As I’ve delved further into Social Media I’ve made an effort to find out more about the people I’m connecting with by way of their online profiles.

It’s been an interesting journey that’s connected me with people from all over the world, doing all sorts of things – from running businesses, to operating non-profit organizations and spearheading fundraising campaigns, to people that just use Social Media for fun or personal use, but one thing everyone has in common is they all have Social Media profiles.

After looking at perhaps thousands of online profiles, here are some things that I deemed important for constructing a strong online profile.

Keep Consistent Profile Pictures

One of the greatest benefits of building your online presence is awareness of you! Since there are so many different Social Networking websites – Twitter, About.me, Facebook, LinkedIn and Foursquare – just to name a few, I’ve found that using the same photo across these numerous networks helps provide continuity and facial recognition. Avatars like eggs, gray shadowed torsos, group photos and even your website logo should be updated with a complimentary photo of yourself so people will recognize you the next time they run across you at another social networking website. If you update your picture at one social network, take the extra time to update it at the other Social networks that you’re active at.

Keep Pictures Professional

If you’re a representing a business or an oganization, it’s imperative to keep photos that you post to your profile as professional and tactful as possible. Your image reflects on the company that you keep. Most companies won’t be happy to find out one of their associates is posting photos of themselves blottoed doing beer bongs at their friend’s wedding reception. These types of pictures could even lead to trouble with management at your workplace. If however, you’re an underwear model you might have room for a little leeway. Either way, remember that all pictures aren’t appropriate for all audiences and share your pictures accordingly.

Choose Your Colors Carefully

To me, background colors are important because they set the tone for the rest of a visit. Light text on dark backgrounds is harder to read than dark text on a light background. According to Precision Intermedia the color black “is a serious color that evokes strong emotions; it is easy to overwhelm people with too much black” whereas the color white is “associated with creativity (white boards, blank slates). It is a compression of all the colors in the color spectrum.” Although black might be the preferred background for a rock band or a fan site, it might not be the best choice for your professional image. Keep it simple, keep it light!

Remember That Your Profile Is A Representation Of You

Make sure that your online profile is as unique as you are, keeping professionalism in mind and you’ll go far. Since you never know who might find you online, you only have one chance to make a good impression. Make it count!

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