Profile pictures for social media business pages serve a different purpose than profile pics for personal pages. Your business page is a direct reflection of your business’ brand. So, you should treat your page like a storefront, with the exception of LinkedIn (I’ll explain further).
What To Pick
Unless you are an solopreneur like a Fitness Coach or Professional Speaker or a celebrity where your face IS your brand, you most likely have a logo. Always consider using a logo in your profile image across your social media channels. If you don’t have a logo, the name of your business in your preferred font should work until you have your brand narrowed down.
- If you ARE the brand: choose your headshot
- If you have a branded logo: choose your logo
How to Pick
Outlined here are some of the most widely used social media channels and these sometimes have gray area, where page owners tend to get confused on which type of image to use.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest Business Pages:
Use your logo or business name as your profile image. You’ll want to be sure to use the same logo you are using for all other social media sites.
One Exception
LinkedIn (Personal)
This channel is used as a networking medium which is a cross between a personal page and a business page. However, you are ultimately promoting yourself as a professional (whether you are promoting your business or your resume). Always use a headshot as your profile image because people are connecting with “you as a person” who is either in the business world or searching for a job. Networking is the main purpose of this channel. Your cover image can be used to further promote your business goals or personality.
LinkedIn (Business)
It isn’t as common for small business owners to have both a personal AND business LinkedIn page. Most larger companies with more 10-20 employees have business page, so if you decide to have a Business LinkedIn page to generate leads and move the needle you should use your business logo as your profile image. This will achieve continuity across your other social media channels to make your brand memorable.
The same concept applies for all personal pages.
Takeaway
The main takeaway should be consistency across all business pages and keep personal and business separate!
