Revisiting the Importance
of Your Photograph

Volume VII, Issue 3
ISSN: 1547-7754
August 2009
printable version

Chris King, Editor
By subscription only, this monthly e-newsletter is loaded with short, "down and dirty" tips to help you with solving the everchanging and growing puzzle of the Internet. This e-zine serves as a place to ask your questions and find the answers. So, send me your burning questions.

Important Note! To access the books in the Right Hand margin along with the featured links, click on the printable version and they will all become live links.

With this issue of the Internet Tips E-zine, I will revisit the subject of using your photograph on the Internet. I will discuss how and how one doesn’t rate high with me on credibility in the use of photographs. I will warn you upfront that I have strong opinions in this area. There are many so-called marketing gurus who advise against adding your photograph to your blog and/or website, but in the area of Social Networking, I feel that it is imperative.

I feel strongly that a photograph of you adds a great deal to the impression you make in the many ways I mention in this issue's TIPS that follow:

TIP #1. With the Focus on Social Marketing Today Photographs Are More Important Than Ever Before.

When we get involved with the popular Social Networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg, we are asked to upload a photo. In my opinion, this is why these networks have become so popular. You begin to make deeper relationships with people whose e-mails you have received in the past. Maybe because I am a “people person,” I love knowing what the people in my communities look like. That’s why the next TIP is so important.

TIP #2. Pay Attention to the Image You Are Projecting.

Any information that you present on your website, in your newsletter, in articles, and, especially today, in photographs, portrays your image. You don’t have to possess Hollywood looks, but if you are going to add a photograph to your website, blog and/or Social Network, be sure to have a professional photographer take it. It doesn’t hurt either to dress with care for the shoot.

I have even read comments made about the clothing chosen by the presenter. You don’t have to wear expensive, designer outfits, but you do need to project a professional image – just like you would when attending a live networking event.

TIP #3. Dos and Don’ts of the Photographs You Choose to Share – I am drawing the information from real photos I have encountered.

• Do choose a photo that reflects a friendly look. An engaging smile helps with establishing rapport.
• Don’t use a photo that is so dark and shadowed, one can barely make out that you are a real person.
• Do use a photo that is a close-up with clear details and sharp features. I see many fuzzy photos, and others where the subject is far, far away.
• Don’t be cute and use a photo of you as a baby or young child. I want to know what you look like today. I have also seen several photos of dogs, and good looking dogs, too. If you must include your dog then appear in the photo with him or her.
• It is OK to use a photo that shows you pursuing a hobby, but make sure that you are evident enough that we know what you look like. Personally, I feel that it is a mistake to be holding your product in the photo, unless it is a book you have written. And, even that is questionable.
• Do avoid distracting objects and images that make you look insignificant.
• Also avoid using the default image. It indicates to me that you didn't care enough to add your personal photo. I can understand this when you first post on Twitter and Facebook, but not after you have been there for awhile.
• I know that Social Networking guru, Perry Belcher, suggests using the same engaging photo across all networks for branding purposes. I am not sure that I agree with this as long as you are recognizable.

TIP #4. Take Time to Surf through a Plethora of Websites with Photographs

Pick the photographs that make an impression – that jump out. Then list what it is about them that appeals to you and will also appeal to others. Determine what looks possess self-confidence, credibility and likability. What triggers rapport and introduces someone you feel you could trust? Is this a person you would like to meet and know?

I know that, as usual, I have only scratched the surface, but do hope that I started you considering your credibility. See you next month!

Do send your comments and questions to me at chris@creativekeys.biz. I love to receive feedback and will answer your questions in future e-zines.