I've noticed that slowly more and more professionals are finally getting it! They realize being the most extraordinary expert, or specialist in their field isn't enough to bring on new business. People are more willing to buy your product or service if they LIKE you.

How can a professional become more likeable on their website?

One way is by marketing with their pictures. Be relaxed, approachable, "let your hair down" and show your human side. Some of these ideas may really be off the wall, but the more creative you are, the better.

Here's some examples:
-One pro sent a postcard of himself riding a camel on his vacation.
-Another posts "after-hours" pictures from her speaking events on her blog.
-One successful pro uses business props like her laptop, headset and cell phone while appearing to multi-task with her hair standing straight up on end.

Here are some ideas you might try:

1. Have someone photograph you being caught "in action" doing normal things everyone else does. Like when you're dressed up for church or weeding the garden. Be seen doing something your proud of like waxing your old car, bowling, fishing, cooking or knitting.

2. Color your hair an off beat color. Red, pink, blue, purple, green, etc. You could even make it match your web site's colors. (having someone "photoshop" your picture can add color and not leave you with semi-permanent results!)

3. Draw a line on your picture. Grab a sharpie and draw a black eye or mustache on it before you scan and upload it to your web site. It's ok to show your silly side!

4. Put on goofy glasses. You could put on spring like glasses, oversized colorful glasses, spinning glasses, or even black frames with masking tape across the bridge.

5. Wear outrageous clothes. You could wear a super bright suit, a costume outfit, a weird tie or a bathing suit.

6. Make a weird facial expression. You could stick your tongue out, pretend you're in agony, make your eyes big, look like you're angry, etc.

7. Wear a hat. You could wear a cowboy hat, a bowl on your head, straw hat, a sports helmet, a rain hat, etc. (a copywriter friend of mine wore a cowboy hat and now it's part of her branding image)

8. Paint your face. You could paint your own ideal character or paint a typical character like a clown, animal, plant, etc.

9. Wear a mask. You could buy one or make one out of a paper bag. Just cut the nose, mouth and eyes out. You could also add other facial features.

10. Use a uncommon background. You could use an outside background, a funny wallpaper, a prop to look like you have a cartoon body, etc.

Now it's your turn. What else can you do to your website to be more likeable?

Copyright 2005 Donna Payne