Jenise Fryatt Bio

Because social media marketing is all about building relationships with individuals, choosing an avatar (a picture or graphic) to represent you in any online community is one of the most important aspects of creating your online profile.

Your avatar is the image people have in their minds as they communicate with you on social media. If you choose an image that's unfriendly, or provokes negative feelings, you're working against yourself. But even if your avatar is relatively attractive, is it representing you in the best light?

Here are a few things to think about as you choose that all-important image.

1. Think carefully before using a logo as your avatar

A picture of a person says you are interested in a human to human relationship. A logo is more difficult to relate to. That said, many companies use a logo as their avatar and because their online interactions are so personally engaging, it doesn't work against them.  One way to have the best of both worlds is to create a picture avatar that includes a logo at the bottom or in a corner.


2. A picture should look like you look now

A picture that does not reflect the real person can sabotage your efforts as authenticity is highly valued on social media. So don't use an old audition headshot from 1992. It's jarring when you meet people in person who look nothing like their avatar. It might make people wonder if you are trying to fabricate a persona that isn't real.

3. The tone should reflect your business

If you are a professional clown, that wacky expression might be just the thing.  But if you are an event industry professional, you want people to get the impression that you are capable. You don't have to be in a suit, just don't be in a costume and don't choose an expression or pose that makes people wonder if you can be taken seriously.

4. It should be friendly

People want to do business with people who are friendly and approachable; in other words, people they like.  A warm, relaxed smile does a lot to make you look friendly.

5. Choose a good, clear photo or graphic

If it's a picture, make sure it's well lit, focused and is a closeup of you from the shoulders up.  Full body images are too small for an avatar. If it's a graphic, make sure it's focused, readable and isn't cut off anywhere.

6. Make it G-rated for everyone

Skimpy outfits are a no-no if you want people to take you seriously.  Also, don't use hand signals. Your rapper pose, for instance, could be interpreted as something else by someone from another country.

7. Don't use the default avatar

Nothing says you aren't really serious about social media like a default avatar. When you sign up and set up your profile make sure to download an image.  If you don't have a great photo yet, use anything that is not offensive and replace it with a good picture or logo as soon as you can.

8. Use the same or similar image on all social media platforms

Once you've chosen your avatar, try to be as consistent as possible by using the same or very similar image on all social media platforms.  This will help people to recognize you wherever you might be.


9. Try not to make drastic changes

Be aware that drastic changes in your appearance can have strong consequences. If you dye your hair blond, for instance, you may find that your followers don't recognize you or they may start to have a different impression of you. If you have to make drastic changes in your avatar, you may want to do it gradually and/or try to notify your followers.