Build your credibility and add calls to action

We’ve just spent a lot of time focusing on creating a spiky, outcome-driven, unique Twitter bio. But we can’t stop there. The bio is just one (albeit very important) element of your Twitter profile. In this step, you’ll learn how to tweak the rest of your profile so that it’s as great as the bio you’ve just created. 

For all of these elements, remember to refer back to your brand guideline to ensure you’re staying on brand. 

1. Select the right profile picture

Your choice of profile picture tells people a lot about you. Remember, you are using Twitter to get clients, so you want to make a strong first impression, and your profile picture is a big part of that. I recommend using your real full name so that people know you’re a real person. There can be a lot of Joe and Jessicas on Twitter!

• If you’re smiling, it signals to people that you’re approachable.

• If you’re wearing a suit, it signals to people that you’re a corporate person.

• If you’re holding a banana–like Leif, below–it signals that you’re quirky and might be on the creative side.

• If you only use an avatar for your photo, like the example below, it signals to people that you’re a little more reserved and maybe less approachable.

Referring back to your brand guidelines, what do you want to communicate about yourself via your profile photo? What visual cues can you give your audience that communicates those characteristics? 

2. Use the banner to show your personality

Your banner helps your profile picture tell your story. Presenting your authentic self is a great way to attract new clients. Remember that your banner image takes up significant digital real estate, so it plays a key role in crafting a first impression:

Tells people different things based on your choice of a slogan, colors, photo of you speaking to an audience, a beach photo, or an arrow pointing to the “Follow” button. 

If you’re speaking on stage, it can show that you have ideas worth listening to and are open to establishing connections.

3. Add credibility to your bio

The more credibility a visitor perceives you have, the longer they spend to find out how you achieved it. Some ways to achieve credibility are:

• Name drop, e.g. “Ex-Google”, “3x Amazon Bestseller”, or “Published 16 books”

• Show proof of work, e.g. “Join 2,000+ people to read my newsletter” or “Implement SEO strategy that pulled $5 mil”

Often, one hint is enough. You don’t want to be braggy. 

Even if you’re just getting started, you have something to share. This is a good place to bring in your Exceptions or Strengths. For example, maybe you pride yourself on writing squeaky-clean copy or your work never has a pixel out of line. Those are the exact types of Strengths that someone looking to bring on a freelancer would be interested in, so don’t be scared to highlight them. 

4. Have a clear call-to-action

You always want to have a link that takes people interested in you to the next place. Depending on your goals, this can mean different destinations. 

• A graphic designer using Twitter to enhance her brand can add a link to her website.

• A ghostwriter looking to attract leads can use one clear call-to-action that leads to a freebie. This not only shows the potential client what you can do but also helps you collect emails that you can use to further develop relationships.

• If you’re a digital creator, you can have multiple product links in your profile. But note that more credibility justifies more links. If you’re just starting one clear link is optimal.

The call-to-action on my profile is to my Linktree, which brings the audience directly to everything I want them to know about me.

5. Use your pinned tweet strategically 

Your pinned tweet is your ultimate call-to-action and very valuable digital real estate. Consider using your pinned tweet to highlight a quirky Exception that will spark a potential client’s curiosity and make them want to hire you.

Check out this freelance writer Kaitlyn Arford’s pinned tweet. She’s used this extra real estate to be super clear on the services she offers and provide an immediate way for potential clients to learn more and contact her. 

Exercise: Create and post your Twitter profile

Now it’s your turn! It’s time to create your exceptional Twitter profile and post it to Twitter. Here’s each step, using the guidelines outlined above:

1. Choose your profile photo. Upload it to your profile. 

2. Create a banner. If you have design software already, go ahead and use that. But if you’re not a designer and you need a little help, Canva offers both free and inexpensive services. Upload the final result to your Twitter profile. 

3. Figure out your credibility marker. Add it to your two-line bio. 

4. Create a call to action. What do you want people to do next? Put that call to action right in your Twitter bio. 

5. Pin a tweet. Choose one (or write one) that communicates something new and interesting about you. Consider it a little bonus to the great Twitter bio you’ve created above.

What have we learned?

What does your profile photo communicate about you?

What are two ways you can utilize your banner? 

How can you communicate credibility to a visitor? 

What’s a call to action? Why is it important? 

How can you utilize a pinned tweet?