Your first impression starts as soon as someone reads your profile online. Your profile pic therefore is a powerful tool for how people perceive you. Update it to stand out in a sea of bad profile pictures.

#1 Smile directly into the camera

Smile one notch up from the Mona Lisa. A good tip is to look as if you are agreeing with the viewer. This establishes rapport from the start.

Remember to 'smile' with your eyes by slightly squinting as you look into the camera. Avoid wearing sunglasses for professional profiles.

#2 Be well lit

Make sure people can see your face. Avoid shadows: sit in front of a window or use a ring light for the best effect. A well-lit portrait can set you apart from the crowd. Use the same photo across different profiles to build a consistent brand.

#3 Use props to help you

If you don't have a tripod, put your phone in a glass on the windowsill, or use your ironing board to get the right height.

To make taking a selfie easier, use the PLAY button on your earphones to trigger the camera instead of relying on the timer.