You won’t make it far in today’s online world without a good profile picture.

Sure, simply having a profile picture is better than not having one at all. For example, LinkedIn users get 11 times as many views if they have a picture in their profile.

However, having a high-quality photo takes your profile to the next level.

Everyone knows that first impressions have a significant impact on how people perceive you. Yet so many people ignore the quality of their profile pic— they get ignored as a result.

But what is a high-quality profile picture? How exactly does it benefit you to have one?

There are many questions that need answers.

Read on if you want to find out why you profile picture is so important in 2017.

A Good Profile Picture Lets Your Personality Shine Through

That grainy, low-resolution selfie is not a very accurate representation of your personality, wouldn’t you say? You’re capable of so much more than that.

Maybe you just never put too much thought into it. However, the fact is that your profile photo is actually indicative of your personality.

A high-quality profile pic goes way beyond the resolution of a photograph. You have to consider all of the small details as well.

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that people can learn a lot about your personality from your profile pic.

So, if you want to let your personality shine, here are a few tips:

Smile hard. Smiling indicates that not only are you approachable, but you are socially aware as well.

Go bright. Profile photos that are bright indicate that you are agreeable. Plus, dark photos cause people to perceive you as neurotic and anxiety-ridden.

Don’t be ashamed of your glasses. Wearing glasses actually makes people perceive you as more intellectual.

It’s true that a profile photo will never capture your entire personality. There’s too much to capture in one photo. You’re a complex human with many likes, dislikes, hobbies, and goals.

That said, it’s important to use it to your advantage. You really have nothing to lose, as it can help you connect with people who share your life goals and outlook.

It Is a Representation of Your Personal Brand

Whether you realize it or not, you’re constantly selling yourself online.

However, it’s  not always for money or job opportunities. Rather, sometimes it’s for social perception, dates, and networking opportunities.

What do you need to maximize your success? You need a top-notch personal brand.

Your profile photo is the first thing people will see.

The profile photos you use on all of your social media platforms are a representation of your personal brand. It conveys your values and character.

If you’re a lawyer, for example, you do not want to come off as a goof due to some silly picture. You want to showcase your serious side, because that’s part of your personal brand.

You have to remember that most people do not know anything about you. When it comes to first impressions, all they can do is assume who you are and what you represent.

Sure, they will look at your written content as well, but the main focus is going to be your picture. And if that’s the case, you need to ensure that it looks as good as possible.

It Show Others That You Care

When people see a low-quality profile picture, one of the first thing they think is, “Does this person even care about their page?”

It can be intriguing in rare cases. In most cases, however, it simply evokes pity.

The truth is that you probably care a lot. You just never thought that people would judge you so harshly for your profile picture.

But whether you like it or not, a poor profile photo makes you seem uninterested.

When a person looks to network with other people, they want a driven person who pays attention to the details. The same thing applies for people looking for a significant other or a friend.

Update your profile picture when you can. It shows that you are proud of who you are.

The bottom line is that if your photos look like you don’t take pride in yourself, then that’s exactly how people will perceive you. It doesn’t matter what the reality is.

It Helps You Stand Out From the Crowd

The vast majority of people have low-quality profile pictures. You can notice this when you scroll through any social media platform.

Sure, they attempt to put their best foot forward. But what they don’t realize is that those fancy filters just make them blend in with the crowd even more.

Some social media platforms prioritize photographs much more than others.

On dating websites such Tinder or OkCupid, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. You have to remember that you’re competing with hundreds to thousands of people in your area.

Which option do you think is going to attract more interest? Is it a dark, gloomy low-resolution selfie taken with a smartphone, or is it a bright, lively professional photograph in a natural setting?

The answer is pretty clear.

When people visit dating sites, or even networking sites, the picture is the first aspect of the profile that snags their attention.

A grainy selfie with a colorful filter screams that you are nothing special. But the truth is that you are.

If you present a high-quality profile pic, you will stick out like a sore thumb among the hordes of people with average profile pics.

This will help you get off to a great start, but all of those other online dating mistakes are on you.

Conclusion

The fact is this: A high-quality profile picture leaves a great first impression. If you are trying to build your personal brand online, you cannot do without one.

A good photo helps you stick out from the crowd. It puts your sparkling personality out there for the world to see and shows people that you take pride in yourself.

Don’t let a low-quality picture limit your online success.

Smile! Present the best and brightest version of yourself.

If you’re interested in getting some upgrading your photos, you definitely should check out our profile photo services.