Do You Have a Face That Stops Traffic?

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When you see a picture of this structure, most will know exactly where it is.

Sydney's Opera House

Sydney’s Opera House is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Whether you like opera or not, when you see the building, you stop and marvel at the design and beauty. You wouldn’t click on this picture if you wanted information on Chinese cooking or if you were interested in connecting with train collectors. The photo gives you enough information to draw you in or cause you to move on. In the world of social media and social networking, your online persona is made up of your name (or nickname), your avatar (or picture) and then the content that you provide. You may not be recognizable to many in the beginning, but it doesn’t take long to create that online persona.

When I see certain pictures on Facebook or Twitter, I pay more attention to the information than when I see others. There are some that I see and skip right over knowing it is not information that I want or need. (I know, I should just disconnect or “unfriend” them, but that is for another post)

When developing your online persona, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, is the photo that you choose to use. Selecting a great headshot or photo that really represents YOU is important. In my latest book, Gettin’ Geeky with Twitter, I spend an entire chapter talking about using a great headshot and standing out. I have some below that I feature in the book and I will explain why they stand out in my opinion. But do this simple test. Scan your list of friends on Facebook or look down the stream of Twitter followers, which pictures jump out and capture your attention? Which one’s get lost in the stream? Are there some that stop traffic and cause you to dive into the information?

A great headshot is close up, it shows personality and it becomes YOU to all of US. I used to think that everyone should use a REAL photo of themselves and not their dog or a picture of their book cover, but I have found enough exceptions to this rule to now say, “it depends.” Who are you online? Do you provide information from a dog’s point of view? Then a dog-face works for you. Do you use an animated character because this is how you see yourself? Cool. As long as it is not a picture of someone else–like those who post a photo of a celebrity as if that were them, or there have been cases where someone posts a picture of someone more attractive because they don’t want the world to see who they really are. This is different than posting a cartoon image or caricature.

I feel that this becomes a form of deception. Too many people create fake accounts with someone else’s face, name or both so they can write nasty comments or lead people into false relationships. I guess this is done in face-to-face relationships as well, but it is wrong in either case (in my humble opinion!) I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this. Depending on why you are online and engaging in social networking, it is usually important to build authentic relationships even when they are shot-term acquaintances. A friendly or engaging avatar/photo is very helpful.

Here are some of my favorite Twitter profile pics–and the reasons I think they stop traffic:

Chris Voss or @ChrisVoss

Viveka von Rosen or @LinkedInExpert

Both Chris and Viveka have great close up shots of their smiling faces. I get the feeling that they are friendly and helpful. After reading the content they provide on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, I know that when I see their face pop up it is worth stopping to read their post. Chris is a social media guru and has a great podcast on iTunes “The Chris Voss Show” (go figure) and Viveka is the Queen of LinkedIn. If I have a question about LinkedIn, I would think of her immediately.

Melissa Taylor or @MelissaWrites

Clark Quinn or @Quinnovator

Melissa is a great freelance education writer and I know she provides helpful articles and information for other writers. When I see her face, I stop to read her posts.

Clark is known as @Quinnovator in Twitter Town and he is an e-learning genius. His picture shows his quiet and friendly demure (or so we think) and his content is always great.

Poinky (few people know him as Jonas) @Poinky

Here is a great example of someone who has created a persona that has taken on a life of its own. (PLUS as a SHREK I just love green people!) This picture certainly stands out and everywhere you see Poinky, he is green with spiky hair. Even in virtual worlds like Second Life or Reaction Grid, his avatar is as recognizable as his Twitter pic. Is he hiding behind this caricature? We may never know, but “Poinky” is a virtual worlds guru and when you see his cute green face, you know to pay attention!

Lil Pecan or @LilPecan

Lil Pecan is one of my favorite Twitter Critters. First she is hilarious, she makes delicious chocolates (they sound delicious by her descriptions), she has a great blog and she is always in character. The only irreverent social media guinea pig that sings scat that I know of. Lil Pecan is a great example of someone who connects with people through her character and it just works!

You be your own judge. What calls to you? In our overly crowded information highway, you need to be sure you have a face that stops traffic and then you’d better have some good content for them to read while they’re there! Let us know who stops traffic for you.

Shameless plug: If you’d like more help on building a successful Twitter nest and managing your relationships get your copy of GETTIN’ GEEKY with TWITTER: Build Your Business and Manage Your Brand with Today’s Hottest Social Media Tool or give me a holler…let’s chat! Gina (at) Synapse3Di.com

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February 10, 2010 | Filed Under Facebook, LinkedIn, Social Media, Technology, Twitter

Comments

3 Responses to “Do You Have a Face That Stops Traffic?”

Mark Burhop on February 10th, 2010 11:09 am

Great post.

I use a Second Life avatar for my pic. I know this is common is certain immersive environment circles but in my main domain of engineering software, it is not.

I use it consistently on my company blog, Facebook page, even linkedin. It has even become kind of a friendly joke – “who is the real person behind the avatar?”

http://twitter.com/matthewwest/status/8812742238

Not having excellent golden hair, this is the next best way for me to get noticed

Mark
Bob on February 14th, 2010 5:23 pm

I agree with you for the most part, and can’t really disagree with any part. Yes, photos do make a difference and I must say do influence me to follow/make a friend or not. When I look at content I try to gauge if it is genuine and creditable, and if it interest me—if all apply then I will usually click to be a friend/fan/follower. Popularity matters to an extent because I think it shows creditability unless it seems like they just want anyone they can get. Other questions that flow through my thought process, on whether or not to follow or make friend, are: “Do I think this person and I would or could respect & like each other if we met?” “or do I feel I could benifit knowing something this person seems to share?” If they seem pretty popular then I tend to get skeptical on whether or not they may ever personally acknowledge me, however, if they do—that can be a big score to gaining loyalty. We all know the very popular must have more people knocking at them than they can handle, so it is good to keep social expectations in perspective. Back to the photo thing—I tend to give less credit to those photos at a distance with sunglasses on.
GinaSchreck on February 21st, 2010 8:09 pm

Mark that is too funny! I have several friends and contacts who use their SecondLife avatar pic and I know exactly who it is when I see them…it has become their brand. I always say we create those avatars to look kind of like us and then we spend the rest of our lives trying to look more like those avatars

~G