Your avatar.

It’s the little square that appears next to your tweets, FaceBook posts, etc.  It’s your identification for social media online.

Someone recently asked me why I never change mine.

I simply replied…

It’s part of my brand.

For the most part, I use the same icon for 2 Create a Website everywhere.  (There are a few exceptions.)

It’s recognizable and my followers have become familiar with it.  I also prefer to use a photo because I believe it is more personal.  But I certainly understand why you may choose a logo instead (brand awareness).

Changing Faces

I follow people on Twitter who change their avatars multiple times per month, and there have been many times I didn’t realize who they were until many tweets later.

This happened with someone I follow very closely.  I unintentionally bypassed their tweets because I didn’t recognize the avatar.

I know what you’re thinking…  Content sells, not avatars.  So why does it matter what picture is displayed?

Here’s the deal.  Most people follow hundreds (or even thousands) of people these days, and can’t effectively read every update.  But many have their favorites.

No matter how many people they follow, they will always take time to read the updates from their favorite people.  So as they are scanning, they tend to zero in on these people, and a recognizable avatar assists with that process.

Of course, content is the most important thing, but don’t underestimate the importance of that little square.

A familiar picture helps people quickly recognize you as they scan through the numerous updates of people they subscribe to/follow.  You don’t want to get skipped by your loyal followers because you change your picture every other day.

If you’re using social media for personal reasons, then these rules don’t necessarily apply.  In fact, switching up your photo is often a means of self expression.  But for business, I think it’s important to consider familiarity, brand awareness and consistency.

I’m not saying never switch your avatar.  A change in scenery is nice every now and then — especially if you’re just changing to another photo where people can still recognize you.

However, random avatar changes (from cars to dogs to sunglasses, etc.) every week might be a bit much.  Just remember the role that small icon plays when it comes to recognition and branding.

What do you think?  Do you change your avatars often?  Why or why not?  Let’s talk!

The Self Promoter

Some people join Twitter and have absolutely no intention of providing value or developing meaningful relationships.

They look for popular users and blast them with @replies about their own products and services.

I checked out one guy’s profile and he was doing nothing but sending self promotional @replies to me, Oprah and Barbara Walters.  (Well, at least I was in good company.) 

This is NOT the way to use Twitter. To me, it’s even worse than e-mail spam. If you want people to notice you, create value and people will come to YOU.

It’s bad enough when people promote their site/service in every tweet, but to @reply someone with an unsolicited offer is taking it to a whole other level.

Not cool.

The Obsessive Compulsive Return Tweeter (O.C.R.T.)

This is the person who rarely (if ever) comes up with content of their own and spends most of their time on Twitter RT-ing what other people tweet.

Certainly nothing wrong with an RT every now and then, but if you really want to gain a loyal following, you should also work on generating your own content.

The Stalker

This person will do anything to make contact with you, even if that means @replying to you multiple times per day about absolutely nothing.

Occasional small talk on Twitter is fine.  I’d like to think I’m a pretty friendly gal.   However, 8 tweets in a row from the same individual asking personal, irrelevant questions is not.  So stop.

(I’m not speaking from personal experience or anything.) 

Random Roger

Every now and then I get @replies from people I don’t know, about very random topics and articles. I’m not sure what the strategy is behind this, but it’s very odd.

Anonymous Andy

It’s 2009.  So the I-don’t-have-a-digital-photo excuse doesn’t fly anymore. Unless you resemble the default icon Twitter provides (which is a whole other problem) , you really should take the time to add a picture or logo.

If you’re using Twitter for fun or personal reasons, that’s one thing, but if you are promoting a business you must pay attention to the smallest of details.  Yes, even your Twitter icon (or lack of one) makes a huge difference.

The RT Begger

I don’t have a problem with people asking for a RT every now and then. If your tweet is useful, exceptional, or compelling, then it’s good to encourage people to spread your message once in a while.

However, adding “Please RT” to the end of every tweet looks a little desperate if you ask me.

Here’s the deal.   If you tweet good stuff, many people will RT without you even asking.  If your tweets are useless/boring, adding “Please RT” to the end won’t do you much good.

By the way, don’t forget to RT this post.

Just kidding.

JohnnyInArizona is having dinner

Helen12345 just got a traffic ticket

KristenWilliams is late for work

If you’re a Twitter member, these are the kinds of updates you might see when you login to your account.

Ahhh yes, good ole’ Twitter — the official place to spy on people you know (or don’t know) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

So what’s all the hype surrounding this free application and what does it have to do with promoting your Internet business online?

What The… ???

I’ll be honest.  When I first heard about Twitter I thought it was the dumbest thing ever.

However, I became more intrigued a little later when I saw other Webmasters and Bloggers talking about how they use it to promote their sites and blogs.

So if you are wondering about Twitter and how it can benefit your business, here’s a video demonstrating how it works and how you can use it.

By the way, you can follow me on Twitter here.