If you are new to blogging you may wonder how those blog commenters and forum posters get their pictures next to their names. That’s called an avatar and it’s an important part of branding for bloggers.
Avatar sizes vary from site to site and many forums require you to provide your own on registration or allow you to use one of their graphics. Blogs can setup default images for those commenters that haven’t set one up. I recommend every blogger have their own avatar, preferably of their face, for branding purposes.
Creating your avatar is very simple. Create a free Avatar from your photo with Shrink Pictures (Thanks Sheryl). If you want to do it yourself and need a nice graphics program I recommend GIMP. GIMP is a fantastic image program and it’s free.
Setting up your avatar is simple matter too. I would start out with Gravatar. Gravatar is a very popular universal avatar hosting site that many blogs recognize including HotBlogTips.com. Do you have an Avatar?
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Twitter: SherylLoch
August 9, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Hey Brian,
Great that you are giving out this tip to help others know how to start getting remembered for what they contribute to blogs & forums!
The only thing I would add (because I am just that way) is that Gravatar uses your Email address to pull your picture. This means that when you set up your Gravatar account use the same email address that you use when you post on blog comments.
Extra hint – If you post comments on blogs for different identities (because you have different blogs associated with them)then you will need to make a Gravatar account for each ID with the email according to that picture. Just don’t forget which email goes with which ID you are posting under.
I do think a face goes along way to help others remember your name. The few minutes it takes to make a Gravatar could mean extra traffic because people start recognizing you as a regular person.
On forums I do notice that I give less credit to what people say if they use a default avatar. Maybe because I don’t remember the individual person & if they have posted other useful info.
Ok, go Now & make yourself a Gravatar if you don’t have one.
Sheryl Loch´s last blog ..Public or Private Group Pages Similar to Twitter
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
August 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Thanks Sheryl, all good points. I have several emails I use with a couple different avatars. I generally try to keep one main image for a long time. I’ve been using the one with me and my dog Sadie for a while now and that’s because changing your avatar too often can set you back a little. Good stuff and thanks for the Shrink Pictures tip.
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Twitter: webloggr
August 10, 2009 at 7:17 am
I remembered the time when gravatar wasn’t still around and geez, I hated that time. Thank god for gravatar, I get to use commenting more to gain exposure while build face branding. It’s a lifesaver for me
Liane YoungBlogger´s last blog ..Running Out of Ideas? 50 Ideas For Your Next 50 Posts
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Gravatar is a big help with our Branding, good point Liane.
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Right. In twitter for instance, I don’t follow back anyone who just use the default twitter image.
Noel Moralde´s last blog ..Long Overdue Blog Facelift
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I’ve noticed that too Noel, it’s a pretty good indication it’s a spam account or someone that’s not going to socialize.
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I actually find it interesting that so many people don’t have an avatar or Gravatar. It literally takes only a few minutes and can have a big impact on the personality of your posts and people connecting with you.
BigManta´s last blog ..The Top 3 Reasons Why People Fail at Making Money Online
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:48 am
It really is very easy BigManta, even for those new to the concept. I’m sure there are a ton of these sites but Quick Thumbnail.com make’s it easy to re-size images that could be used.
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