Are you alone in your social media profile shot – or with someone else?

Nicole Williams, LinkedIn

If you have an online business identity – your social media profile shot can say a lot about you...

Nicole Williams, connection director for LinkedIn says that picture is a key component to how professional you appear – and it’s crucial to have the right one. A page with a profile picture is seven times more likely to be viewed as a page without one. Details count – so make the most of that shot:

• Alone is best. Avoid being strongly identified with your dog or your significant other unless you’re a vet or a marriage counselor.

• Dress for the occasion. If you're looking for a job in media or fashion, then you can wear more color or jewelry in the picture. Otherwise, nix the glitz.

• Be recognizable. If you look completely different in your profile picture than you would on an interview, it could be awkward. Keep it real.

• Be caught in the moment. The best profile shots are one of you looking happy or confident, doing what you do. Have someone who puts you at ease take a picture of you at work, or in the field.

In most cases, a color shot is better than black and white. Black and white can look creative but can also look dated. Color shots are more realistic and have a lot more energy.