Gotta Getta Gravatar

Posted by Laura Bergells

February 4, 2008

Gotta Get a Gravatar! What’s a Gravatar? Why, it’s a globally recognized avatar! This is an 80×80 pixel image that follows you about as you comment on blogs (like this one!) that enable gravatar recognition.

Why do you need one? Gravatars are a branding, PR, and marketing must. When your image shows up next to your name, you get that extra visual boost that enables more powerful branding. That way, when you comment at gravatar enabled blogs, you and your web-based business get extra recognition!

For example, when I sign up for a FREE gravatar and self-commented at my site, this is what it looks like:

Get your own gravatar. Sign up for a free gravatar here. Takes a few minutes. About 28 hours later, you will see the image of YOUR choice when you comment at gravatar-enabled blogs. (Your company logo, perhaps? Or your best professional headshot?)

To test your gravatar, feel free to come back here and leave a comment! Your new, free gravatar pic should pop, giving you that extra visibility boost that marketers and communication experts treasure! Will gravatars encourage more active comment participation? Let’s find out!

(Note to comment spammers: If it’s a nasty image, I have the right to refuse to publish it — just like odious comment spam!)

Getting a gravatar takes a couple of minutes. Put it on the to-do list this month. After that, it’s all automatic.

And y’all come back now, OK?