5 Ways to Make Yourself Look Good Online

Like it or not, your online presence is an extension of who you are. While you may think, “my social media account, my rules,” there are real-life benefits to keeping a positive digital presence and taking steps to make yourself look good online. It goes beyond selfies and full-body shots.

When meeting someone for the first time, you always want to put your best foot forward. That includes how you dress and carry yourself, speak, and even the aura you project. Now, imagine the people who may come across your profile before ever meeting you in person – like dates, hiring managers, or grad school admissions officers.

Indeed, social media accounts can’t capture anyone’s entire personality. But they are one of the only references that other people, especially strangers, will have of you. You owe it to yourself to ensure that your online profiles leave a good impression, so potential connections will want to reach out and get to know you better. Here are a few tips for making your personality shine online.

These days, most people use social media to share funny memes or breaking news. You can make your profile more compelling and one-of-a-kind by showing off your hobbies and interests. Give them a quick shoutout in your bio, or feature them in different posts.

Do you play the guitar? Post a video of a cover you’re proud of, or write about your relationship with music. Love sports? Snap photos in action and put them on your feed. Do you volunteer for a non-profit? Post photos from the last event you attended to boost visibility for the organization you support. These tidbits all add online pogi points.

This exercise isn't about revealing everything about yourself online. It’s more about showing people a true-to-life view of your personality so they recognize that there’s more to you than meets the eye.

Highlight reels, like the featured photo album on Facebook or the Story Highlights on Instagram, are prime real estate for “highlighting” your best days.

It isn’t just about posting thirst traps or selfies where you look flawless, by the way. Instead, go for photos that establish your “brand” or personality. Post photos from memorable trips at scenic getaways, cute snaps of your pets, or even digital scans of pictures from your childhood photo album.

As they say, everything you post online lives forever, and nothing is ever truly deleted. Bear that in mind the next time you click post. Review your drafts and take that brief period to reflect on whether something is worth publicizing in the first place.

Spelling and grammar errors are understandable, but you don’t want every other word to be a typo. Proofreading is key. On the other hand, perpetuating misinformation is more than a minor oopsie. No one wants to be the bearer of fake news, so always fact-check before you share.

Social media loves the “tea,” and online drama can spread like wildfire – yes, even those posts you think are set to “Friends Only.” Screenshots exist, after all. If you ever find yourself embroiled in an argument with someone or wanting to call another person out, take a breather. Consider whether posting an angry rant online is worth the trouble.

Can your post serve a greater good, or will it only serve your ego? Will it fuel a raging fire and drag more people into the mess? Airing your private business online reveals that you don’t respect other people’s privacy, since you’re willing to skip respectful communication in favor of stirring the pot. In most cases, it would be best to settle personal issues privately rather than in a public space.

Use a photo that best represents you to make yourself look good online. Take selfies in natural light to bring out your favorite features. If you want to look fresh without the fuss, make it a habit to cleanse with the Dove Men+Care Deep Clean Body + Face Bar. It contains purifying grains that leave skin looking – and feeling! – new.

Make yourself look good online by reflecting on your terrific qualities in real life, so you can impress everyone who comes across your profile.