Are avatars useful?

I think showing your face on your blog or website is an effective way to build confidence and trust online. I see that there are a lot of people using avatars nowadays. Most are only approximate, sometimes caricatured, representations of people's photos. Personally I don't think avatars can replace your real photo. Do avatars have any real value when building trust online or are they just for amusement?

 

I look at them like a logo/brand. It's a visual way for others to recognize you. Do they add to ones trust by themselves? Probably not but neither would an image of someones face. Trust is earned by ones actions then that would be attributed to the avatar, so to speak.

 

yeah i think its more about the brand building. i dont look at a blog and see a picture of someone and automatically trust them more, because for all i know they are using someone elses picture

 

I have a moving avatar (logo) on twitter, and this really stands out from the crowd as most of the others are still pictures.

 

I also dont find any sort of value for avatar however its good to make brand image of your site or product

 

Avatars are most definitely useful, if they're used in good taste. People that view your blog/website want to feel a personal connection with you. It creates an element of trust and credibility...once again, if used in good taste.

 

My avatar is a cartoon.
I really prefer to go more personal than serious, that way people can trust you, plus you could make some friends and people feel they know you more...

 

Yes, avatars is best way to build brand power.

 

yeh, avatar is cool way to promote your brand .

 

Avatar is representative for yourself.

 

Avatars are useful because they connect people with your brand. If you use the same avatar for everything, you get more brand recognition.

 

it's very useful when the "visitors" make the first contact with you. the first impresion it's very vital!

 

no. but it's good because you let other people know what your targeting or promoting.

 

It's about the brand. Using your real face allows people to identify with you.

 

avatar are useful because they make first impression.

 

But it is not necessary to put your foto in the avatar - you can use a symbol or just a picture in it.

 

I believe that adding some kind of an avatar, any kind, indicates that you are more than just posting.. however i think on most social networks the 'picture' is not of the 'real' person.. which is fine at least there is something for the reader to relate to.

jmo
blackpaw

 

Yes if you want to give it a personal look.

 

Avatars are useful for promoting your brand. But keep in mind that if more avatars are around, your brand may become diluted. If you have a personal photo on there, you'll get a more personal touch. Ultimately it's up to you. Hope that helps.

 

I don't think they are important or they can build trust but they surely create mistrust if you put something inappropriate for avatar