How to Get a Good Profile Picture for Instagram: Top 5 Tips!

Your Instagram profile picture should stand out. It’s the first thing people see about you, the first impression that you make to others, the way to draw some attention in an Instagram feed full of other people just like you. Obviously, your content is important too, but that profile picture on Instagram needs to be great!

Not sure where to start choosing or making the perfect Instagram profile picture? We’ve got you covered! Check out our top 5 tips to help with your account photo below.

Why is a Good Instagram Profile Picture So Important?

Instagram profile pictures are like a visible introduction. It gives followers an idea of who they are looking at or working with. Your Instagram bio is also an important part of the IG account. However, it’s the Instagram profile picture that is ultimately, gong to stand out. It doesn’t matter if you buy Instagram followers Apple Pay or you actively push out new content and collaborations to stimulate growth, Instagram profile pictures may be the difference in getting new followers.

Some people check out the pic just to see if you seem like a real person. Others might look at your profile pic to get an idea of your brand or who you are. Remember, it’s an introduction to the potential followers looking at your IG account.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• Making a lasting impression often starts with Instagram profile photos
• It’s the focal point to set apart your identity on social media
• Establishes trust and credibility for you as a content creator
• The perfect photo can enhance your brand identity or social proof
• It could increase engagement on your account
• The Instagram profile pic will support networking and building relationships
• Helps other Instagram users search and find your account
• Your Instagram profile photo reflects your personality and style in some way

Now, let’s move on to these tips to help make your Instagram profile picture great!

1. Instagram Profile Pictures Should be High-Quality

If you want the perfect picture, we recommend that you use something clear, easy to see, and high-quality. A high resolution image is ideal and you might even use a photo editing tool to improve the look of your profile picture on Instagram.

It’s time to click edit picture and spruce up not just your IG account, but also your Instagram posts by doing so. You can even use the same picture across different social media platforms to make them all consistent and recognizable.

Consider having some professional personal photo shots taken, but just focus on a high resolution image and no busy backgrounds that distract from the quality.

Here are a few tips for quality.

• Take photos with a high resolution camera roll. It’s amazing how the same photo can look so much different on varying devices.
• Try to use the best light, which is natural light instead of artificial lighting. If you need to add some light, try balanced lighting that brings together both for a well-lit look and avoid harsh shadows.
• Filters are great, but they have no place on your Instagram profile picture or other social media profiles. Reserve filters for fun, feeds, or other platforms.

These tiny little details for your photo will make a difference. Check that photo aspect ratio, have a balance of distance shots and close ups, and make that image stand out.

2. Keep Your Profile Photo Simple

Your Instagram profile picture should be simple. If it’s too busy or crazy, your Instagram account quickly gets overwhelming. Let your natural chaos shine in your posts. For now, go ahead and click edit account and choose something simple but focused.

Try using something that just shows your brand logo for a service business. This way other users and loyal followers can attach that company logo in the image to your business accounts.

Of course, you don’t have to do a logo. You can use a personal photo, which is something that a life coach or a service person might do anyway.

Here are a few hints to keep your picture simple and focused:

• Try a close up shot
• Ensure there are minimal background distractions in the shot for a profile photo
• Smile and be genuine in the picture
• Beware your body language and posing

You want to attract to your Instagram profile with something that represents your brand well but also looks genuine and inviting. You can use that same profile picture on your account and beyond.

3. Reflect Your Brand

Your Instagram profile should reflect your brand. This starts with the profile picture, covers the bio, and works across all of the content you create and post. It doesn’t matter if you are a product based business or not, consider this a way to make your brand stand out on Instagram.

Let this image be attractive and reflective. You can add some personality to the photo and you can also add elements such as a circle overlay with your brand logo or brand colors in the background to incorporate your branding in the photo.

Before you tap change profile photo, consider how you can express your personality and brand here and then carry it through your entire page, from posting Instagram stories to other routine content.

Let this be a positive reflection. It can be a teaser to what else they might see on your account. Remember that this profile photo is like your introduction to the rest of what your Instagram has to offer.

Make it eye catching, use good lighting, add in other elements of the photos that represent brand colors or background. We don’t recommend a full body shot for just a personal photo of you, but instead make it more personal and express your personality in the photos.

• Dress appropriately for the photos and your audience
• Keep the aesthetic consistent with every upload
• Tie other accounts for your brand together
• Show off your personality
• Make eye contact through the pictures

4. Don’t Focus Too Much on Editing

Most photos will need to be edited slightly before the upload to Instagram profile picture. But there is a fine line between editing just right and over doing it. The goal is to be eye catching.

Unfortunately, those who aren’t familiar with editing often end up with contrasting colors or pictures that simply look a little odd because they edited too far. Instead of focusing on editing out every imperfection on your upload, focus on a great shot to begin with. Then, focus on simple enhancements to finalize editing before you change your profile picture.

Here are a few editing tips to help:

• Focus on the enhancement of the photo (brightness, contrast, saturation)
• Crop in a way that centers the photo details in the frame, keep the circular setup of Instagram profile pictures in mind.
• Try using a basic editing app that can give you recommendations

You want the picture to look professional without going overboard. Don’t do anything that makes the photo appear unnatural.

5. Appeal to Your Instagram Audience

Finally, as you choose or take your profile picture, consider details that will appeal to your followers. Even if you are new, you likely have a target audience. What can you do with your profile picture that fits with your audience?

This is where it is so important to know your audience before you click that button to change profile picture.

That being said, you also want to be sure you aren’t taking your own personality out of it to capture said profile picture. Your picture is a correlation between your brand and yourself.

Know your audience and the details that might stand out in a profile picture. Engage with your followers and get their feedback to help you with future picture options. As you change your profile picture, try aligning the photo with your brand and your content to be engaged and focused with your audience.

It can be challenging to make a connection between photo and content. You don’t want this to be overly posed, but instead, just a way to tie together your photo paired with your brand. It’s a small space to make a statement, but you can totally do it!

What vibe are you looking for? How can this attempt to change profile picture be focused towards your audience? How can you change it up and still be intertwined?

When you can answer these questions, you get a full body approach to representing your brand identity through your profile as well as your content.

Conclusion

Your Instagram profile picture should help you stand out. You accomplish that by combining clarity, simplicity, personality, careful editing, and audience appeal. These top 5 tips can help you create the perfect look that represents you and looks fantastic in the process.

What are you waiting for? Turn your profile picture into a digital handshake and make it count!