# Your User Profile: Tips & Tricks > [!NOTE] This is NOT an official Bluesky resource! > Be aware that this is a living vault, very much a work-in-progress. It is NOT meant to be a 100% accurate and finished resource. Please note that these tips are just based on my own experience. What works for me may not work for you. Feel free to send me feedback via [[Contact Debbie]] > ## Before starting to follow people, fill out your profile. Doing this helps show people you are a Real Person (not a bot). Fill out your profile bio, adding a cover image, and updating your profile userpic from the default. If possible, include a link where people can find out more about you. Bluesky does not have a separate field for a profile link, and I've noticed a lot of people forgetting to do this. ![Illustration showing a woman looking at her smartphone screen looking slightly irritate. In the thought bubble above her head: a blank Bluesky account. She ends up deciding NOT to follow them back in case they're a placeholder account, spammer, or bot. She thinks "Name sounds sort of familiar. Wish they included a profile link!" Art by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5amsebbtpuqieuxuqadmmvcv/bafkreigotsukeubnheuiodscmshturdt5doyntzgyhip6kogfmvuawhdaq@jpeg) ## Upload a cover image I found this a bit tricky, and it took me a bunch of tries. Try to see how your cover image looks on various devices (desktop computer? tablet? smartphone screen?) and browsers. I came up with a template which still isn't perfect, but at least gives you a rough guide. ![[Template-Bluesky-Header-1024x768-v16-flat.jpg]] ## Change your Bluesky user picture from the default. Some people are comfortable with uploading a real-life headshot, some aren't. I try to use my real-life headshot because I figure it will help people recognize me from other platforms. ## Write your profile bio text. Use your profile bio to let people know what you're about. Note that you can include links and hashtags! ![[ProfileBio-ClickableLinks-1200.jpg]] ## Make an introductory post. Pin it. Make an intro post. Ideally, this post will give people an idea of who you are, and what they can expect if they follow you. I recommend including an image (include [[Alt text - Why It's Important|alt text]]). Some people share photos of their pets. Some of them in their workspace, or holding their latest book. If possible, I advise against just posting a "buy my stuff" post. Pin your post; you can find the option to "Pin to your profile" by going to the three dots (...) in the lower right corner of your post. You can always change your Pinned post later. Pinning your post keeps the post at the top of your Bluesky feed, so those visiting your Bluesky profile will always see it first.