Avatars, Pictures and Internet Marketing
Since very early on with the Alex Jeffreys Coaching Course I have had the “Eye” avatar that is no doubt very familiar to many of my regular readers, particularly those fellow Alex Jeffreys students with me from the start of this blog. My avatar is visible in many places: Wherever I comment on the many Internet Marketing blogs around the web, on my Twitter messages and on my YouTube channel to name a few.
Now the time has come to change it but I am in two minds the direction I want to go with a new avatar. Please stick with me and I will explain. Oh, and by the way, if you don’t know how to get an avatar then I was thinking of putting up a short tutorial video tomorrow on how to do it. Please drop me a comment if you would like to see a tutorial video and I will decide if there is enough interest to warrant it.
An Avatar is an essential part of your ‘brand’, your identity on the web so i think it is important that I get this change right as it will be visible in so many places. It would be easy for me to take just a picture of me and that becomes my avatar and that may in fact be what I decide. But it occurs to me that will be just one ‘face’ amongst the myriad of others on the net. Just take a look at a twitter feed and you will see dozens and dozens of small faces as the icons. Few particularly stand out as how could they when a face is a face amongst a crowd of many. I guess you could try and make it stand out by having a sharp contrasting background or a non-standard profile view but in the end there is only so much you can do with a small icon. So my point is this, when you initially glance at the page, few if any of the faces will jump out at you. However, compare that against someone who has a striking alternative image, something like this for example;
Now this is Harry Harris’ Twitter avatar and it really stands out. You instantly know when Harry’s about even with a cursory glance as it stands out from the majority of other ‘typical’ faces that are used. Now my question is, I want to come up with a new avatar and that avatar will be part of my branding going forward; Do you think I should go for a typical face image that the majority seem to do or is something that has a striking presence more preferable? Or don’t you think it matters one way of another?
I’d be interested to hear your views on the matter. The majority of people fail on the Internet when it comes to business and the majority I would say have no icon or have a face to represent them. Do I go with my own instinct that tells me that I should have something that stands out (not sure what yet though). Something striking that says - that’s Garry. I think the “Eye” achieves that but then I want to change it from that to something more cool and less intimidating 
So let me know what you think. Drop your comments here and vote in my poll.
Incidentally, on my ‘About Me’ profile page I intend to load a proper picture of myself. The avatar is for the reasons I state above.
Filed under: Garry Parkes
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How ya doing Gaz man.
I would go for a cool looking avatar, you are right that most people just stick there face on there,
so be different and stand our from the crowd and go the other direcation.
Dan
Garry
Excellent post (as always!)
For me I chose the branding approach and the image because I will be making videos and putting my real face on my blog for all to see anyway, and my avatar has been a topic of discussion on twitter so that is good as it gets me exposure, - I am also thinking of getting one of those animated drawings of this image with something that looks a bit more like me - just so people will know I am not hiding anything…but as you say if there is SOMETHING on your website that identifies you with the real world then that is definitely better.
Cheers!
Garry,
You already know what I think coz we have discussed this at some length. Personally, I would go for a head or head and torso shot. There is a lot you can do with lighting, angles etc.
Some that stand out for me are Mile Filsaime’s, Rich Schefren’s, Alex Jeffreys’ - they all have a similar imposing look. Then Stephen Bray has a nice angle thing happening as does Nikki Stephens (a rather be-witching pic - just to have yet another play on words - LOL!) and then we have that wonderful smile of Lesley Morgan’s.
All these gravatars stand out. I have only picked a few off the top of my head. But each is memorable in its own way. Oh and I think Thom Swartwood has a fairly “commanding” presence in his pic too.
I’d just flick through Twitter, see who stands out, figure out why, figure out what “presence” you want to project and then run with that.
I am intending to change mine at some stage in the future too, so it will be interesting to see what you come up with.
Gary Simpson
… in a pilgrimage down from the TEMPLE
Hi Garry,
Computer behaving momentarily so I thought I’d pop over to add my opinion (you know you want it).
I do agree that image is very important, as it was one of the topics I covered in my colossal comment over at the Temple (in that ‘what irritates you’ thread).
Funnily enough on this blog I’m still using my email address without my Gravatar, merely because of all the humour previously regarding them (and I like my Spindly Twin!). On everything else I have the black & white picture of me - my blog, my Twitter, my Facebook, my MSN - and I think I am reasonably identifiable!
I know none of this answers your question, and I think that comes down to personal preference. I like knowing who I am corresponding with, but then as you said, you’re now visible in your videos etc so that caters to that need anyway.
An interesting point to think about!
Nix
Hi Garry,
I like Harry’s one and as you say, it stands out and a quick look at twitter for example and you would know if Harry’s about!
Always up for watching one of your videos so hopefully you will make it.
All the best
Mark
Hi Garry,
Isn’t it good to know that you won’t have to go back to a regular job?
Anyway, back to the subject. I love seeing people’s faces, but do agree also with finding something that will stand out when viewed in a group setting.
I do like some of the animiated photos. Tiffany Dow has a 3 step guide to creating animated avatars on her site at http://www.tiffanydow.com/blog/twitter-traffic/how-to-make-an-animated-avatar-on-twitter/
Warmly,
Theresa
Hey Garry. I personally think a picture of you would be more appropriate in the beginning as most people don’t know who you are.
Look at Alex and all the other Gurus. How would you like to create some amazing products, then months later go to an internet marketing convention and people say, “who are you?”
Plaster your face all over the place, it is not in vain or pride but you definitely want people to “know” who you are when they see you.
Also the more photos of you there are on the internet, people will have a variety of photos to use on their websites or blogs when writing about the great Garry Parkes.
Just a point to ponder.
Michael J Ottman
Hi Garry
I think it depends on the type of branding you want.
In starting up our blogs, avatars etc we just got things going, but now we are more settled with the basics, several people are now rebranding their blogs etc.
This is great to see, but I think depends on what sort of business and therefore what type of image you wish to promote.
For example if you were setting up in business as a children’s entertainer, you will have a very different image to one providing support to large multinational companies.
I would just say, don’t rush into it. What you have at the moment is individual and we know who you are from it. It will be much better to rebrand as a whole than to have two or three changes whilst looking for the right picture. You can always try out any designs on us and ask us what we think - we’ll be honest with you.
Personally I think that a good quality picture of you is probably the best - it is timeless and will cover a much wider variety of situations.
My own gravatar is a picture of me standing against the kitchen door that I quickly asked my husband to take. I don’t especially like it, but at least it got me going and you have some idea what I look like.
When I do rebrand I shall make sure that I get a good picture done, when I’ve had my hair cut! I’m thinking of asking some students at college to do it for me.
I know that I work with these students, but have you thought about asking students at your local college to do something for you? Tutors are often glad of an individual project to give to their students. That way it benefits you and them! You never know, some of them might even join your list…
I do agree with Michael that in the future people will want to know who you are when you walk into a room. I think Alex said something about that in a previous session - I’ll have to have a look back through my notes.
Anyway I hope the changes go well - it’s great to start seeing the caterpillars metamorphosing into butterflies!
Hilary
Hey Garry,
Personally I go with having a picture of yourself, work with that. Perhaps you can use contrasting colours, strike a pose, have an incredibly stark background. I think if you can find a way to make your avatar stand out from the crowd, and get your face out there, you’ll have the best of both worlds. I’m all for attention grabbing avatars, I also find that seeing someones face helps build more of a connection with the person, even if they are on the other side of the world
Cheerio for now,
Annie
Hi Garry, I’m eager to know how to put an avatar up. I haven’t looked into it yet, but do want to have a brand. You could still have a photo of yourself on your site but it’s great to use
a stand-out avatar. (The eye you use symbolises the dreaded Illuminati and it can appear to some as a bit intimidating. See this video to understand the connotations of the all-seeing eye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKI6vrJG8yM )
I look forward to the avatar instructions. Gaielle
Hey Garry,
I think the eye is a bit intimadating so definitely would recommend changing it. I think the choice of something different - like Harry’s or a standard headshot but done well, is really dependent on how you want to brand yourself.
I think ultimately a professional photo of you is the best as it helps others connect with you, (I had no idea what you looked like till I saw your video) however getting something different like an animation or cartoon like Harrys’ is probably a good way to get noticed initially before going for a more standard look. . Just my 2cents for now
With regards to setting up a Gravatar tutorial - I actually made one a few weeks ago, you can check that out here:
http://thenetexperiment.com/2009/01/02/get-recognised-build-your-identity-get-a-gravatar/
Cheers!
Derrick
Garry,
You should almost certainly have a picture of your face, because you’re branding yourself through your website as GarryParkes.com.
If you’re a specialized site, such as http://enduringamerica.com/ then a logo will work better.
I thought your eye, however, did work for you. I had you pegged as a latter day George O’Dowd
As for ‘arry ‘arris’s latex rubber zoot it is eye catching, but what image does it project? If you go to Harry’s blog it’s full of useful stuff, but ‘the Durex man’ doesn’t hint at this?
Having written all this my stance is that of a ‘reasonable man’ following ‘established principles’.
But George Bernard Shaw oft remarked that ‘progress depends on unreasonable people’
Stephen
*** UPDATE ****
Interestingly, the poll is running about 2 to 1 in favour of using an icon over using a picture.
But even though my initial instinct was to use an icon I’m now swaying towards using a picture after reading some of the comments !!
I’ll reply to all the comments a bit later as very busy at the moment but there have been some great points made that have got me thinking a bit. Keep ‘em coming, and I’ll be back later.
Hey Garry
Thanks for recently dropping by. I personally think it doesn’t really matter whether you have your face, branded image logo or icon. The most important thing like you highlighted is that it must be easily recognizable- just like the example you discussed about Harry’s Twitter Avatar.
Another thing I will say is that, like others have mention, is that the image/icon selected must have some relation to your blog/website. Afterall, you don’t want to project the wrong image or fascade. For some first impression do really count, get it wrong and it’s totally screwed.
So yeah, stick with a icon/image that is related to your business, maybe a business logo or motto/slogan or alternatively - just use your own face - it will certainly help people feel more comfortable with yourself.
All the best
Nigel
Hey Garry,
Thought I’d throw in my 2 cents.
(probably worth a cent with the exchange)
I’d agree with Nigel’s first paragraph. Doesn’t really matter if you use an icon or photo as long as it’s easily recognizable - and stands out in a sea of gravatars in people’s sidebars.
Faces are recognizable, sure, but is there anyone that doesn’t recognize the squidoo, digg or technorati icons?
The one way photos have an edge over icons is that no one else can use your face. When people use royalty free icons, someone else can always use the same one, or one that’s similar.
Not much help, am I. lol. ; )
Everyone,
Thanks for the great feedback and suggestions and feedback here. I’ve picked a few that need a direct response:-
@Gaielle,
I didn’t realise the ‘eye’ I use symbolises the illuminate. All interesting that conspiracy stuff
@Stephen,
Sorry, but who is George O’Dowd? Looked it up on Google and it comes back as ‘Boy George’ so not sure what to think !!!
@Nigel,
Thanks for your comments. You broadly agree with my initial thinkings on the matter. Thanks for your contribution.
I wish you the best of luck with whatever direction you choose to take after the announcement you made on your blog. I’ll certainly keep an eye on what you are up to.
@Linda,
Your comment is of great help.
It certainly adds more weight to my own initial gut-feeling over the matter as someone of your experience basically says that Icons are ok, as are faces. In the end I am coming to the conclusion either are acceptable if used in the right way. It gives me more food for thought over what direction I need to go in.
Thanks everyone for adding your views to the thread. In the end there is no right or wrong way but some of you have thrown some really good thoughts into the mix that hadn’t even occurred to me.
I am using Gravtars and it seems to be a great avatar which is visible no matter where you post.