Whether or not to post a photo of yourself on your blog is a topic we discussed two years ago in the guest post titled, “Does An Ugly Blog(ger) Stand A Chance?”, by David Wright*.
The topic continues to be a concern not only to new, but to seasoned bloggers, as well. 
Truth be told, a lot of writers turn to blogging hoping they’ll be judged by their words and not by what they look like.
Unfortunately the blogosphere is no different than the real world.
Those who are handsome, pretty, sexy and smart (looking) may have an advantage over their plainer looking fellow bloggers. And if their looks help them advance in the real world, they may use that in blogosphere, as well.
Some will wear horn rimmed glasses in their photos to appear smarter.
Blonds may darken their hair to be taken seriously.
Others may show sexy photos to entice readers to follow them.
Photo editing programs are often used to “enhance” a person’s features.
And then there are those who use their looks to compensate for their lack of writing skills.
Today’s Lesson
I think it’s common for us to have a preconceived notion what others look like (if they don’t share a photo of themselves).
If someone is a technology blogger, we may envision them to be nerdy looking.
“Mommy blogger” can evoke an image of a woman in an apron, tenderly responding to her children as she lovingly cooks fabulous meals for her family. Or not.
We may assume those who have a blog in conjunction with their business are professional looking.
When we read the words of another blogger, it’s nice to “see” who’s talking.
However, if they’re not sharing a photo, we are left guessing and may be asking, “Why are they hiding?”
What’s a blogger to do?
Today’s Assignment
When you land on a blog, can the photo of the blog author affect whether you read and/or subscribe to their blog?
Do you think a blogger can benefit from NOT posting their photo?
Care to share?
~Barbara
*P.S. More of David’s writings can be found on Blogger Dad, as well as at Collective Inkwell, where he and Sean Platt share “self-publishing news, tips, & interviews.
Hi Barbara,
I assume for some people the look of the blogger in the picture might make a difference in the attitude they approach the blog, while for others it might make no difference. Still, to be in the safe side, I think is better to have a picture so people can see who the person behind the words is. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, some people do tend to pre-judge by the looks, but when we read and like what we read, we don’t care about the looks but the content.
At the other hand, not posting a photo could be of benefit in a blog that is in the business area, so people have a feeling of reading a “report” rather than personal opinions. I would say: Personal blog, use a photo; Business blog, might not be so necessary.
At the end it is like trying to get into acting; if you have a great look, it’ll help to get there faster, but in the long run is quality what remains.
Raul
Hi Raul,
I like how you put that, “if you have a great look, it’ll help to get there faster, but in the long run is quality what remains.”. I never looked at it that way, but that’s true. Kind of reminds me of the turtle and the hare.
As you can see I haven’t got an Avatar image. I decided not to because I think the words are the important thing – although from reading this I see that most people lie to see the person behind the comment.
I guess this is a reflection of the way that newspaper columnists now include mugshots in their headers – something very uncommon ten years ago.
Maybe I should use an ‘image’ to reflect me but not an actual photograph like some people have done here – but that is a bit of a compromise in my opinion and is is really of any value in showing the person behind the image?
Hi Bob,
Yes. The words are the most important thing.
I find it interesting how newspapers now include the photos of the writers. I don’t know if it’s because readers asked to see who’s behind the words, or if they feel the articles are more credible if they show a photo.
Unless I’m going to a conference to specifically meet that blogger and need to know what he/she looks like, I really don’t care either way if someone puts their photo on their blog.
Barb knows it took me a LONG time to put up any kind of image of myself anywhere. Why? When I started working with computers and online no one used their real names or put their faces out there for the world to see. Times and thinking have changed considerably in the last mumbletwentymumblesomething years or so. Now, people expect at least a head shot.
Can a blogger benefit by not having a photo? Yes. I think they have as much of a chance as someone who does post a picture. When it comes right down to it, if the content is horrible, or the service or product poor, no amount of pretty is gonna make it better. That goes for both the author and the site design. 😉
Hi Deb,
Yes. It was quite awhile before I say a photo of you. 🙂 But, like you said, it really didn’t matter. Your content always stood out.
LOL. ” …no amount of pretty is gonna make it better.”
Actually, I caught myself hesitating for just a minute to subscribe to blogs where the blogger looked different than I had anticipated. And then I said to myself “what, are you kidding?” So I looked to the content and subscribed. There could be great nuggets that I’ll miss if I jump to conclusions. Hope others give me a chance, as well.
Hi Sinea,
You’ve raised a good point. If we don’t give others a chance, how can we expect them to give us the same consideration.
When I first started my blog, I didn’t have my picture on it even through a friend told me it was a good idea to do. I still haven’t figured out how to get the picture from my computer to my blog. My daughter put the current picture of her dad and I on my blog and on Facebook & Twitter for me. Her technical skills are better than mine.
My friend suggested that I put my picture on my blog because, he said, people are more trusting of the content of a blog if they can put a face with the blog. If your picture is on the blog, you aren’t this mystery person. One of these days, I will have my daughter or daughter-in-law teach me how to do that.
Not wanting to follow a person because they are ugly is prejudice in my book. How a person looks has nothing to do with who they are. Ugly and pretty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people who are pretty on the outside can be ugly in personality. If you don’t follow someone because their appearance isn’t pleasing to the eye, what does that say about you? It says more about you as a person than it does about the person that you may see as ugly.
Hi Patricia,
That’s true. If we don’t follow a blog based on what someone looks like, it’s our problem, not theirs.
With regard to what your friend said, I think in some instances a photo does help, however I also think it has a lot to do with what the blog is about. Some blog readers are there for the content only (such as receiving an answer to a question), and in that case I’ll bet they grab what they need and leave and don’t even care what the author looks like.
Barbara,
When I started out, I did NOT want my picture “out there”, as I was not fully comfortable with my writing style, and I felt more exposed with a photo.
Since those early days, I have definitely moved beyond that and feel quite comfortable with a photo out there. And, in fact, I find a deeper connection with others (esp. at first) when they share a photo. Often I visit their about page just to get a better sense of who this is – along with a photo – that “who” takes on more meaning for me, and makes this all feel like a real person out there.
Hi Lance,
I never thought of it that way, but a photo does “expose” us. It’s like “there’s no more hiding”.
And yes, when we do see a photo of the blog author, it does feel like they’re more real.
“When you land on a blog, can the photo of the blog author affect whether you read and/or subscribe to their blog?” Absolutely not! I’m just as shallow as anyone else, but when I read something, I truly care about the writing, not about the person’s looks.
Hi Vered,
Yes. It is the content which keeps (most of) us going back to blogs, not what the author looks like.
I read a blog that had a photograph of the blogger in the footer so I copied the format. I think a photo helps communicate that you are open and that you are willing to share something personal about yourself. Also it adds variety to your writing.
On an unrelated subject: It is a nice touch that you email first time commenters and thank them for their contribution. I have never had that happen before.
I agree, a photo makes everything more personal, and at the end of the day it’s all about connecting with the reader and making them feel as if your speaking to her/him one on one.
Hi Adam,
That’s true. Readers want to know we hear what they’re saying. It’s that type of connection which has the most value, not what someone looks like.
Hi Rick,
I looked at what you’ve done and that is a great idea. Not only do others get to “see” you, but you’ve shared a little about yourself, as well. Great job!
You’re welcome with regard to the email. I can’t take total credit for that; it’s a feature of one of the plugins I use, but I do like that option.
Hi Rick .. Barbara’s an awesome exponent of how to blog! Good to meet you here and I know you’ll benefit from Barbara’s words of wisdom and her cool commenters .. lots of interesting information available. It’s that extra touch isn’t it .. cheers to you both .. Hilary
I know a few bloggers who don’t post their pictures. It actually works for them because it adds to the mystery about them. One blogger posts about political satire in the Philippines and a lot of people love his posts. We only know him as “Heckler”. He did post a picture of him once wearing a Heat jersey because he lost an avatar bet. But he didn’t show his face.
On the other hand, I think the bloggers that also work as “coaches” should have their pictures up. For example, I wouldn’t trust a fitness coach if I can’t see how he looks like.
Hi Becka,
That’s a good point; not posting a photo can add mystery. I’m guessing some may stick around in hopes of seeing the “unveiling”, however that could backfire, too.
LOL. Yes, seeing what a fitness coach looks like should be a prerequisite.
Hi Barb! When I first set up my blog 3 yrs ago (yikes!) – and with help of course too – my Bible was “Blogging for Dummies” and it gave instructions on how to put your photo on so I did it. No huge mental debate here. I just thought it was the “done thing” is all.
Pictures of other bloggers don’t sway me one way or the other as far as if I’m going to read them or not based on how they “look” – goodness sakes are people that shallow? This isn’t some dating service – and even if it were, the body we live in is just the “house” – it’s not the heart and soul of the person. Having said that though I will admit I wish everyone would just get over it and put their pics up there. Some share the most incredible personal stuff about their lives yet fail to show their face – it does make one wonder, doesn’t it?
I got such a kick out of your description of a mommy blogger image of an apron lady – I was thinking back to those days and it was more like frantic hair, no make-up and a be-frazzled demeanor – I so WANTED the calm apron lady image but clearly it wasn’t my experience in those days!
Hugs
suZen
Hi Suzen,
Good point. It does matter where we learned about blogging from. When I got started there had just been a stalking event involving a popular female blogger and many sites were suggesting women shouldn’t post a picture.
Glad you got a chuckle out of the apron lady. I like your description of “reality”. 8)
I personally am not affected one way or the other whether a photo of the blogger is posted. I let the writing and the content speak for itself. I myself don’t post a photo or even my full name on my blog for privacy reasons more than anything else.
Hi Richard,
Privacy reasons are often behind someone not posting their photo or real/full name. Fortunately that works in the blogosphere where it’s the content which remains the most important.
I agree with Richard, I go by what is written and whether I find the person’s blog of interest to me, I might then look at the picture. The glamour or otherwise doesn’t come into it as far as I am concerned. On my own blog I post a picture, if I wanted something better I could have gone back some 30 years LOL
Hi Jo,
I hear you. I have better photos from 30 years ago, too. 🙂
Hi Barbara, Nice post having a picture in your about page is nice. But not required, I look at the content of a blog and how well it is written, and after all at the end of the day the content is what holds your interest not the picture.
Hi Tim,
Yes. It is the content which keeps our readers coming back. That said, I wonder how many people who aren’t bloggers are reading our about pages anyway.
I do like to see pictures of bloggers but it doesn’t influence whether or not to read their stuff.
As for me I have been debating with myself on the picture thing. Just can’t decide. I think people would be surprised at how old I am! Maybe I will put it on the “about” page.
Hi Patricia,
Like you, I also enjoy seeing the photos of fellow bloggers, but a photo won’t influence whether I read/subscribe to a blog, either.
I don’t like photos. Never really have. As such, I decided that I would let a logo represent me in all my dealings online.
I don’t need to see a photo to fall in love with, or have faith, in a blog that I enjoy.
I loved this blog when your avatar was a cartoon image. It didn’t detract me from becoming part of your community either.
I think I do benefit from not posting my photo. As an elementary school teacher, I fear what I publish online may one day come back to haunt or bite me in some way. Not having a photo up makes me feel safer. I know that might sound silly.
Hi Chase,
That’s true. You always supported me and this blog even when I used a cartoon image. I truly appreciate that.
I understand your concern with sharing a photo. Not that something would happen, but like you said, not having your photo on your blog does make it “feel” like you have a layer of protection.
Hi Barbara,
you are making a great point here. We do have a preconceived notion what bloggers look like when we land on their blog. However, I think regardless of one’s appearance, posting a picture of oneself can always be beneficial. I recently visited a blog where the owner was a 4 feet high dwarf. He has posted his picture (whole body) on the home page of his blog. I immediately went to this About page to read his story. It was very touching. I now remember his blog and will visit it again.
I believe people want to deal with people when they visit a blog. You can be the ugliest person on earth, yet others appreciate give your blog a human aspect.
Hi Matthew,
Thank you for sharing that story. It goes to show how someone who may not have been tagged as attractive is using their image to their benefit and is becoming memorable.
Hi Barbara,
You’ve pointed out every aspect needed to be pointed out about image of a blogger. Indeed, a technology blog must have a nerdy-looking blogger with eye-glasses and so on. It’s something obviously also, in my opinion. But don’t judge the book by it’s cover, that’s a smart thing that I’ve been told by my parents. Great article, keep up the good work!
Best wishes,
George Williams
Thank you George,
I like that saying too; “don’t judge a book by their covers”. It reminds me of how many times I’ve met individuals who are extremely wealthy and others would assume they’re bums.
I have definitely seen some of those guys that try to compensate their lack of writing skills by using sexy photos of not just themselves!!! I think for an average reader, the photo will definitely effect the way he acts (that’s why many guys put fancy photos in their sales pages). For an experienced reader who only seeks information, he or (she) will not care about how you look. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Edgar,
Good point. Many do post fancy/sexy photos in their sales pages, undoubtedly to try and capture a readers interest, however in some of those cases, I wonder how many of the photos are stock images.
When I comment on a certain blog, I really love to know who is the blogger. It doesn’t bother me the looks of the blogger, I just love to read the profile of the blogger. At least I have the a bit of an idea of who she/he is. For me, the most honest blogger who writes honest things about him/herself, other people, surroundings, etc. Are much appreciated to be read and I really take time to read his/her article.
For Bloggers, would you like to write something that is not from your heart or not honest ideas? Then Every dishonest articles are just replied by comments with a spam reply! Eventhough those comment are true but your article is dishonesty, then the reply itself is not true. Right?
Anyway, for me the face of the blogger is not that a big plus. Like, ohh you look so pretty but your articles are deserved a BOOOOOH! Thanks barbara, I almost read all your article and you deserve a Big HOOORAY! I love your sense of humor!
Thank you Leyla,
Like you, I also enjoy reading about the blogger. It gives us a better understanding of the blog author as well as why they share what they do. Although seeing what they look like is great, it’s not vital.
I’d love to say looks don’t matter but they do. I know women who won’t have a pic on their blog for fear of being judged by their looks. It’s a shallow world and peoples perceptions are guided by how good something looks.
And don’t get me started on video 😉
Hi Sarah,
Your comment makes me wonder if women are more concerned with posting their photo on their blog than men. I know in the real world women can be more critical of other women, so I wonder if the same holds true in the blogosphere, as well.
My looks have always been important to other people and I intentionally did not use a picture of me because I wanted to have a conversation and for folks to know me by my words first. It did make a difference.
I also had a growth on one side of my face, which has since been removed, but it was kind of raw looking and worried children.
When I first put my picture up on Face Book…about 35-37 of the younger people who had been following me dropped off my list – no lie!
When teaching it usually took be about 2 semesters before there was a waiting list for my classes because of the content and outcomes, not because of what I look like.
So I have weighted this issue before…I think now agism plays a part in my considerations, it certainly plays a part in my job interviews.
People expect me to bake cookies, I think, not be intelligent 🙂
Now I look like I ate too many of those cookies!! That bothers me…
I am still debating this issue with myself.
Hi Patricia,
If others are “defriending” you on Facebook, or wouldn’t read your blog because of what you look like, what does that say about THEM? And…, are “they” the audience you want to target?
Do what you feel comfortable with Patricia, and if that means not posting a photo, don’t worry. We love you just as you are. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
I use my photo in my blog because as an energy worker and coach, my readers may look at my photo and get a Feel for the energy that radiates. For this reason, I love when photos are included in others blogs because I get a Feel for them that is deeper than just reading words.
I have also wrestled with not using my photo because I write of love and peace and joy, and some readers become attracted to my words, then to my face..and I’ve actually had a few improper/very aggressive readers as a result. My voice is clear and genuine, so I choose not to censor my self but I have had that thought, which makes me sad..Keeping my photo up even still is–at this point– symbolic of expressing my truth..
Hi Joy,
You’ve raised a good point. Our photos can add to the words we share, and like you said, can emit “energy”.
Even though you’ve had negative comments because you show your photo, I think based on the topic of your blog, you’ve made the right move.
Hi Barbara .. I like to see who is who .. but if I can’t – then I’ve become intrigued by their comments and participation within the blogging fraternity ..
The interesting thing is the picture portrayed is often very different to the person today .. I must just update mine and get a better picture – but I look the same, I hasten to add!!
Cheers and love Mike’s comment above that he was grateful you emailed a welcome to him .. a * for you!! Enjoy the week .. Hilary
Thank you Hilary,
That’s true. The photos we see on blogs or avatars may look totally different than the blogger themselves, but like you said, if we look the same, why bother changing them?
A blog is made interesting by its content and not by the aspect of the the blogger. I don’t feel it’s necessary to post a pic of you on the blog, but if you want to personalize your blog than it will only be a plus.
Hi Mia,
Yes. It is the content of a blog which will keep us coming back. Although a photo can add a personal touch, it’s not imperative all bloggers include one.
I use an avatar on my blogs and online activities. It is the same everywhere so people know it is me. If I kept an up to date photo on everything I would have to remember to change it all over every time I change my hair or need a more recent one in order to keep the continuity.
I don’t care what people look like, and understand that just because someone puts a photo on their blog, it doesn’t mean it is accurate. People post 20 year old photos, people post touched up photos, people probably post photos that aren’t even them.
My husband is a photographer and for a joke one year he added himself to the group photo of his high school reunion that he had to miss. He was up front about the joke. The point is that you could not tell he hadn’t been there when the photo was taken, it looked so real. A picture may be worth a thousand words but it isn’t proof of anything. I read the blog. That tells me what I need to know.
I am much more concerned about how difficult it is to comment on some blogs. If people want feed back, make it easy to comment!
Hi Barbara,
I’m happy you brought that up. When we do use a photo or avatar of any sort, it’s important we stay consistent throughout the blogosphere and on social networking sites. Like you mentioned, people see your avatar and know it’s you.
Thank you for sharing the story of how your husband “photo shopped” himself into a photo and to anyone who didn’t know, they’d assume he was “there”. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
My personal opinion is the following: blogs with funny (not stupid but really funny) smiling photos are more pleasant and easy to read.
But i should also say that if a blog has some strange picture it can also evoke my interest. I can read the post and guess the image of a writer.
Hi Anna,
Yes. It is nice to see a photo of the blog author with a smile on their face, but like you said, a blog author can also gain readers by publishing an “out of the ordinary” photo, too.
I sometime wonder whether I should post a picture of myself or use an imaginary person. At the end to avoid discrimination such as what you describe on your article, I choose an appropriate stereotypical picture to represent the voice of my blog.
Hi Andrew,
It’s a tough call, isn’t it? We don’t want to be judged by our photo, but on the other hand we want our readers to know who they’re communicating with.
Looking at your avatar, it looks like you’re having fun with it. 🙂
Hi Barbara, nice to see that you have raised some controversial issue on blogging!!! 😀 I think that looks does matter for someone who is more interested into pictorial views rather than the material views!! Images plays a very vital role in increasing communication forums between the blogger & reader, but simultaneously we shouldn’t forget that blogs are running not because of photographs but because of contents present in the articles & how beautifully the blog is put up in a more effective manner!! Some readers behave as nerds considering that good looking people can always fetch you some exceptional writing. It suddenly reminds me of movie named” Good Advice” where the actor stoles her ex-girlfriend’s position of writing her column in a newspaper!! He somehow manages to get the newspaper to reach to upper position but there he doesn’t bother for his looks, rather his heart, sheer work & perseverance pays him off!! Similarly, people who write from their heart possess more impact than beautiful faces!!!
Hi R. Lee Barnes,
I like how you put that, “people who write from their heart possess more impact than beautiful faces!” That’s true. Anyone can post a good looking picture (whether it’s really them, or not) but not everyone can consistently publish captivating content.
Barbara,
In my humble opinion, no matter how you look, a photo and basic profile information is MUST on a blog, typically in the About page. You are writing in a particular niche because that domain is your hobby or passionate area where you believe you have some expertise. It’s up to the interpreter how they want to take it. If there are fools who go by the looks, let them go to nice looking blogs and individuals and get whatever is served there.
I am glad to post real details about me, a real pic and real content on what I have actually worked with and experienced 🙂
Hi Ajith,
Good point. It is up to the interpreter to determine what they want to do after they’ve seen a blog author’s photo. Sadly, some won’t stick around. Their loss….
When you land on a blog, can the photo of the blog author affect whether you read and/or subscribe to their blog? for me, i think it wont affect it… I am more in the content and if the author would want to keep herself or himself his privacy well that’s okay with me. He or she has his or her own reasons why she chose not to put a picture in it. This is the 2nd time i have come across your article and so far, i am enjoy reading your blogs. Continue the great work! 🙂
Thank you Rob,
Yes. It does come down to how comfortable a blog author is with sharing a photo of themselves. It’s our blog. It’s our choice.
hello Barbara,
I have some images of myself on my blog. I think, for some people’s blog putting pictures on their blog is to have some different approach or character. It is maybe for the blogs come with theme. they usually put some nice pictures and graphics due to show who they are and what character inside them.
I feel a picture makes a blog more personable and warm feeling, but of course the privacy factor needs to be taken into account, so only post a picture that won’t come back to haunt you some day.
Hi Andrew,
Yes. For some bloggers, a photo may be used to depict someone or something different than just themselves, especially on blogs which are more business oriented.
Hi Barbara,
I think I like putting my picture on a blog.
This is like the second post that I have read from you Barbara. I was really enjoying the first one that I read about getting to know other bloggers. 🙂
There is this blogger that helped me so many things with about blogging and some link building. he is awesome. The name is onibalusi. He might not be the guy next door for others but he’s got brilliant mind.
Best,
Ernest
Thank you Ernest,
Thank you also for sharing the information on one of your favorite bloggers. I’ll have to check him out. 🙂
There’s a popular quote that says, “Don’t judge the book by its cover.” Ever since I learned about this quote, I stopped from being judge mental. So, whether there is or there’s no photo of the blog author, I proceed reading the blog especially if it has a catchy title. But of course, it really adds to blog’s credibility if you are able to see its creator.
Hi Charlene,
That’s true, isn’t it. We shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
There are many blogs online where the author does not share their photo, but are well worth reading. Like you said, a photo can add credibility, but it’s not essential.
We must know people first who really they are before we can say about her or him.. even criminals we don’t judge them just because they are criminals… but deep inside in there heart they are not criminals… barbara You’ve shared me a great article thanks….
You’re welcome Formica Countertops,
True. We should not judge people on looks alone nor on the fact they may have made poor decisions.
We don’t see what is deep inside on the heart in every person living in this word.. So we must Be careful in what see outside. Only God know who really are in this world… Thanks for sharing this very interesting post Barbara.
I agree, we should not look first for the physical image of the blogger rather on his talent. Looks vs talent, i would always go for talent because talent is like knowledge and looks will fade as time goes by.
Some of the people in the blogsphere are racist and will not read their articles if they will know that the person is a Filipino like me. I always experience this in giving tips in photography. they will just ignore my tips just because of that. How I wish it would not be like that.