Quick Answer: Yes, You Should Make Your LinkedIn Photo Public
The quick answer is that yes, you should make your LinkedIn profile photo public. Here are some key reasons why:
– LinkedIn is a professional social media platform, so having a photo helps showcase your professional brand and identity. Not having a photo can make your profile seem incomplete.
– Making your photo public allows you to be more easily found and recognized by connections and potential contacts searching LinkedIn.
– Studies show LinkedIn profiles with photos receive up to 21 times more profile views than those without. So a photo can help increase your visibility and exposure.
– Public photos build trust and credibility. People like to put a face to a name when networking and connecting with professionals.
– A professional headshot inspires confidence in your capabilities and personal brand. It makes you seem more legitimate.
– Photos help others remember you. The visual association helps cement the connection.
So in summary, a public photo strengthens your personal brand, visibility, credibility and networking opportunities on LinkedIn. It’s considered a best practice for optimizing your LinkedIn presence.
Should You Use the Same Photo Across Social Platforms?
A common question is whether you should use the same profile photo across all your social media platforms, or tailor the photo for each one. Here are some things to consider:
– Consistency in your personal branding is good. Having the same photo establishes recognition across networks.
– However, consider the differences in each platform. A more formal headshot may be better for LinkedIn, while a casual photo may suit Facebook.
– Customizing the photo for each platform helps optimize your branding and image for the particular audience and purpose of that network.
– Updating your photo periodically can also help keep your image fresh and current across platforms. Consider a profile photo update every few years.
– While customization has benefits, having completely different photos on every platform can work against consistency in your personal brand.
– A happy medium could be keeping the same basic photo, but modifying it slightly for each platform. For example, a color vs. black & white version.
So in summary, consistency across platforms is good, but customization can also be beneficial. Try to find a balance between the two approaches.
Photo Tips for an Effective LinkedIn Profile Picture
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile photo, keep these tips in mind:
Appearance
– Wear professional attire like a suit or dress shirt. Avoid casualwear.
– Maintain a tidy, neat appearance.
– Make sure your photo is sharp and clear, not blurry or pixelated.
Background
– Choose a plain solid color background. Avoid busy backgrounds.
– A light gray, beige or white background works well.
– Make sure the emphasis is on you, not the background.
Composition
– Use a headshot photo from slightly above chest level. Do not zoom in too close.
– Position yourself facing square to the camera, make eye contact.
– Focus on good posture, facial expression and hand position.
– Ensure proper lighting on your face. Avoid shadows.
Other Tips
– Smiling is good, but avoid big toothy grins.
– Black & white can work well for a sophisticated look.
– The photo should reflect your personal brand.
– Professional photo shoots are ideal but not essential.
– Crop and frame the photo tightly on your face and shoulders.
– Review the photo objectively from someone else’s perspective.
Should You Include Non-Professional Photos?
Beyond your main profile photo, you have the option of including additional photos on your LinkedIn profile. But should you add casual non-professional photos as well? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Potential Pros
– Shows you have a human side beyond just work.
– Provides a look at your interests, hobbies and lifestyle.
– Can showcase your creativity, fun side and personality.
– Helps form connections through shared interests and experiences.
Potential Cons
– On a professional platform, informal photos may seem out of place or irrelevant.
– They can detract from your career-oriented brand and focus.
– Some recreational activities shown may be controversial or unprofessional.
– Too many casual photos clutter your profile and distract from core content.
– Viewers may make snap judgements about your capabilities based on appearances.
Tips if Adding Personal Photos
– Only include 1-2 casual photos max, don’t let them dominate.
– Show hobbies and activities that contribute to a well-rounded personality.
– Make sure any recreational activities shown are professionally acceptable.
– Use high-quality photos that reflect you positively.
– Provide context in the caption explaining the activity and its significance.
In summary, a couple tasteful personal photos on your profile can work well, but take care not to distract from your core professional brand. Use discretion.
Should You Edit Your LinkedIn Photo with Filters and Touch-Ups?
Mobile apps make it easy to edit profile photos with filters and touch-up effects. But is this a good idea for your LinkedIn profile picture? Here are some considerations:
Potential Benefits
– Minor improvements and color correction can improve overall photo quality.
– Subtle filters can make a photo appear warmer, cooler, brighter etc.
– Slight retouching like teeth whitening or blemish removal can polish appearance.
– Touch-ups can reduce flaws, shine, shadows and distractions in the photo.
Risks and Downsides
– Heavy filtering risks making the photo seem artificial or distorted.
– Overdoing retouching can look fake and insincere.
– The focus should be on projecting an authentic representation.
– Edits shouldn’t misrepresent your true appearance.
– Minor imperfections make a photo more natural and human.
– Professional experience matters more than appearances on LinkedIn.
Best Practices
– Use editing subtly to enhance a photo’s positive qualities.
– Do not alter your physical features or misportray your likeness.
– Seek a natural, high-quality photo over editing and filters.
– Focus on projecting your true professional self authentically.
In summary, minor photo enhancements are fine if used judiciously, but avoid excessive alteration that misrepresents you or looks artificial.
Should You Hire a Professional Photographer?
Here are some considerations on whether to hire a professional photographer to take your LinkedIn profile picture:
Benefits of Professional Photos
– Higher quality equipment, lighting and lenses for sharper images.
– Technical photographic skills for composition, framing, lighting etc.
– Creative direction expertise for poses, expressions, shots etc.
– Access to a range of professional backdrops and settings.
– Know-how to retouch and edit photos effectively.
– Project a polished look aligned with branding goals.
Drawbacks of Professional Photos
– More expensive and time-consuming than taking your own.
– May come across as overly polished or sophisticated.
– You still need to feel comfortable with your image.
– Talented amateurs can also take quality headshots.
Tips for Getting Professional Photos
– Consider investing for a Level 2 connection or above.
– Ask business contacts for referrals to quality photographers.
– Look for those experienced specifically in professional headshots.
– For budget photos, research photography students or newer photographers.
– Schedule a mini-session focused just on headshots for efficiency.
– Communicate the professional, approachable image you want portrayed.
– Get the photographer’s opinion, but have final say on photo selection.
In summary, professional photos are ideal if within your budget. If not, choose the best quality photo you can capture or source elsewhere.
Conclusion
Having a public profile photo on LinkedIn provides many benefits and is considered a best practice for creating a strong professional presence. Choose a good quality headshot that projects an authentic, approachable image in line with your personal brand. Subtle edits can improve the photo but avoid going overboard. Professional photographers offer great results but aren’t strictly necessary. Focus on looking polished yet personable. With the right photo that captures your essence, you can make a great first impression and maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile.