Your Hub profile photo - How much difference does it make?

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   mega1posted 14 years ago

   Really, I have noticed a difference in readership and response in the forum depending on which profile photo I have up.  Do you?  And please tell us about your photo, your avatar

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      Himitsu Shugishaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, and I thought the content of my hubs would be the true measure of my success or failure on HP. Might be high time for me to find a better picture.

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         mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         there's nothing wrong with your picture!

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      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      There have been numerous threads discussing this topic. It's interesting how the same kind of people are interested in the same kind of things...

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         mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         oh well

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      Rangerwifeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure.  I've only used one photo.

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   prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

   I havent notice an increase, but i try to post my latest photo always..

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      mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      oh - well, you couldn't improve on that face!

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   BeccaHubbardWoodsposted 14 years ago

   I've only used the one photo since being on here. It's a good theory. I would like to change my pic sometime to see if that has anything to do with it.

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      mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      its fun to see what people come up with - my cheetah has had a great effect on people.  a cheetos eating cheetah - haha

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   ryankettposted 14 years ago

   An attractive picture of a female, perhaps with cleavage, is always going to win a little extra traffic. Unfortunately that means that many 'female' hubbers are in fact males masquerading as the opposite sex for traffic. I will never be a traffic whore, not that I need to be, in fact I have a new motto "Dont be a traffic whore, learn SEO and earn much more".

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      BeccaHubbardWoodsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      HA! You should make that a hub. I would read it!

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      Daniel Carterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      A poet, as well! Is there a song lyric in this, Ryan? Perhaps to the tune of "Err-lie in the Morning." (Pirates songs are appropriate for every occasion, says I.)
      
      Oh, and I agree with you...

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   Princessaposted 14 years ago

   I don't think it makes that much difference.  I always use a photo of myself and change it seasonally, but I have not notice any difference.

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   lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

   I think it makes a big difference, it's our first impression and that's how we view that hubber never knowing sometimes who they really are - it's the fun part that's important

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      mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree lyrics - and I wish I had the stats to prove it, looks are important to us!

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   bloodnlatexposted 14 years ago

   I want to get a picture of a hot chic wearing nothing but blood and latex just to see if there would be a change.  What do you think?

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      maudine_05posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Silly you!
      I agree with one of the comments thats its the fun part thats important and yes it is because the thrill of knowing having to see someone that you have not actually met in person is quite interesting.

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      lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      how tall would she be, just curious

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         bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         How tall are you?

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            Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            How tall are YOU?

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      Dao Hoaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That pic will be thought provoking!

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         bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         and if done properly, it will provoke a whole lotta things!

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            mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            now thats scarey!

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      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      i'ld pose for that   
      seriously, i had tons more fans when i had a different picture.

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         bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         You can pose for me anytime!

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   readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

   I use the logo from my entertainment business card.
   It's acutally a picture of me, fishing on the front of my bassboat in negative,
   
   It's photo-shopped a bit, the mic was actully a beer bottle and a fishing rod was removed from my left hand, but otherwise that's who I am.
   
   I hope it's the writing and the subjects that bring the traffic.
   
   Sometimes 200 lbs of screamin steel and sex appeal just aint enough.
   
   
   
   Okay you can laugh now.

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   mega1posted 14 years ago

         !

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    I think it's not really possible for someone to gauge what a person's profile picture is for real or fake. Especially, if it's a picture of a guy or girl.
    
    Exotic picture like mine, hide everything. However, many of my Hubs are labeled with my full name, so it is easy for people to figure out, whether or not, I am male or female.
    
    It could make a difference, but when you have others who a being deceitful about their profile pictures, purposely putting a female up as a picture, when in fact a man is using the account, is pathetic for those people.
    
    I think integrity is more important, but many others may not see things like I do and they are not required. I'm not willing to compromise my own conscience for the sake of money.

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    I'm using this photo of my Papa/grandpa because he has passed on and I want to show him respect because I loved him so much while he was alive and still love him now.
    
    And I haven't noticed any changes since I put this picture up.

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    tantrumposted 14 years ago

    I have changed 3 or 4 avatars. I don't find any difference before or after.
    I changed them because I get bored of seeing the dsame one all the time.

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       lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       

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       Dao Hoaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       It's a good reason. I like MM's avatar too.

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    beckykolackiposted 14 years ago

    I have just joined so I don't have any personal experience yet, but it's interesting to read your thoughts on this.  I'll keep these things in mind!

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    I would hope it doesn't make a difference, but Ryan is right.  Try the sexy girl stuff & you'll have numerous men from the forum falling all over you - but do they read your stuff?  Do they comments on your articles or do they just play with you in the forums?
    
    I'm content with my flowers.  I'm looking for organic traffic & if my article comes up in a google search, they won't see my picture first.  I want readership, I don't want want fans because of my looks - but if it works for you & all you are after are "fans" - then go for it!

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    h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

    I changed my pic 20 minutes ago and not even my forum buddies noticed

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       readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       maybe cause it blurry, try another

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          h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          ty for telling me I guess I should get my eyes checked soon! And it really explains my typos.

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    Ms Chievousposted 14 years ago

    I seem to get more page views with my real avatar opposed to my cheshire cat avatar..

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       Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I like this picture over a cheshire cat. So, I fanned you.

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          lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          me too - oops already had, sorry but nice pic

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    The only thing I personally find difficult is when hubbers who normally use an avatar suddenly switch to a real photo of themselves. It takes some getting used to -- but eventually I adjust!
    It's been awhile since I used real photos of me.
    Don't notice more or less traffic.
    Sourcing seasonal avatars is part of the fun for me!

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       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       i always love your avitars

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    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    see perfect point - I love MM's avatars

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    The Ropeposted 14 years ago

    I had noticed but wondered about the actual readership and you've confirmed my thoughts - THANKS.
    When joining, I opted for the 2nd defination from dictionary.com  "an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life."  and attempted to create an "embodiment". BUT...I definately see the validity and interest of having a changable avatar.  I've been considering branching into some other subjects and thought that creating a second yet changable avatar for that would be fun.

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    Bovine Currencyposted 14 years ago

    I am always changing my photo but my makeup department is a little weak right now

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21. 60

    Bovine Currencyposted 14 years ago

    Did anyone notice my new eye shadow?

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       mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I didn't want to say anything, thought you just looked kinda tired!

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          Bovine Currencyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I am a bit tired.  Maybe we should go to bed.   I mean I should go to bed... Freud? grrr like a tiger.

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22. 79

    mega1posted 14 years ago

    HA! bed? at this hour? well.  Ok

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       Bovine Currencyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       hot. its after 3am here...  actually it always seems to be after 3am when i say the time.  hmmm

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          mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          its a big world and its always 3 am somewhere, it's only after 11 am here

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    Dolores Monetposted 14 years ago

    I think that visual type people enjoy seeing a familiar avatar. Sometimes when you are looking for interesting hubs to read, or you've rad quite a lot, or you are new - a familiar avatar jumps out at you.

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       Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I think so too.

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    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    I get a different response every time I change it, and it's fun changing

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       mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       lyrics, my how you have changed this time!

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    mega1posted 14 years ago

    well, rangerwife, I'm pretty sure its making at least a little difference for U!

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    Frugal Fannyposted 14 years ago

    I haven't really noticed any difference here, but I have noticed that the type of pic I had up on other forums and sites changed things a bit.  Then again, that could largely be because I was younger, less experienced on the web, and the images were sorta racy :p

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    cosetteposted 14 years ago

    you can have a gorgeous avatar with a half-naked girl in it but if your hubs suck, you're not going to get any traffic. i have said this before, and i'll say it again, since this thread topic crops up over and overrrrr again - interesting, entertaining hubs generate traffic and revenue and fans, and what you say in forums also, regardless of what avatar you have.

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    Frugal Fannyposted 14 years ago

    These days, I just post a pic that I feel reflects my personality, whether it's a pic of me or my baby (as with the current one) or something else entirely.  It's whatever fits my personality.

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    cosetteposted 14 years ago

    i luv that little baby!!!! so cute

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       Frugal Fannyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Aww, ty   That's my favourite funny little pic of her.

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    cheaptrickposted 14 years ago

    Seems to me your Avatar should have meaning.I have been accused of using mine as an irreverent ploy to get attention.Here's the meaning.My Avatar is the photo of a prayer card that was given to the students of an Amazing man who had no formal education but was the greatest teacher in our lives.The card was passed out at his funeral.It serves as a reminder for those of us who could not afford higher education and were left to our own devices...

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31. 77

    frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

    I have no idea how much difference my avatar has made over time. I've only ever used this one, other than when I put a photo of me up which lasted maybe 12 hours at most.
    
    It's probably the stupidest looking avatar ever used but at the time I picked it, it seemed relevant.
    
    And (said again and again) that's why Vodka and sensible decisions don't mix

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    Dee Dee MonSherieposted 14 years ago

    I love your avatar froggy, I think we need to change our avatars or photos seasonally, it helps to bring attention to our presence, but why be on hubpages at all if one is not interested in marketing? No?

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    sunforgedposted 14 years ago

    Since we are only human and easily influenced the right Avatar choice will probably heavily influence your authority relating to your info.
    
    As ryan pointed out, pretty women and sexy shots are surefire ways to bring in some traffic, is it worthwhile traffic?...no, probably not...unless your hub info relates to the horny male demographic, for example the avatar between me and frogdropping..beautiful, yep...will I be quick to believe that is in fact teh author, will i take any finance, seo, parenting or just about any advice seriously? No..
    
    Selecting an icon or image that best supports your content is a great idea. you can probably do well just playing it safe with an impersonal icon but i would be careful with the sexy women, animated characters and comedy if your writing any topics you would like to be taken seriously for.
    
    People do see and notice the picture of the writer.
    
    Good thread...as i am now reminded that my recent Avatar that was placed up when i published an article on Pet Insurance should probably be changed out now.
    
    Than again, sometimes its just fun to have fun...but keep in mind almost all your choices have effects on your readers interactions whether your motivations are earnings are just being read.

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    selrachposted 14 years ago

    My picture is of a scottish comedy character who I can relate to.

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    mega1posted 14 years ago

    cheetah is fast, cheetah is pretty, cheetah is pink!

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    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    Good question ... One that I've been pondering myself. I've only used my clouds, but as of last night, with much encouragement from a few, I changed it to myself.  It hasn't had any impact so far....is that a good or bad thing???!!!?
    
    (sending you some pink cheetah cheetos and pink elephant popcorn)

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       mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       :

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    Chloe Comfortposted 14 years ago

    My picture pretty much represents me. My zodiac sign is Leo and it's a sun sign so I used a combo of both.

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    I thought this topic had already been covered? Oh well. Believe it or not, it doesn't appear to have any good or bad results.

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    Cleancloverposted 14 years ago

    i only post my photos and people trust me and my hubs

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    poetlorraineposted 14 years ago

    well i change my avatars at least once a day...... sometimes in mid sentence.  I think it is because i am not great at making the computer work for me ...... but i do know how to change my picture.  This one i found a couple of weeks ago.  The old folk have started coming into the nursing home with teddies, and one lady brought a teddy just like this one and she carries around with her, and cries if we leave it behind.... she talks to it all day.  She has set a trend, now all the old ladies have teddies, they are very calming.  i wanted one, so here is mine..... it is called well i don't know what shall we call it

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    Dr23posted 14 years ago

    If someone is looking for a product or something along those lines, I'm pretty sure they don't even notice the picture I have as my profile pic. They are too focused on the product at hand.

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    Poppa Bluesposted 14 years ago

    Since I've been using this photo I've seen a marked increase!

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    DogSiDaedposted 14 years ago

    I personally think a topless woman dishonest, but I don't mind others using it really, if it's for commercial purposes then that's just another clever plan. Mine is just an album cover of a favourite band, which is also a great work of art, I think. It makes no difference to my views as far as I'm aware XD

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