An avatar is the small picture (75px by 75px) that is displayed in your profile and whenever you are posting in the forums. If you change your avatar, the picture will change in all of your past posts as well.
So the avatar is your signature, so to speak - people will remember you by your avatar, and if it looks interesting enough, people are also more likely to click on it to have a look around your shop.
There has always been a hot discussion on what a good avatar is - but here are your basic choices:
Picture of yourself
It's nice to see the face behind the art, so to speak. If you choose a picture of yourself, make sure it is clear, looks good and doesn't change too often.
Picture of a signature product
Even if the product is not for sale anymore - having a great looking product that sums up your shop in just a couple of pixels is great advertisement.
Picture of a product for sale
One of the first items I sold was my avatar. It's a great form of advertising, but since that product changes frequently, it might not be as recognizable as one steady signature product.
Changing, but recognizable avatars
See those pictures? That's Blossom, my spokesmonkey. She will change avatars frequently, indicating when she is asleep or celebrating certain holidays. Other people choose a certain style of photography, announce when they are taking a vacation or having a sale.
Labels: Shop advice