I’ve spent my share of time chatting on social media and so have other Interactive Project Managers at Hacker Group. There are lots of ways to win with social media. You can get liked, re-tweeted, a trackback or a comment, influence trending topics, or just surprise people. One place where it’s harder to win is the profile photo. Here are 10 types of social media profile pictures. Which one is yours?
1. The statement.
A yellow or pink ribbon, or a green background, shows people not just that you’re socially aware but also that you know your way around MS Paint.
2. I’m TAKEN!
This is where you scare away potential suitors via social media (yeah right) by putting your “Hey I’m standing on a cake with somebody!” wedding photo as your profile picture.
We get it.
3. Proof of concept.
Did you know many profile pictures can accept animated gif format? Apparently the only people who know that got an A in Math and a D- in Art.
4. The Investment.
You know those pictures that just seem . . . too good? Too professional? Like, you’re an ordinary person by day, but by night you’re a bestselling author and newscaster
5. Retro.
This is a large category encompassing pictures of you in high school (remember those ads?) and also pictures of you as a kid. This can get confusing because . . .
6. Your kid.
In this category, people post pictures of their kids as themselves. This is cute because it reminds us of how genetics works. But it also can be creepy because not all conversations on the Internet are child-friendly. (Shocker, I know!) Either way, it’s like a grown-up in a kid suit.
7. The Fetish.
Whether it’s your car, or a cartoon character, or an inside joke, some people decline to put up pictures of themselves at all and instead post a photo of an inanimate object. This hurts our brains. Are you saying you *are* a kewipe doll or just making a potentially ironic cultural reference?
8. The Dot.
This is when you post your most favorite picture in the world, such as when you’re standing underneath the leaning tower of Pisa in that clever way that nobody has ever done. In case you were wondering, yes you’re too small in the picture.
9. The Brag.
Rarely seen in polite circles, this is when people post their car, house, engagement ring, or occasional infant up there instead of your own picture. Don’t use your profile photo to brag!
10. MY FAVORITE The gigantic forehead.
At the moment my own profile photo on various social media services is a real photo. I like that it does not fall into any of the other categories. The only drawback is I look like a cartoon character, the one with the big brain. But this is what they like at Hacker Group. I think it’s why they hired me.
So come one, come all, if you have something inside your head and a passion for directly targeted marketing campaigns, see if the Hacker Group has a position open for you!
(See how I made it all about Hacker Group at the end there?)