted..Effective Ways on How to Learn French
Right you are on the photo. I think another good reason is that your comment will be less likely to be viewed a spam because you have taken the time to show us who you are.
Judy Dunn recently posted..Here She Comes to Save the Day!: ‘Wanton Exclamation Point’
I don’t include my face in my comment avatar because I don’t want my comment’s merit to be judged by my face, which looks unfriendly unless I am smiling. But then if I’m always smiling in my avatar it may not match the content of my comment, which might be trying to make a serious point.
On my blog I have part of my face with part of a smile. I think what I want it to say, now that you’ve made us think about it, is “Come here. Stop. Now come closer. Stop. I’ll only let you in part of the way. Stop. Right. There.”
Scrollwork recently posted..Andy Warhol had good advice. Take his, not mine.
What interesting thoughts. I stay with the same avatar for branding purposes and my pic shows what I think is the thing that defines me the most: thinker. It never occurred to me to connect any particular comment with the emotion my profile pic is showing (or not). I think one of the most important things with avatars is consistency—across forums, sites and platforms. So people begin to instantly recognize who you are when you leave a comment. Thanks for sharing here. : )
Judy Dunn recently posted..When Blogging Is Seriously Hard
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the internet. I will recommend this blog!
Christmas Sayings recently posted..Top Three Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes