Choosing the right LinkedIn cover photo is an important part of creating a professional and memorable LinkedIn profile. Your cover photo is often the first thing people will notice on your profile, so making a good first impression is key. When done right, your cover photo can showcase your personality, interests, skills, and goals. Follow these tips to create a LinkedIn cover photo that represents you in the best possible light.
Choose an appropriate, professional photo
First and foremost, make sure your cover photo is appropriate and professional. While you want to express yourself, inappropriate or overly casual photos can give the wrong impression. Stick to business or career-focused images. Some good options include:
- A picture of you giving a presentation or public speaking
- You working at a desk or collaborating with colleagues
- A professional headshot
- You attending or speaking at an industry conference or event
- A relevant landscape, cityscape, or background related to your industry
Avoid party photos, silly selfies, or overly personal images. Remember that your goal is to look polished and professional to colleagues, potential employers, and new connections.
Showcase your skills and personality
While keeping it professional, your cover photo is also a chance to let your skills, experience, passions and personality shine. For example:
- A teacher could include a photo of themselves in a classroom.
- An accountant might opt for an image related to numbers or finance.
- A graphic designer may use examples of their design work.
Images related to your hobbies, travels, or causes you care about can also give viewers insight into who you are as a person. Just make sure it’s done tastefully and any recreational photos still look professional.
Use high-quality images
Since your cover photo is front and center, you want to use a high-quality image to represent yourself. Some tips:
- Use an image with a resolution of at least 1600 x 400 pixels. This will ensure the image appears crisp and clear at all sizes.
- Make sure the image is well-lit. Dark, grainy photos don’t send the right message.
- Consider hiring a professional photographer if you want cover photo headshots. This can be worth the investment.
- Edit photos using image-editing software to improve lighting, crop the image, etc.
Include relevant text overlays
Adding text overlays on top of your cover photo is a great way to share key information. You can include:
- Your name and professional title
- A tagline or motto
- Your company name
- Areas of expertise
- An inspiring quote or message
Keep text brief and make sure it stands out against the background photo. Use a legible font in a dark color like black or white for best visibility.
Customize for each audience
Consider using different LinkedIn cover photos tailored to your target audiences. For example:
- A corporate headshot for connecting with recruiters
- A conference photo for industry networking
- An image featuring your volunteer work for nonprofit contacts
Rotate your photo on occasion to keep your profile fresh and showcase different sides of who you are.
Check dimensions
LinkedIn cover photos appear in three different sizes on desktop, tablet and mobile. Make sure your image works for all three:
| Platform | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Desktop | 1584 x 396 pixels |
| Tablet | 1192 x 220 pixels |
| Mobile | 480 x 200 pixels |
Use an image editing tool to preview how your cover photo will look at each size and make adjustments where needed.
Look for inspiration
If you need some inspiration, browse through the LinkedIn profiles of others in your industry to see their cover photo examples. Some ideas:
- What colors, themes or images are commonly used?
- What key messages are conveyed through their text overlays?
- What backgrounds and poses look most professional?
Gain inspiration but make sure your photo remains unique to you. Don’t simply copy someone else’s photo background or style.
Showcase branding
If you have an established personal brand or logo, incorporate this into your cover photo. For example, a consultant could display their brand colors and logo. Just make sure it complements your photo instead of overwhelming it.
Experiment with options
LinkedIn allows you to easily swap out cover photos to try different options. Test out a few choices with your network and see which ones get the best engagement. Try:
- Classic corporate headshot
- Fun industry conference photo
- Branded background with logo
- Hobby or travel photo
See if certain photos generate more profile views, connection requests, or positive feedback. Let this guide your final choice.
Change it up seasonally
Consider updating your LinkedIn cover photo on a seasonal basis. This gives you a chance to keep your profile looking fresh and highlight different aspects of your brand over time. Some seasonal photo ideas include:
| Season | Photo Idea |
|---|---|
| Spring | Outdoor or nature related |
| Summer | At a conference or event |
| Fall | New professional headshot |
| Winter | Branded with holiday colors |
Don’t let your cover photo get outdated. Change it regularly to reflect your evolving career and interests.
Ask for feedback
Once you’ve narrowed down your cover photo options, ask trusted colleagues, mentors, or professionals in your network for input on which option they prefer. They may point out things you hadn’t noticed. Accept constructive criticism with grace. Ultimately, choose the photo that makes the best impression on your key audiences.
Review LinkedIn guidelines
As a final step before uploading your new LinkedIn cover photo, review LinkedIn’s guidelines to ensure your photo meets the requirements:
- Dimensions must be 1584×396 pixels (or adjusted sizes for tablet/mobile)
- JPG, PNG or GIF formats only
- Photo cannot contain nudity, violence, or offensive content
- Files size must be 8MB or smaller
Following these rules ensures your new photo will upload smoothly and look great on your profile.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect LinkedIn cover photo takes thoughtfulness and care. By focusing on creating a professional yet personal image, displaying your skills and achievements, using high-quality images, and customizing for your target audience, you can make a great first impression. Update your photo regularly to keep your profile looking engaging and fresh. With an eye-catching and professional cover image, you can let your brand shine on LinkedIn.