How to Brand Your Twitter Profile

Twitter is a powerful social networking tool that allows users to send 140-character messages to followers and friends. With more than 5 million Twitter users out there, it's important to stand out – especially if you're using Twitter as a business tool. Customizing your Twitter profile design is one simple way to boost your visibility. It's kind of like sending your message with an elegant letterhead or in a thank-you note, rather than on plain white paper. It takes just a few minutes to paint your Twitter profile background a new color or set your tone with a pattern, like the swirls in the main photo (a free download, courtesy of Social Identities). In a future Byte-Syze learning tutorial, we'll cover how to use your own product shots in your Twitter profile. Description While there are many paid options out there for customizing your Twitter profile design, this tutorial will explain two free ways to do it. Why is it Important? With over 50 million tweets being sent daily, it's essential that you create a unique look for your Twitter profile. Anyone who visits your profile to get a better sense of who you are will be much more likely to visit your website or blog after seeing a profile with thought behind it. Part One: Using a Twitter Theme Step 1: Sign In Go to http://twitter.com and sign in (or sign up). Step 2: Click "Settings" Once you are in the settings area you will notice the word "Account" outlined. Look to the right and click on "Design". Step 3: Select a Theme Twitter has quite a few nice-looking themes, so I decided on one and hit "save changes". Step 4: Edit Colors As you can see below, my new background has taken effect. You can also take your profile design further by selecting the "change design colors" option and then playing around with the color palette for your sidebar, links and text. When you are done, hit "save changes". Step 5: Hit Save Changes Click save changes and now you can see my Twitter profile looks like this.  Part Two:  Using a Custom Background Image Step 1: Find a Background Many sites offer free Twitter profile designs. For this tutorial, I used Social Identities. Step 2: Save to Computer Once you find a background you like, click on it. Then save the full-size image to your computer. Step 3: Sign In Go to http://twitter.com and sign in (or sign up). Step 4: Click Settings Once you are in the settings area you will notice the word "Account" outlined. Look to the right and click on "Design". Step 5: Add your Image Scroll down and click on "change background image", then upload your saved background file. Step 6: Edit Colors Since Twitter offers complimentary colors for their own themes, you should change your design colors to match your new chosen background image (or else it will seriously clash). Step 7: Hit Save Changes Finish up by saving your work and then hit "Profile" to check out your new look!  Here's Mine: Other ways to brand your Twitter account: You can buy custom backgrounds with your own images/product photos (good for building a bigger presence) from graphic designers like Renee @ Thompson Designs or sites like Twitr Backgrounds. Check out Free Twitter Designer, which allows you to create a custom background (with text, images and shapes) in conjunction with Twitter's API. That means once you hit save, your new background will automatically be uploaded to your account. Justine Smith is an Etsy success story who used her experience selling online and turned it into a full-time wholesale business. Her real passion is helping handmade sellers find success marketing their craft products. She offers tips on advertising, branding, social media and growth via email through her blog Handmade Marketer.                                        

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