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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and nowhere is that truer than an Instagram profile picture!
Your profile picture is the first image that tells visitors who you are and what you do — so you'll want to make sure you're leaving a great first impression.
Ready to turn heads? Here are five tips for choosing the perfect Instagram profile picture.
Tip #1: Use a Headshot or Brand Logo
When it comes to social branding, your profile picture is what people recognize most.
If you're a brand or product-based business, you'll want to ensure that everyone who lands on your Instagram page is quickly introduced to who you are.
Think company logo, or a clear shot of a product you're best known for.
Credit: @starface
On the other hand, if you're an influencer, creator, or offer a personal service — such as a photographer, or life coach — you might want to use a headshot.
Why? Because "you" are the main part of your brand, and you should introduce yourself to visitors right off the bat.
Credit: @heymichellelee
It may sound simple, but using a headshot or logo helps followers instantly recognize your brand as they use Instagram.
NOTE: Much like a diamond, clarity is key. Be sure to choose a clear, high-resolution image for optimal recognition.
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Tip #2: Crop the Perfect Size
When it comes to your profile picture, there's not a ton of space to work with.
Instagram profile photos are circular, so it's best to use images with an aspect ratio of 1:1.
They're also relatively small, with a display of 110 x 110 pixels, so it's important to make use of every pixel you have.
A subject that's too far away, or awkwardly cropped, won't do much for instant brand recognition.
With that in mind — if you're a creator or the face of a business — crop from the shoulders up so you're at the forefront of the frame.
See how content creator Tia Taylor embodies an ideal profile stance:
Credit: @misstiataylor_
If you're using a company logo or product, the same rules apply. Keep to the center and be sure to use a clear, high-res image, just like Fish Wife:
Credit: @fishwife
NOTE: Be mindful that your profile picture shows up small in Instagram's Home feed. So unless text is bold and easy to read, stick to imagery.
Tip #3: Incorporate an Eye-catching Pop of Color
Color can be a powerful communication tool — used to convey a mood and even signal action!
So if you want to stand out from the crowd and drive clicks to your account, consider adding a vibrant pop of color to your profile icon.
This could be through clothing, a background, a product, or text.Not only does this grab a users' attention, but, with the right shade, your image will visually pop alongside other accounts.
See how ASL English interpreter and tarot card reader, Chris Corsini incorporates neon orange to his profile picture:
Credit: @chriscorsini
Experiment with different variations of color to see what works best — just remember to stick to your overall Instagram aesthetic.
NOTE: While eye-catching color is fun, avoid a cluttered background. Keep the focus where it matters!
Curating the perfect feed aesthetic alongside your profile picture is a great way to sell your value and entice followers right from the jump.
Later's Visual Planner makes it super easy to see how your feed will look in advance, so you can make sure upcoming content fits in seamlessly with your existing Instagram content.
Ready to nail your Instagram aesthetic ? Preview your feed before you post with Later's Visual Instagram Planner !
Tip #4: Favor Good Lighting
Lighting can make a subtle but big difference to the quality of your profile photo, making it more eye-catching and appealing.
*Blurry, grainy visuals need not apply*
When shooting a profile picture, opt for a location that's well lit with natural light (during the daytime, if possible) and avoid harsh shadows.
If natural light is hard to come by though, no sweat.
Artificial lighting, such as a ring light is the go-to for many content creators because they provide continuous and balanced lighting.
Tip #5: Use Contrast to Stand Out
While you can always play it safe with a neutral backdrop, juxtaposing color and creating contrast has the power to stop users' in their tracks.
Just take a look at contrast connoisseur, Samantha Duenas' profile image:
Credit: @sosupersam
Her matchup of color makes her headshot visually stand out.
Play around by mixing and matching colors and textures (that represent your brand) to create contrast in your headshot or company logo.
Keep in mind, you want to strike a balance between standing out — through bold color, or a feature wall — without detracting from the focus of the image.
Your profile picture should be selling you (or your logo), not the backdrop.
And that's it!
A perfect Instagram profile picture is the first step in getting your brand off the ground. The next step? Adding a customized landing page to your Instagram link in bio!
With Linkin.bio by Later, you can create a fully customizable mini-website for your link in bio — so you can continue your brand experience and drive traffic to your latest campaigns, blog posts, products, and beyond.
Credit: @josiedental, @playfitt_app, @cedarpsychiatry, @thegritgirlgroup, @gooverseas
Whether you're an influencer, creator, or business, pairing a strong profile picture with an on-brand link in bio landing page can elevate your brand identity, encourage new followers, and attract those all-important clicks.
Ready to drive more traffic from Instagram? Join Later today to create a customized link in bio landing page with your brand colors!
Source: https://later.com/blog/instagram-profile-picture/