One Quick Fix: Your Profile Picture/Headshot

I see it all the time. Bad head shots, logos in place of profile pictures. Worse than that, nothing. Just a blank space where a face should be. It isn't very welcoming. So I have decided to create this monthly column, each week I talk about design.

One Quick Fix.

This column is meant to be a helpful guide that will take you from humdrum to fab a piece at a time. And this week I am talking about head shots or profile pictures and how you can wow your crowd by just making a few changes!

Let's start with what you have:

What kind of photo is representing you on your blog? Is it a shot from someone's cell that you cropped out your significant other or BFF? ::shudder:: Or is it the logo you created a million years ago when you started your blog? How about your current logo? Is it an old selfie? Or have you been to a pro? Maybe you got a good friend to snap a few for you and they turned out amazing?

Whatever you currently have on your blog, here's what you should have:

A clear image that shows your face. Preferably where you are smiling like you love being a blogger. It's cool if you want to sit at your desk and snap a pic ot ten or even do something outside. Any place except around other people is a great background. Just be YOU. And smile like you like it!

Now let's talk about where it goes!

Aside from having something showing who you are in your 'about page' or your 'start here' page, you should have a prominent spot, 300 px minimum but not more than 500 px, right at the top of your sidebar. I have seen bloggers who add them in the footer somewhere and it doesn't work out. Remember - people want to see your pearly whites!

Why do you need it?

Because even big corporations have a page that shows off who their higher ups are. Because people connect with people. If you are a small business (and if you are reading this and have a blog that you want to be more than a place family sees what your kids are up to, you are a small business), people like to know that you are just like them. They want to see that you connect with them, get on their level.

Here's you homework!

Take a good look at that profile picture and evaluate what kind of message it is sending to your target audience. Make a list of who you connect with and why, then get that photo changed out for a shot the best represents YOU!