With more new people coming online to twitter they will want to know how to make an avatar. If you currently do not have an avatar on twitter then you should consider having one. People are more opt to connecting with you if you have a picture. The standard faceless avatar that comes with the account just doesn’t cut it.

Using Your Own Picture
If your not a business I suggest you use a picture of yourself. You want people to connect with you. To shrink or manipulate your image down to 73 x 73 you can use a free online image resize and crop tool. Upload your picture and you can then set a custom size and crop as needed.

Using a Cartoon Picture
There has been trends where people will display a cartoon avatar on twitter. You can create an avatar using DoppelIMe or FaceYourManga. You may need to resize these icons in the end so you can use the same tool as above to do that.

5 Suggestions

1. If you have a company logo be sure to brand yourself but try and be as creative as possible.
2. Use your own picture so people will identify with you. People like to talk to people.
3. Use an image that provokes thought. Surf through iStockPhoto for ideas.
4. Keep your eye open for trends and holidays. Most people like to make festive avatars.
5. Update your avatar at least once a month. Keep your avatar fresh and interesting.

If you get stuck leave a note in the comments or catch me on twitter.