Welcome to Athlete Now, the go-to directory for athletes seeking experts in sports science and medicine. If you’re a professional in this field, you already know that standing out is crucial. But how do you create a profile that not only showcases your expertise but also attracts the right audience? Let’s take a look.
Make Your Specialisation Crystal Clear at the Top
Your specialisation is your calling card. Whether you’re a guru in sports nutrition, a wizard in injury rehabilitation, or a maestro of biomechanics, make it abundantly clear right at the top of your profile. This isn’t just about you; it’s about letting athletes know immediately if you can solve their specific problems.
Avoid Generic Offerings
It’s tempting to cast a wide net and list every skill or service you can offer. Resist this urge. Specialisation not only sets you apart but also attracts the clients who are looking for exactly what you provide. Tailor your offerings to your niche, and you’ll find that the athletes who need you will come to you.
Don’t Over-Emphasise Qualifications Over Solutions
While it’s important to list your qualifications and educational background, don’t make them the focal point of your profile. Athletes are more interested in solutions to their problems than where you went to school. Instead, focus on how your expertise can help them improve performance, recover from injuries, or achieve their personal bests.
Prioritise Experiences
Credentials are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. Have you worked with athletes who’ve gone on to win championships? Have you developed new methods of injury prevention for a runner, innovative ways to integrate fuelling strategies for a rugby team, creative ways to engage a skier in cognitive behavioural therapy? These experiences speak louder than degrees and should be highlighted in your profile. Focus on what you did and with who, by all means mention the result, but giving an inane list of promotions and relegations speaks little about what someone will experience when they work with you.
Keep the Text Punchy and Informative
You don’t have much time to capture someone’s attention online. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Use bullet points or numbered lists for easy scanning. Make every word count.
It’s Not About You; It’s About What You Can Do for Them
Remember, your profile should focus less on you and more on what you can do for athletes. Use phrases like “I can help you achieve…” or “You will benefit from…” rather than “I have studied…” or “I am an expert in…”
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good photograph. Choose a professional, high-resolution image where you look approachable and competent. Avoid selfies or casual shots. This is your first impression, so make it count.
- 1. Choose the Right Background: Opt for a neutral, uncluttered background that doesn’t distract from your face. Solid colours like white, grey, or beige work well. Make sure there’s enough distance between you and the background to create a slight depth-of-field effect, which helps you stand out.
- 2. Good Lighting is Essential: Natural lighting is usually the most flattering, so try to take your photo during the day when you can take advantage of sunlight. Position yourself so that the light falls onto your face, but avoid harsh shadows or overly bright spots. If you’re indoors, use soft lighting to eliminate shadows and highlight your features.
- 3. Dress Professionally: Even though only your upper body will likely be visible, it’s important to dress professionally. Wear solid colors or subtle patterns, as busy designs can be distracting. Make sure your attire is appropriate for your field; for example, if you’re a fitness coach, a clean, well-fitted athletic shirt may be suitable.
- 4. Frame Your Face: Your face should be the focal point of the image. Position the camera at eye level and look straight into the lens. Your face should take up about 60-70% of the frame. Keep your expression neutral or opt for a genuine smile, depending on the tone you want to set.
- 5. High-Quality Image: Use a good quality camera for a clear, high-resolution image. Most modern smartphones have cameras that are more than adequate for this purpose. Make sure the image is well-focused, and consider using a tripod or asking someone else to take the photo to avoid any blurriness from hand movement.
- 6. Avoid using a logo: People buy into you, so avoid using your fancy new logo as your profile picture. Also avoid naming yourself you business.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a profile that not only showcases your expertise but also serves as a magnet for athletes looking for the best in sports science and medicine.