If you're looking for help adding, changing or removing images, take a look at the article How do I add, change or remove images on my profile?
Your profile acts as the bridge between a student considering taking music lessons and it happening. The images on your profile are there to help your profile stand out and act as visual communication of your identity and your approach to teaching.
Profile images should aim to build rapport with the potential student and encourage them to send you an inquiry. Without the opportunity to speak to potential students, images are an important part of this process.
Image Categories
You have the opportunity to insert four different types of images onto your profile:
Profile picture
Cover picture
Additional images
Video
What makes a great profile picture?
Head and shoulders photo where you are smiling and looking directly at the camera
High-quality image
Contrast - create a contrast with your background by wearing a bright colour against a pale background or vice versa
What makes a great cover picture?
Consider your cover picture both within the search results and your profile. The dimensions of the image change within the two results, so it is important to check the results in both places
Images which include yourself can be difficult to set successfully
Consider images that tell a story or create feelings
Use a high-quality photo
A great cover image should add to your profile image and reveal more information about you as a teacher
What are great additional images?
You have space for five additional photos that can tell your story
Use five images depicting you in different locations or situations
Images of a teaching room, instruments or performance shots can be very effective
What makes a great video?
You have three options for video types:
Performance video
‘Piece to Camera’ introduction video
A mixture of both
Performance video: A short video of you performing works well if you are uncomfortable recording an introductory video
Introduction video: This can be a great way of speaking directly to a potential student. The video should be short 30 - 60 seconds, where you:
introduce yourself, your instruments taught and teaching location,
explain briefly your approach to teaching, what you love about teaching and what a student can expect in a first lesson,
and finish with a call to action of ‘send me a message’.
This simple three-part structure works particularly well.
Checklist for a great video
Making a great video needs a little bit of thought beforehand. Here are some points to consider:
Shoot in landscape orientation - not portrait This will ensure your video is presented optimally on your profile
Look right in the camera Eye contact helps to connect with the audience and build trust.
Keep the camera still! Keep the camera on a tripod or similar, so the video doesn’t shake too much.
Light Make sure there is plenty of light in the room you are recording (natural light is better, but a nice lamp or two is good too.
Think about your background. A musical background in a simple, uncluttered space is our recommendation.
Location eg “I teach from my home studio in ______, students homes nearby and also online (delete what doesn’t apply to you).
Duration The video should between 30 and 60 seconds long.
Think about what you'll say. That time can really whizz by. Prepare with some bullet points on what you'll say in the video.
Don't panic! Even the pros struggle to get everything right in the first take. Take your time, enjoy making the video and don't be disheartened if it takes a few attempts to get comfortable in front of the camera.
If you would like help with your profile text, we have a great article full of suggestions for you.
If you would like one of the team to review your profile, please send us an email at info@musicteachers.co.uk and we will help you with this