Social media is a great tool. It gives us access to instant communication and is an easy and cheap way to brand ourselves and our businesses. Often we are all too happy to put images of ourselves on Facebook, Twitter and websites but have you stopped to think what your online, social media image is saying about you? Your image is no longer just what people see when they meet you. With the introduction of all the different social media forms, your image is now on view 24 hours a day by people you have never met and may never meet. These people don't get a chance to meet you in person so they are basing all their judgments on you as a person by the way you look like in your photos. As you may not get to meet these people, you don't have the opportunity to show them your personality or change any negative first impressions they may have formed of you. Your online photos and images must do this for you. If your social media image is not portraying the message you want to send to people then it may be time to think about the image you want people to see. Once something is online, it is usually there forever. Your visual image can be a very powerful communication tool when used to your advantage and the way you look says a lot about who you are as a person. Don't forget about the photos that other people take of you and put on their social media sites. If you are going to a function where it is likely your photo will be taken, put a little thought into what you wear. Wear appropriate styles and colours, wear some makeup, especially some lipstick and make sure your hair is tidy.
By doing this you can relax knowing that you are ready for any photos.
When it comes to the social media image and the photos you want to represent your online image, I recommend the following:
• Think about your audience and the kind of image you want to project to them. If people feel they can associate with you, they are much more likely to pay attention • Choose your profile photos carefully. This is your brand. • Likewise, choose your clothes wisely. Make your outfit appropriate to the occasion • Wear your best colours close to your face. You automatically look younger and more refreshed • If you want your photo to stand out and create the wow factor, wear a great coloured lipstick • Keep your image up to date. As your audience or needs change, make sure your profile photos change too
Your online reputation is important. It is about building your image and your brand which in turn helps to attract customers, gain extra media coverage and increase sales.
Anna Martin is the co-founder of Izziana Image Consultants and is a great believer that personal image is an important part of increasing people's confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.
