As I’ve mentioned before, branding is a combination of many different aspects of your business. While your brand is the total sum of your business, what it represents, how it makes people feel, and not simply about the colors, your logo and the fonts you use, those things DO have an impact on the big picture.

One thing I’ve tried to get into the habit of doing on a regular basis, is to go through my Twitter notifications at least once or twice every day so I can thank people for retweeting and sharing my content. It’s all about building relationships, so I also check out who has recently followed me to see if I want to follow them back. As time has passed, I’ve noticed an interesting trend regarding profile images. Technically, it’s a good idea to do these things on your other social media platforms as well.

The first thing two things I look at before following someone I am not familiar with are their profile image, and their bio.

It’s interesting to note that many on Twitter (and other social media platforms) are using their business logos, a “statement” logo, or a cartoon image in place of a real live, honest to God, photo of themselves. Personally, I’m not as apt to follow someone using a logo or cartoon image for their profile pic as I would someone with a photo of themselves. If I’m already familiar with their brand or know them, it’s not an issue. But if there isn’t already a connection of some sort, I’m not so sure.

Why you might ask?

For me it’s all about building familiarity and trust.  It’s about building relationships, so I want to see who I’m connecting with – I want to put a face with the name and the profile. The person behind the brand. Logos are great, but when everything is said and done, YOU are the best representation of your company’s brand, not your logo.

The same holds true for your website and all of your other social media platforms – not just Twitter.

Give your brand a face … make sure you include a friendly – yet professional looking photo of yourself on your website and all of your social media channels.

I don’t know if some people just don’t get it, but social media is and always has been, all about building relationships. And for me, I find it extremely difficult to build a relationship with a logo or a cartoon image. I want to see the “face” of the person with whom I’m connecting.

As awesome as your logo might be, or as catchy and cute as you think that little graphic image you’re using is, it’s not you and it’s not really your brand. Neither one of them gives your followers a look at the face behind the brand – you. The more people can get a glimpse of the real you, the person running the show, the easier it will be to develop the coveted know, like and trust factor that leads to great business relationships.

You build relationships with people, not businesses. Does your brand represent you or your biz?Click to Tweet

You build relationships with people, not businesses. Make it easy for your audience to build relationships with you! I strongly suggest you review your own social media profiles … your profile picture, your bio, things like that, and making sure they represent your business (and you) in the best way possible.

If you’re not sure how to do that, let me know … it’s what we do and we’re happy to help!