As I’m crusin’ the web and surfin’ the net, I read lots of blog posts. If I really like the post, I’ll also read the comments. The comments are often just as informative or entertaining or practical as the post itself is. It can also be a good way to find other people to follow, either through blogs or social media. So one thing I always look at is, first of all the name of the commenter, and secondarily, their thumbnail image. I’m always disappointed when there isn’t a real photo. I want to not only know what the person looks like in a general sense, but I want to see what the person who made the comment I really resonated with looks like.
It’s such an easy issue to solve. There’s a free program called Gravatar that hosts your image. Then when you log in to comment on a blog (most blogs require you to sign in to be able to leave a comment), it automatically puts in your photo. Easy to setup. Easy to edit. Invisible to use.
Something important to consider if you aren’t using a profile image or Gravatar when you comment on blogs: the whole reason you’re online is to get found. If you have a blog, you want to get found. If you’re on social media, you want to get found. If you have a website, you want to get found. So why then, when I find you, don’t you let me know what you look like? If you want to make connections with people or build a community or tribe, you have to show yourself. Being authentic, as they say, means showing yourself. I’ve connected with your words (from a comment), but if you want to connect further (and if you don’t, why are you online?), then show me who you really are.
Who would YOU rather be friends with?
Such a valuable tip Vickie. It is so easy to do and really helps get you noticed! After all, branding is about creating a consistent voice and message (and face:)
Thanks for sharing,
Cindy
Yes, there are so many elements to branding, besides “the logo”, that I believe most people don’t even think about. A proper Gravatar-type image is one of them. The quality of videos, i.e. audio and lighting, is another big one that can hurt a brand.
Thanks for commenting.
Vickie
Great post. I agree with you wholeheartedly. In the beginning I did not know how to get my photo out there. Then I discovered Gravatar. What a wonderful day that was. The next step is to improve my photo, which I will do this month.
Thanks for commenting, Retha. My photo is just a snapshot, basically. My husband, who’s an amateur-but-good photographer, and I just went to the park one day and took a bunch of pics. I’m hoping to do a reshoot this summer.
I agree Vickie. Being authentic helps build relationships, and photo helps you get connected on a “real” level. Social networking is about relationships, old and new Great post!
Uh oh, Linda!