5-Minutes to More Page Views: Is Your Avatar Doing Its Job?

So you want to get more page views on your AC articles. Could it be that your avatar choice sends your visitors elsewhere?

What is an avatar? Most commonly it is a visual representation of oneself on the Internet, whether it's a photo, a cartoon, or other real or inanimate object. In a word it is a picture, a small one, that is used to identify oneself to others in the digital world.

People are visual creatures, and it is easier to remember a face, or in this case an avatar, than a name. On AC alone, many individuals share similar pen names or names that are difficult to spell or remember. Yet most AC content producers are using similar avatars.

Some brave souls, vain or otherwise, elect to use a personal photo as an avatar. This is a professional way to identify oneself to the world. Photo avatars are popular practice on sites such as About.com and various other professional blogs. Personal photo avatars are not only more memorable, they make one appear more accessible to their audience.

Many content producers, AC or otherwise, elect not to use a personal photo as an avatar. The primary reason concerns privacy, but is also due to a lack of knowledge on its importance.

Alternatives exist for these concerns; whereas a factious representation works if it is unique and meaningful. As far as obtaining or creating an avatar, it is easy, and for many the process is bit fun, too.

AC happens to provide 25 avatars on sign-up, including a baby in a diaper, a cat, and a fire hydrant, each with an AC sticker strategically placed. No offense AC, but unless one is writing about baby care, cats or fire fighting, these avatars may be a bit off base. AC avatars are small so even the sticker doesn't show up well.

Of course, AC had to pick something, and these avatars are sufficient when just getting started, and when AC had far fewer content producers. Now we are part of a huge and growing community, yet few avatars stand out.

If you are serious about page views, however, consider some personalization. The following scenario is a common example of when your avatar doesn't work.