First impressions last. This is why we spend a great deal of time preparing for all our first encounters with people. Whether it’s a job interview, the first day of school, or even a first date, we want to make a statement about ourselves and paint a lasting positive image on people’s minds. Now that almost every aspect of our lives is digitalized, the impressions that we leave on people is not only limited to our physical behavior. Whether we like it or not, the way we present ourselves online also creates an image in the minds of our audiences.
Influencer marketing, being a growing form of marketing, also banks on this idea of impressions. As an influencer, you must first make your audience or followers trust you if you want the messages that you send to have an impact on them. One way to build this trust is through customizing your social media profile. This may seem like a trivial step, but is actually very important. When your influencer marketing campaign post captures the interest of your audience, the next thing they will do is to visit your profile. The impression that they will get from looking at your profile will dictate whether they would want to continue engaging with your content.
Here are some tips on customizing your social media profile for influencer marketing:
1. Upload a high-definition profile picture
No one would want to engage with an account with blank ovals for faces. If you don’t have a profile picture, people might think that you are a troll or a bot. Hence, picking and uploading a picture of yourself as your profile picture matters. Choose a high quality image where your face is recognizable. As a bonus, you may also want to pick a picture that highlights some of the features of the brand. For example, if you are an influencer for a travel company, you may use a profile picture with a tourist spot in the background. If the platform you are using has a provision for a cover photo, choose one that matches the aesthetics of your profile picture.
2. Select a good username and display name
If you are still using the username that you set when you were thirteen and thought it was cool to put a bunch of numbers or @<celebrity-lover> in your username, now is the right time to change your username. You would want a username that you can be identified by, so sticking with the simple @<nickname-last name> format should be good enough. Do the same thing with your display name and you’re all set!
3. Include a relevant bio
Aside from the impression that your profile pictures give, another way to express yourself is through the use of words in your bio. Take the time to give your followers a sneak peek into your life – people would want to know about your interests. You may also include how people can reach you on other social media platforms, to show that you are up for a conversation or engagement.
4. Explore site-specific features
Maximize the features of the social media platform that you are using. Instagram and Twitter have provisions for switching from a personal to a business or professional account. If you think the campaigns you will be participating in will work better if your account looks professional, you may switch to a professional or business account. Otherwise, opt for a more personal vibe on your profile.
Final PopStar Tip!
Setting up your social media profile for influencer marketing may be a small task, but it can greatly impact the way your audience thinks of you, and in turn, the brand you are representing. The tips above are just ways that you can get started in customizing your social media profile. Feel free to follow the tips, keeping in mind that you have to leave a little personal touch in the space that you take up online.