This One Thing is Overlooked by 95% of Writers

Don’t make this mistake if you want to build yourself into a brand

This One Thing is Overlooked by 95% of Writers
My LinkedIn DP and Cover Image — Screenshot by author

When I first started writing online, I focused entirely on my content. I assumed that good writing alone would be enough to attract readers. But over time, I realized something that most writers overlook—your display photo plays a crucial role in building your personal brand.

Your display photo isn’t just an image; it’s a key part of your online identity. Along with your name, it’s one of the first things readers see, and it shapes how they remember you.

Without a recognizable profile picture, you risk becoming faceless in a sea of writers.

I quickly realized that even though my writing spoke for itself, a missing or inconsistent photo weakened my brand. Readers connect with people, not just words. A familiar image creates trust and recognition, making it easier for your audience to remember you.

You may ask why changing your display photo too often hurts your visibility.

At first, I didn’t just make the mistake of not having a display photo; I also changed it frequently. Every time I switched images, I noticed that my audience struggled to recognize me. My profile didn’t feel consistent, and that inconsistency made it harder to stand out.

That’s when I discovered the power of branding through consistency.

The Power of Consistency in Branding Yourself as a Writer

Branding isn’t just about what you write; it’s also about how you present yourself.

To create a strong and recognizable presence, I decided to stick with the same:


Display photo so my audience could instantly recognize me
Name and username, to maintain a professional and trustworthy identity

Over time, this simple step helped me move from just another content creator to a recognizable writer with a strong identity.

How do I build a strong online presence as a writer?

If you’re trying to establish yourself as a writer, don’t just focus on content; pay attention to your presence.

Choose a high-quality, professional display photo that reflects your personality
Keep it consistent across platforms so people recognize you instantly
Maintain the same name or username to build trust and brand recall

Readers want to connect with a person, not just words on a screen. If you want to stand out and be remembered, let your display photo reflect the writer you aspire to be.