What is a Gravatar? It is simply a Globally Recognized Avatar. That definition doesn’t help? Don’t let the geek speak deter you…a simpler explanation is that a Gravatar is the little picture that represents you all over the world wide web. Like the picture that appears next to your profile when you are logged into certain websites (like this one) or the picture that is left next to a comment.
Why should you get one? Branding and recognition! You want people to know who you are and see your icon whenever you leave a comment or they check out your profile. If you are out there networking and leaving comments (and you should be!) other bloggers are more likely to notice and remember you if you have a picture that shows up next to your comment. It personalizes your comment, whether you use your logo or a picture of yourself.
It takes about 60 seconds (no lie) to get a Gravatar so click here and do it now. Don’t procrastinate. Your only 60 seconds away from bettering your blog!
When you sign up for a Gravatar, use your business e-mail address and choose a pic that will represent you in some way. For my Gift Detective account, I have a more personalized pic of me, dressed up in a sleuthing outfit, for this account, I have a variation of my logo. Look around at some of our members – what Gravatars are they using? How does it represent them or their blog? Take note of the ones you like and why and then choose one for yourself. Try to be consistent with your blog if you can – a photo that people will see on your blog or your profile, your logo, a pic (ideally flattering!) of yourself.
This is my Gravatar for, The Gift Detective
Happy blogging!
