What Does Your Twitter Avatar Say About You?
Twitter avatars are more critical than some may think.
In a terrific post on ThoughtPick, the author lists 5 reasons your avatar matters in your Twitter presence:
- Recognition
- Expression
- Intrusion
- Uniqueness
- Meaning & Relevancy
We’d like to add a few more to this list.
Most clients are a tad surprised when we spend a good chunk of our Twitter discussions talking about a graphic that’s so tiny. Yup — it’s that important, people!
- Own-ability – Doubletree’s (@doubletree) Twitter Avatar inspired this one. Assuming part of Doubletree’s strategy is to build relationships with existing customers or past customers, the cookie is superb. If you’ve ever stayed at Doubletree, you know how they grace their lobby, front desk and common areas with freshly baked cookies every afternoon. Not only are they yummy, they just instantly make you feel good about your stay, the people and…well…the Doubletree brand. No other hotel chain owns this.
Double Tree Hotels' Avatar is Smart!
- Simplicity – Can you get simpler than a chocolate chip cookie? Hardly. It’s easy to over-think avatars. This one couldn’t be simpler. This is one of those rare cases where a face (versus an object) just wouldn’t have the same effect.
- Branding – Although we LOVE Doubletree’s simplicity the only thing that may strengthen the ownership of that cookie is branding with a tiny, unobtrusive logo. Twitter avatars can have personality and simplicity and still carry branding. See some great examples in the graphic to the right.
- Consistency – On Facebook, changing your avatar and image regularly can actually gain you attention. However,
Effective mix of branding and personality
on Twitter, your avatar is the one way people “spot you” in a crowd. Avid Twitter users scan avatars in their feed quickly and pause to see what their favorite, most recognized Tweeps are up to. Every time you give your Avatar a complete makeover, you run the risk of being overlooked by your loyalists. So feel free to freshen your avatar every now and then. But don’t make it a monthly routine!
Chime In!
Are you on Twitter? If so, what avatars see to catch your attention every time?
Deana Goldasich
Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.
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[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Deana Goldasich, NSA Central Florida and Paul Sutton, Amir Ammar. Amir Ammar said: Twitter Avatar Best Practices: What Does Yours Say About Your Brand? http://bit.ly/hzIvFn […]
Thinking about good avatars. I thought you might be interested in creating your own Lloyds TSB Me cartoon character avatar like the ones in their TV adverts. The best character will appear in a future TV ad. Just Google “Lloyds TSB Me” to have a go! (I work on behalf of Lloyds TSB)
Well, now THAT looks like fun, Richard! A link for anyone interested: http://bit.ly/f8r6Yb
Terrific post. I have branded my avatar on Twitter and on my Facebook page since the day it was designed. It represents my brand of of Cyber-Dating Expert and is on the cover of my first published book. When I go to Tweet ups, people often recognize the logo. I simply love having it on Twitter. It only changes with the holidays, where I’ll wear a Santa hat, Uncle Sam hat, Leprechaun hat, etc.
Hi Julie! Yup… I’m with ya on the Santa Hat thing. I absolutely love your illustrated avatar — so different and fun. As with Hungry Girl, it gives your brand a whimsical side, too! Thanks for stopping by!
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[…] of you. Many pundits say to have a face picture so others can connect with you more easily. Here are some thoughts on avatars. They are at least good to know even if you choose to ignore them, […]