Image from Shutterstock 

Your Instagram profile picture is to the online world what your business card is in the offline world. It’s the first visual introduction that new visitors to your page will see, and it’s the image people will use to identify you on their Instagram Stories feed.

As with any other element of your Instagram content, we strongly advise you to put some thought into the particular photo you pick as your profile picture. The smallest detail can make a big difference. 

This guide will give you all the tea you need to choose the perfect image for that business-quality profile pic. We’ll also teach you how to shoot and then select an image that could impress the masses even without being filtered or edited!

 

Why Is It Important to Have Great Profile Pictures?

First impressions are difficult to forget, so having a bland profile picture will simply give visitors the impression that you’re a mediocre brand.

Here’s a helpful scenario: You go into a mall and see different clothes on hangers or behind a glass display. Naturally, you’ll pick the one that looks most appealing to you before feeling for a price tag. The clothes that don’t catch your eye that much don’t get a look, even if they may cost less. 

The result is nearly the same when it comes to profile photos. It often doesn’t matter how superb your bio is or how great your services are. When a new user has no external information, your profile picture sets the tone for an impression. If, for some reason, the photo appears boring or unappealing, you may lose that audience.

Meanwhile, you can’t not have a profile picture either. Accounts without profile images appear suspicious and look unfriendly. 

Your profile picture isn’t only important for attracting your audience, but it also tells visitors who you are and what you stand for at a glance. That’s why your social media marketing plan cannot begin properly when you have a poor profile picture. 

 

How to Make an Awesome Instagram Profile Photo

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. True. However, it has to blow a thousand minds to get you that engagement and exposure you need on Instagram. 

Making your profile picture is a one-time process that could give you lasting benefits. You should have a few ideas about the type of pictures you want or know exactly what you want your profile photo to reflect. 

For instance, the best Instagram profile pictures portray a cohesive image. Whether as a regular user or a brand, remember that your picture should reflect a healthy dose of your personality. 

On that note, here are some tips on making an awesome Instagram profile picture.

1. Show Your Face

Looks like a pretty obvious thing to say, but you’d be surprised at how many people make this mistake. 

Your audience loves to see the face behind the account. They want to know that they’re relating to a real human-like themselves. Show your face in your profile picture and you’ll increase your chances of making a deeper connection with your audience. 

That said, showing your face doesn’t mean simply standing in front of a camera and taking a shot. The picture has to be visible, clear and Pleasing to look at. 

Note that you have your Instagram bio and numerous pictures and videos to display your passions and hobbies. Avoid including other unnecessary elements in your profile picture, and keep it simple. 

Image from Instagram

2. Use Your Brand Logo

For business profiles, it is perfectly normal to put a picture of your brand logo or some of the products you provide. It is a clear indication of what you do. If you make the picture aesthetically pleasing enough, you’ll be on the right path to getting the likes and engagements you want.

Originality and authenticity are your friends here. You will often get the right kind of engagement by putting a clear picture of your face or brand out there.    

Preferably, have the photo taken professionally. This will guarantee quality and help you make that great first impression.

Image from Instagram 

 

3. Use a Simple Background

In your profile photo, your face or brand logo is meant to be the main element. If you add an unnecessarily complex background, you take the focus off of your face or brand logo, which are the most important elements. This is not ideal.

It would be best to use a simple or flat-colored background. Warm colors often get the best results, and they tend to connect more to the main element of the picture, which is…well you.

It’s different for brand accounts, though, as different colors can enhance the appearance of your product or logo. But still, a simple background will always do your profile picture appearance more justice.

 

4. Manage Your Profile Picture Space Effectively

Most users complain that the real estate Instagram gives users for their profile picture is so small. However, keep it in the back of your mind that many good things come in little packages.

Making an awesome Instagram profile picture doesn’t have to be hard, and you don’t need to have gone to a photography school to come up with the perfect picture.

To efficiently use your Instagram profile photo space, you need to make sure the main element of the picture is at the front and center. This means that the main focus of your profile photo should be right in the middle of the entire picture space.

If your face is too tiny, it may be because it’s too far from the camera. When it’s too big, it may not fit the entire space for your profile picture. Make sure you are properly framed within your picture so that people see enough of you and a bit of the background.

Image from Instagram

 

5. Use Contrasting Colors

Want to create even more focus on the main element of your picture? Color is an intuitive way to stand out.

When different colors contrast with other colors around, they often stand out. The warmer color ends up enhancing, the more standard color.

For example, when the main figure has an orange shirt on, the color will immediately pop against a more cool background. Likewise, when the colors of the main character and background are contrasting color, the picture will be more vivid. 

Feel free to use Instagram’s editing tools to create contrasting colors.

Image from Instagram 

 

6. Learn To Smile

Having a big smile is a huge plus when other people come across your profile picture. It not only presents positive body language, but it can relay openness and trigger a lot more engagement with your account.

Having a good laugh makes it easy to create social relationships and interact with more people. If users can easily discern this from your profile picture, you will naturally be more approachable to them.

Image from Instagram 

 

7. Keep Your Profile Picture Synonymous With Your Brand

Depending on your brand or content marketing strategy, you will be aiming for a specific kind of attention. Hence, your profile picture should excel at reflecting your personality or brand’s heart and soul.

For instance, if you are a fashion Blogger, a stylish photo of yourself wearing some of the current styles in clothing will be an awesome Instagram profile photo.

 

Bottom Line

Your Instagram profile picture should be exciting and authentic. The best way to achieve this is to stay true to yourself and your brand, while following some of these tips laid out here for you. You will certainly create an awesome Instagram profile picture if you put in the effort and practice often.