Welcome back to our “Getting Ready for PR” series! Today, our Chief Publicist, Holly Royle, delves into the fundamentals of social media, starting with your profile photo and bio.
Profile Photo and Banner
Your social media presence begins with your profile picture. For bands, having a group photo as your profile picture instantly humanizes your page and clearly introduces you to potential fans. But what about the banner picture? This space is ideal for showcasing the artwork of your latest release. It’s also a great spot for advertising any major upcoming shows. Received a glowing review recently? Flaunt it in your banner so everyone sees it!
Tips for Perfect Profile Imagery
- Quality Matters: Opt for high-resolution images, scaled to the correct size for the platform. Remember, sizes may vary between app and PC versions, so select images that look great on both.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updated size guidelines for profile photos and banners. This information is readily available online.
The Bio
Your bio is your story, told briefly but effectively. Platforms like Facebook no longer allow long biographies, so it’s crucial to maximize the limited space available. Your bio should be current – correct spellings of all names, accurate listing of band members and their roles, no mention of past members or outdated shows.
Crafting a Captivating Bio
- Conciseness is Key: Extract the essence of your main bio to create a shorter version that still captures your band’s spirit.
- Professional Help: If writing isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional to craft your bio. First impressions count, and your bio is how you present yourself to the world.
Contact Details – Don’t Overlook This!
Clear and accessible contact details are vital. If journalists, promoters, or fans can’t easily find a professional email for your band, it could reflect poorly on you. If you don’t already have one, set up a dedicated band email (Gmail or Outlook works fine). Additionally, make it a habit to regularly check your emails. Working with a PR agent or record label? Include their contact details too, if possible.
Keeping Up-to-Date
- Email Consistency: Ensure your contact details are always current. Any changes in email addresses should be updated immediately.
Stay tuned for more insights in our “Getting Ready for PR” series.
For further free advice, check out the Heavy Business Podcast!