MySpace is a little bit like high school – popularity counts for a lot. What can MySpace popularity give you? Some things and more, if you ask me. First, being popular in MySpace means that a lot of people would be begging you to make them part of your network -- an instant active social circle. Second, it boosts your confidence -- online or offline. Knowing that 500 or so people online think that you're cool can do wonders for your offline personality. Third, being popular means that a lot of people visit your page to read your entries or look at your MySpace graphics -- an opportunity to promote your other blogs, services, or your businesses while drawing in other advertisers. Sounds good doesn't it? But like many other things, this is easier said than done. Or is it?
Anyone can make an interesting story about himself but it's the delivery that counts. Of course, you can attempt to be witty and smart by writing a short bio but really, people don't take in words as well as they do graphics. There's no doubt about it--the graphical elements in your profile design can make you a MySpace star. The right MySpace graphics can give your profile that much-needed punch, the right amount of attitude, and an overall appeal that will make your humble page stand out from the crowd. Try these tips when you decide to buff up your page with some MySpace graphics:
1. Give your page some attitude.
Use personality-driven MySpace graphics. Graphics in MySpace or any other website is not limited to pictures and more pictures. These other items include links, videos, and layout images. So instead of cluttering your page with just your photos like some digital narcissist, try doing a theme according to your interests. If you're interested in cars, make your icons, buttons, and background images wheels-related. If you're a shopaholic use shoe images for your buttons. Catch my drift? Not only will your page look cooler, themes can also attract other people who have the same interest to your personal network.
2. Create and include useful graphics.
Pictures don't do anything except crowd potentially useful space. Make your MySpace graphics count by including graphic versions of standard links in your page like Home, Message, Add, Blog, and Comment buttons. Aside from making site navigation easy, these graphical links also foster connection between you and potential friends. People like to feel involved and these pictorial cues make them potential friends feel more inclined to bond with you and join your network.
3. Get funky with your MySpace graphics.
When I say useful, I don't mean boring, standard, gray buttons. These kind of links give you a personality like an old librarian spinster. People want to meet interesting characters so make sure that you add graphics that are loaded with style. Glitter texts, animated cartoons, offbeat videos, and other elements can boost your MySpace reputation. This is the Internet, get wild and crazy. Don't be afraid to let your hair down.
4. Make your page easy on the eyes.
Just like in high school, sometimes when you try to hard to impress a crowd, you end up impressing no one. Overloading your page with every button, text, link, and cartoon available in the 'Net won't make you a hit. Instead, use a few select MySpace graphics that encapsulate your personality. Not only will you come off as a sensible person, but people would probably take the time to read your profile because they are not bothered with eyestrain caused by too many blinking and flashing things on your page. Choose quality over quantity.
5. Keep it real.
Of course, you can opt to put other MySpace graphics in your page to turn you into a cooler person -- even if you don't care about them at all. You can put guitar pictures even if you play the trumpet. Or a Warhol print even if your art appreciation doesn't extend past Michaelangelo. You can pretend to like the edgier stuff but people are going to find out soon enough. People want passion -- the more passionate you are, the more they will be drawn to you. Passion can only come from sincerity. So keep your MySpace page a real expression and reflection of yourself and your interests and expect loads of people to drop in and say "Hi!"
About the Author :
Yula Mediavillo is an inhouse writer for the online media company Intelligraph Corporation and spends her free time obsessing about her MySpace page. She recommends MySpace Graphics at MyWackoSpace
