YOU!

Hmmm… I could actually just end this post right there. 🙂

It really IS that simple. As a Thought Leader, your impact doesn’t end with the content. You also need to dominate your blog’s design. That means incorporating an image of YOU in your blog’s masthead, header or another prominent, site-wide area.

Feeling shy or humble? Get over it. Social networking now demands that we be transparent or lose our visitors’ trust.

Don’t Hide Behind a Logo

If you prefer to give your blog a big cold corporate feel… 1) Slap your logo on your header. 2) Add some “generic” images of your target market. 3) Don’t actually show your own personality. 4) Revert to safe, old-school marketing ways. 5) Congratulations. Your blog will join the thousands of corporate blogs that aren’t trusted.

Okay…you get my point.

In today’s online content universe, personality=believability. Assuming your blog has valuable content and a clear voice, visitors will want to see who’s talking to them. Plus, don’t forget that many new visitors first land on an individual blog post or article—not the Home or About page. Greet them immediately with the same image you’d project at a trade show, speaking event or personal meeting! Unless you’re an insanely well-known online celebrity (such as Chris Brogan or Seth Godin), you can’t afford not to do this.

Be Bigger Than a Postage Stamp

Plopping a small, square cutout of yourself in the corner doesn’t quite imply that you’re serious about being THE go-to expert in your field. Work with your designer to integrate your headshot into the overall design. A wimpy “crop and plop” job just won’t do and often looks unprofessional—especially if your header includes background art.

Show Your Authentic Self

Just as your content’s voice and tone should reflect your everyday self, so should your headshot. Think about how you dress for a business lunch or conference where you’ll see your “fans,” readers or clients. There you go! That’s what your header image should look like. If you typically dress in “business casual” clothes, don’t assume you have to get “suited up.” On the other hand, if you typically show up in a suit and tie, don’t go overly casual. Simply grab your favorite jacket, shirt, dress or blouse. You’ll feel like yourself. Your headshot will reflect that.

Stay Current

All too often, we let ourselves “go” in our headshots. Just as we gain wisdom over time, we also change our appearance, dress and style. If your headshot was taken back when you had feathered hair or wore that “once trendy” blouse, consider an update. Even a picture that’s 3 years old can look dated. An easy way to know when it’s time: When others begin commenting on how, “you look different in person than you do online.”

Learn From Examples

Certainly, design is only part what makes a Thought Leader’s blog successful. Content will always be King. But, do your content justice with a design that features you as hero! I hope these examples have inspired you.

Share your own ideas and examples in the comments area below!

Deana Goldasich

Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.

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