The Perfect Profile Picture

If a book is judged by its cover, a social media profile is judged by its display picture. A perfect profile picture does not just happen, it has specific guidelines

1. THE GENUINE SMILE
It’s about time that people realise that posting pouting smiles and clichéd poses makes as much sense as linking your Twitter and Facebook accounts do. Instead of those depressingly overused images, go for a genuinely happy picture. That smile, you’ll be happy to know, reflects on the user viewing it as well. A ‘winning smile’ as we would term it.

2. THE PERFECT POSE
What’s more interesting than looking at a picture of someone smiling? A picture of them doing something funny. Making your profile picture work to your sense of humour will instantly get people to like you. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be funny. Just strike a good pose and make sure your winning smile is visible and you have a profile picture which is nothing short of perfect.

3. THE PARTY LOOK
This is old hat but still an effective one. If you’re the party animal kind of person who is always visiting new hangout spots and meeting cool people, then let the world know about it. You can change your profile picture every week if you get out as much. Alternate this with point number 2 and you have an excellent combo.

4. THE OFF-BEAT LOCATIONS
If you really want to stand out in the overcrowded profile pictures feed, the background of your image needs to play its part too. The pre-requisite for this profile picture is to travel as much as you can and take good quality pictures at each of these locations. Make sure your face is clearly visible and there is ample view of a picturesque background in the photo.

5. THE RETURN TO INNOCENCE
Most of the time, using a current image of yourself is advised. The exception to this rule is when you put up a childhood picture of yourself. An image of you as a child is bound to bring out a few comments in the form of ‘aww’ and ‘so cute’.Quite a few ‘likes’ are also guaranteed, so pick your best childhood picture to upload.

JUST SAY ‘NO’ TO THESE PROFILE PICTURE

If you want to be popular on social media, stay away from these image styles

• Group photos. How the hell is one supposed to notice just you when you’re swarmed by so many others?
• Abstract. That’s euphemism for inconclusive and blank. Some images are way too deep and function as the virtual equivalent of the ‘Entry Restricted’ sign.
• Over-editing is a bad choice. Instagram your food photos as much as you want but five effects on a photo of your face is pointless use of technology.
• Any picture other than of yourself. Your picture is meant to be your identity and not the medium to some natural wildlife imagery.

Volume 2 Issue 12