by Murray Lunn

Created on: August 09, 2010   Last Updated: August 10, 2010

The photograph displayed on your social networking profile has become one of the most important aspects of building and retaining a strong online presence and brand. Because of the millions of users on many social networking websites, such as Facebook, it can be difficult to stand out from the rest. The following are five tips to create a social networking profile picture which attracts attention, stands out and becomes part of your online brand.

Use Great Lighting 

One common mistake many make when taking photos for their social networking profiles are dimly light backgrounds which obscure the user. Pictures which are dark often come across as gloomy and may be seen negatively by those which are much more upbeat.

The best advice for taking a well lit picture is either to utilize outdoor photography or within a well lit room with the light source close to the user. A picture which can show the features of the individual will be much more distinguishable than those which are darkened out from an incorrectly lit room.

Smile, Smile, Smile 

It can't be said enough that a smile will instantly help connect others. A smile shows you're welcome to others, ready to talk and that you're actually interested toward another human being.

It's programmed within our mind to be attracted toward those which have charisma. A smile is the perfect extension of a happy individual and because most people on social networks want to interact with those which enjoy life, a smile can go a long way to make a social networking photo stand out.

Be With Friends

Much like smiling, humans are also attracted toward groups of individuals. When there are nothing but single pictures of an individual, it's hard to emphasis with one another because they often come across as loners and don't actually want to be social.

Next time you and your friends are hanging around one another, snap a candid photograph of the group. Make sure to smile and show just how much fun you're having. These photographs which include friends are quick to stand out in comparison to the "mug shots" often used on social profiles.

Add Some Design Flare

For those that want to show their artistic side, include designs within your photograph. Bright colors, textures, artwork and other design elements immediately help a photograph stand out online.

A photograph which displays additional designs shows that the person is actually taking the time to be unique and not just go with a traditional face shot. These small design changes can lead to a big impact on socializing with others on the various platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Incorporate Your Own Branding

The idea of online branding is such that each individual brings their own skills, flare and personality to the social web. As time goes on and these users interact with one another, the personal brand begins to stand out which can lead to many great networking opportunities, business and connections with others.

When you incorporate part of your branding within your photo such as a logo, color combination, quotes and style, your photos will quickly stand out and become instantly recognizable within the community.

It can't be said enough that a great photograph on social networking websites are vitally important to stand out and create a unique experience for you and others around you. Sure, you could go with a boring, uninspired photo but this will be instantly picked up by others within the community. Take the time to create a great photo and you'll become one of the members which people will recognize for years to come.

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