Avatar vs real picture

[LaLatoneria]

Hi, I'm pretty new to online selling. I started my Etsy shop using an avatar and nickname in my profile; but recently I thought that maybe is more atractive and trustable to potential customers to see a real face and name associated to the shop.

Does anyone have experiences to share about what works best?

[Former_Member]

I think it really depends on you and what you like. I have seen some threads in favor for product avatars because it gives you another chance to advertise what you make. I like using a photo, I feel it makes it more personable. But I don't really feel like there is a wrong or right answer.

[Former_Member]

I am convinced that avatars of men drive traffic, as men are a minority (nearly a curiosity!) on etsy.

I don't think it much matters what your avatar is, unless you're driving your shoppers in from teams and forums. With outside traffic, your avatar is a barely-noticeable part of your shop. Photos, product descriptions, About pages and banner all have a greater impact.

I use one of my quilts because the colors make me happy.

[Former_Member]

I have a face in one (at least half of it) and avatar in my other shop. The difference that I have noticed is that people contact me more often if they see who I am. With avatar I hardly ever see a number on conversation box. Customers are also much more likely to live a feedback if you are a real person to them.

[GreatLakesAllure]

I used to have my picture, but when I realized that the same picture (of my face) was at the bottom of each of my items, I thought I'd use a pic of an item for my avatar. I have no idea if one works over the other for me. You're welcome, for such a helpful response! : )

[Coramantic]

I'm not sure that it makes a difference, I prefer to have my artwork in my avatar but I draw lots of girlies so I have one of those. I do have my own photo on some social media sites such as instagram.

[RaquelManuela]

I like using my logo as my avatar.

I use the same logo for my social media platforms, and my website. It really helps with branding.

Here is a blog post on creating a brand board:

http://www.raquelmanuela.com/blog/2015/1/3/b-diary-marketing-materials

[Former_Member]

It all depends on you. I like to use my product as my avatar. If I am posting the forums, it is a first look of my shop without actually going to my page. It's the initial contact. If by shoppers want to see what I look like, it is in my About page :)

[NeatoKeen]

I think an avatar is extremely important. It is your identifier on all conversations and sets the tone for your shop. Faces can be wonderful and enticing and interesting graphics can be equally compelling. It's a matter of personal preference, but the goal of an avatar and banner are to make it easy for potential buyers to get a feel for you and your shop right away. No pressure - choose wisely :D

[Anthropologeek]

I wondered the same. I used to have an antique pic of my grandmother, since I sell vintage wares, but then I thought that it may be helpful if people could see me and be more personal. I still have to see if it makes any difference...

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I like using a picture of myself. My twitter, instagram, and pintrest all have my logo as their avatar, so they're all matching, and I didn't want to go into "matching overload." I like my customers knowing that I am actually a person.

But having a logo or a personal picture never really impacted my purchase either way here on etsy.

Its just a matter of preference. As long as the picture is enticing and flattering to you and your brand, you should be good. :)

[TheRusticHome]

I prefer a picture of my work, and personally I am more inclined to click and visit a shop if the avatar shows something you make and it catches my eye. I guess it just depends on what you prefer to use though.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

I have an avatar that is connected with my shop name (William, the recycled jeans bear, from William's Giftshop).
I use it all over the internet, wherever I am active. And I use it on my business cards, flyers, banners, etc.
Many people recognize it and are reminded of my work and my shop when they see it, so it is perfect for branding.

I don't use a picture of myself, because I don't want to publish my face online. All you can find from me online are my creations and a lot of words. But never my face. That is how I like it.
My shop isn't about me, but about the things I create.
In general, my presence on the internet is not about how I look, but about what I do.

(If I could have done it all over again, before my work and William's face were so well known, I would have chosen a different shop name (Made by BeaG) and a different avatar, because some people think I sell bears, but it still wouldn't be my face.)

[Anthropologeek]

I also have started to toy with the idea of wearing some of my wares and making that my profile picture and changing it sometimes. Usually, if one of my items fit, I am the model. The glasses I have on now will be available for sale soon at my shop. But I tend to agree with BeaG, if you have a signature handmade item/s and can make it into your brand, go for it!

[Former_Member]

I've gone back and forth, with pics of me vs pics of my items, over the couple of years I've been on here and I've noticed that I've received more sales while using a picture of me. That being said, I am trying to focus on branding more and once I finish with the logo I'm designing I will probably use that as an avatar to see if there is a difference in sales.

[UrbanCoutureJewelry]

I think if a person does choose to use their face as an avatar, at least have a smile and look positive unless you have an artsy photo like Maja, that's cool too. I have seen avatars of people scowling and my first inclination is to avoid them.

[Former_Member]

Urban Couture, that's a very good point. I feel the same way about scowling or bored looking models in item pics as well.

[Former_Member]

I'm always in favour of product, but maybe that's cos I'm nearly 60 ;-)

I'm not remotely interested in seeing what a seller looks like, I have no proof it is really them anyway so I don't go along with the idea it makes a seller look more personable or trustworthy.

If I see a product photo that interests me, I might click through - but if it's your face, and if your shop name gives me no clue what you sell, then I probably won't.

[CRDCcreations]

I originally used my logo (which is also on my shop banner) but switched to a pic of my products. Since my shop name is more generic (because I plan to expand my product line), I like the avatar to show a sample of what I sell. My picture is on my about page and shows up at the bottom of listings.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

When looking at other sellers, for me the most important thing is that they DON'T change their avatar.
I suck at remembering names, but I do remember avatars.
Most people have an easier time remembering pictures than remembering names. And if that picture is connected to your main product line (oops, mine's not), then I will remember you even better.
I don't know about other people, but I also have a better memory for logos or product pictures rather than seller's faces.
Whenever you change your avatar, I don't recognize you in the forums. So I won't be thinking about your products either, since I don't know it's you.
So my advice would be to choose an avatar and stick to it 'untill death do you part'.
(Even if you wish you would have chosen a different one, LOL.)

[Former_Member]

Hm, Maja makes a good point.

Perhaps I should change my avatar...

[Inugurumi]

I don't think it makes big difference. Though, there were several times I clicked the shop name because I liked what I saw in the avatar(and sometime I get disappointed when I find the avatar is nothing to do with what they sell.) If you use your photo, make sure it is a good photo. No selfie or blur picture which just make your shop look non-professional.

[FunandBaubles]

I prefer product pictures, simply because most of us are not as attractive as our products.

[DragonStarCreations1]

I use my logo. I have had it for years and it gets used on all my promotional materials. I have my picture (my mug) on my about page. It puts my face at the bottom of every listing page along with my name and on my about page.
I like my logo next to my business name. :)

[Former_Member]

I just swapped out the center of my logo for a picture of me so I didn't have to make a choice ;)