Avatar selection: personal photo v. product

[KristinNoelDesigns]

I have been pondering back and forth as to whether it is a better idea to make my avatar a photo of myself or one of my products. I sell jewelry and the word "jewelry" is not currently in my shop name. I have read posts about branding yourself and selling your unique story, which would lead me to believe that a self revealing avatar would be best. However, I have also read posts stating that the avatar could be the one chance you have to "lure" someone into checking out your products. Thoughts?

[Former_Member]

Hi Kristin,
Your pictures are very pretty and the one you have chosen for your avatar invites people to "click " in.
I am in the same dilemma because i would like to put a "human face" to my shop, but my shop's name does not suggest its content. I just wish we could have the option of upload a picture of ourselves to our profile, other than the avatar.

[Former_Member]

I've never understood why anyone would put a personal photo as an avatar on Etsy. You're selling a product. Seems like you should have a product as your avatar. That being said, I have clicked on attractive personal Etsy avatars. I'm shallow that way. So, if you're really good looking I guess it could work. I'm also, clearly, not the average Etsy shopper, so you know...whatever.

[Former_Member]

This subject comes up quite a bit. From what I've read, the decision is split 50/50. Some say that making your shop more personal with a personal picture will lure the customer in, while others feel that customers will look at the avatars to see exactly what a particular shop sells, or the avatar is intriguing enough to get them to check it out. I'm with the later group. My avatar is my logo/branding. It's on everything that is in and goes out of my shops. My labels are a spin off of it, and I couldn't be happier.

When I see an avatar of a woman with her baby, I immediately assume the shop is selling baby items (not always the case). If I see an avatar with a man and woman from a wedding picture, I assume they sell wedding related products (not always the case). Personally, if people want to get to know me or see the old kisser, I'd direct them to my blog or facebook. Just my 2 cents though.

edited to add: Your avatar told me exactly what you sell. The picture enticed me to click on your shop...

[KristinNoelDesigns]

Thanks all. Great input. I think for now I will stick with the product shot. Maybe once I hit it big here on Etsy I will use my photo again. I like the idea of directing people to FB to see a mug shot. Now that the link is in our banner, this helps the cause.

[LBlackbournJewelry]

I think its important to have your product displayed if possible. I spend a lot of time in the teams areas building treasuries and if I only see a face and a nondescript store name I must admit often don't click to see what's there. I simply don't have time. I click on things that look appropriate for what I am doing. I may not be buying right then ... but I am building a treasury which increases exposure and leads to sales.

[Former_Member]

I like having my products displayed vs. personal photo.

But it's really up to the individual's opinion. I can't say one way or another is best.

[Former_Member]

I don't know what to put for my avatar -.- cause my shop sells many different mediums...

[Former_Member]

I like using my product for my avatar, it sort of says who I am and what I do. I do post silly pictures of myself/my boyfriend/my flat on my facebook and twitter, so if anyone wants to see me pulling a stupid face on the way to a WWE live show, they can er, indulge that there ;D

[starless]

I have personally purchased things after seeing them in avatars, and several people have purchased items they saw in my avatar, so I always use a product photo. A photo of a person has never enticed me to click.

[Former_Member]

Maybe I should change my avatar to a different product?

[RadicalWorks]

If I see a human face, I will more than likely not click on the avatar. Seeing other images, even if it's a cartoon version of the person, I will more than likely click on the avatar.