Having an image in your LinkedIn post can be beneficial in many ways. Images catch the eye, draw attention, break up large blocks of text, and can help convey complex ideas or data through visuals. However, not all images are created equal and simply adding any random photo to your post isn’t necessarily going to provide value. There are some best practices to keep in mind when determining whether to include an image and what type of image to use.
The Pros of Using an Image in LinkedIn Posts
Here are some of the main advantages of using an image in your LinkedIn posts:
- Images are more likely to get attention – Posts with images tend to perform better than text-only posts. The image catches the eye as users scroll through their feed.
- Images make your post stand out – Most posts on LinkedIn are text-heavy. An image gives your post visual distinction from the rest.
- Images break up blocks of text – Large walls of text can be daunting. Images help divide long posts into more digestible sections.
- Images convey ideas visually – Some concepts are best explained through visuals. Images can illustrate an idea in a way that text alone cannot.
- Images add credibility – Relevant images like charts, graphs, and infographics can lend expertise and authority to your post.
- Images increase shareability – Posts with images tend to get shared more on LinkedIn and other social networks.
The bottom line is that images help grab attention, convey information, and increase engagement. For most posts, including a strong, relevant image provides value to your connections.
The Cons of Using an Image in LinkedIn Posts
However, there are also some potential downsides of using images in LinkedIn posts to be aware of:
- Images may appear too salesy or promotional – Posting pictures of your product or stock photos can come across as overly promotional or inauthentic.
- Loading issues on mobile – Images may load slowly or appear broken on mobile devices with spotty connections.
- Can distract from the message – Images that don’t directly support the topic can be distracting rather than adding value.
- Extra work to create or source – Finding quality, relevant images takes effort and creativity.
- Paying for stock photos – Some opt to pay for stock images rather than create their own, adding to marketing costs.
The key is to avoid images that are too sales-focused, low quality, or irrelevant to the topic. This takes careful thought and consideration when selecting images.
Best Practices for Using Images in LinkedIn Posts
If you do choose to use an image in your LinkedIn post, here are some best practices to follow:
- Select images purposefully – Choose images that clearly illustrate your point or convey useful information that supports the topic.
- Use original, high-quality images – Images should be at least 600 x 315 pixels. Original photos look more authentic than grainy stock images.
- Avoid overly promotional images – Brand logos, product photos, and cheesy stock images come across as salesy.
- Check image ratios – LinkedIn’s feed favors horizontal rectangle images over vertical or square images.
- Pick images with good lighting – Dark, blurry photos don’t convey a polished, professional brand image.
- Feature people when appropriate – Photos with people tend to perform well, just be sure to only feature appropriate individuals.
- Credit or pay for images – If using someone else’s photo, be sure to give photo credit or purchase rights.
- Use informative graphics – Infographics, charts, illustrations can visually communicate complex information.
Following these best practices will help ensure your images enhance your posts rather than detract from their message.
Should You Use an Image in Every LinkedIn Post?
While images can add value to many LinkedIn posts, that doesn’t mean every single post needs an image. Some best practices on whether or not to use an image include:
- Longer posts often benefit from an image – Break up lengthy posts with a strong image or two.
- Posts about visual topics may require an image – Subjects like design, photography, architecture, etc. often necessitate a visual.
- Posts announcing news or events can use logos – Company announcements or event promotions justify logos and graphics.
- Lighter posts warrant fun images – Personal stories and soft skills subjects allow for more casual, humorous images.
- Text-based posts are fine too – There’s nothing wrong with publishing text-only posts when appropriate.
Look at each post individually and determine if an image would enhance the message or not. Don’t force images just for the sake of including them. But do consider visuals as a way to illustrate many (but likely not all) of your posts.
Types of Images to Use on LinkedIn
Assuming you’ve determined a visual makes sense for your post, what kinds of images work best? Here are some top options:
- Headshots: Professional headshots of you, employees, or industry experts.
- Infographics: Data visualizations, charts, and graphs that inform readers.
- Stock photos: Relevant, high-quality stock images illustrating concepts.
- Quotes: Visual quotes overlaid on photos or backgrounds.
- Photos from events: Candid pictures from conferences, trade shows, etc.
- Behind-the-scenes: Company culture photos or peeks inside your business.
- Screencasts: Demos of your product or service in action.
- Custom graphics: Illustrated visuals like diagrams you create.
These visual styles help break up blocks of texts while providing readers with useful information and authentic snapshots.
Image Ideas for Different Post Topics
To spur ideas, here are some examples of effective image types for various post topics:
Industry News
- Infographics with relevant statistics
- Headshots of featured experts
- Charts related to the news event
Company Updates
- Logo, branding, and graphics
- Photos from company events
- Headshots of new hires or promoted team members
Product Launches
- Graphics of the product
- Screencasts showing how it works
- Infographics comparing features
Industry Commentary
- Charts related to your viewpoint
- Concept diagrams created by you
- Thoughtful quotes over background images
Conference Recaps
- Candid photos from the event
- Quotes from speakers over backgrounds
- Event agenda or program graphics
Soft Skills or Leadership Advice
- Relevant metaphors like nature photos
- Motivational teamwork or growth images
- Office culture or staff activity photos
Think about what visuals naturally pair with your post topics and how images can add to the story you’re telling.
Sizing Images for LinkedIn
LinkedIn recommends sharing images that are at least 1200 x 628 pixels. Small images will get distorted and pixelated. For best results, upload the highest resolution image possible.
However, keep in mind LinkedIn feeds will automatically crop and resize your images:
- Standard desktop feed: 546 x 402 pixels
- Single image posts: 546 x 402 pixels
- Mobile feed: 306 x 306 pixels
So don’t stress about exact dimensions. Focus on high-quality, clear photos that convey your message when cropped into different sizes.
Where to Source Images for LinkedIn Posts
Finding the right image to accompany your post involves both creativity and knowing where to look. Here are some top sources for LinkedIn post images:
- Create your own: Take original photos specifically for your posts or even draw your own visuals.
- Hire a designer: Many freelancers can create custom images and graphics for you.
- Stock photo sites: iStock, Getty Images, Shutterstock, Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash offer photos for purchase or free use.
- Employees: Ask your team for contribution of work photos, headshots, or event pics.
- Existing marketing assets: Reuse infographics, product photos, logo designs from your brand kit.
- Canva: Use pre-designed templates to create your own graphics and visuals.
- Events: Take pictures at conferences, trade shows, and gatherings you attend.
Mix sourcing from your own team with stock sites and original creations for an affordable balance of images at your disposal.
Tools to Design and Edit Images
If creating your own visuals, these helpful tools make it easy to design great graphics and edit photos:
- Canva: Web and mobile app with tons of free templates for social media images.
- Over: Web app for designing pro graphics like logos, reports, presentations.
- PicMonkey: Intuitive online photo editor with templates and effects.
- GIMP: Free open-source photo editing software similar to Photoshop.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Industry standard design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Snapseed: Mobile photo editing app from Google with pro-level controls.
Invest in tools that make it fast and frictionless to create the type of images that work best for your posts.
Writing Posts to Align with Images
Don’t just tack a random image onto your finished post. Write your post with the visuals in mind for maximum alignment. Here are some tips:
- Select or create images first to inspire your direction.
- Start with the image and build your narrative around it.
- Show don’t tell – Leverage images to demonstrate concepts you describe.
- Use transitions like “as you can see here” to integrate images.
- Break up long sections with relevant images for easy skimming.
- End sections or thoughts with an image for visual impact.
With intentional alignment between words and images, you can create truly cohesive, high-converting posts.
Optimizing Images Technically for LinkedIn
In addition to visual quality and alignment, optimize your images technically for the LinkedIn feed:
- Save images as JPGs at the highest resolution possible.
- Use descriptive alt text and fill out the image title field.
- Link images to original sources or relevant landing pages when possible.
- Compress oversized files to keep posts loading quickly.
- Use horizontal rectangle images rather than vertical portraits.
- Stick to standard image sizes like 1600 x 1200 or 1024 x 768 pixels.
With the right technical foundations, your images will display as intended across interfaces.
Potential Image Formats to Use
Beyond static images, other visual formats to consider for LinkedIn include:
- Infographics: Combining data visualizations, text, and images to tell a story.
- Animated GIFs: Short looping videos without sound work well in feeds.
- Video clips: Short 1-2 minute videos can be impactful done right.
- Presentations: Turn your slides into image quotes or graphics from key points.
- Zoomable images: Let viewers click to zoom into super high-res photos.
Explorecreative ways to share visually rich content that captures attention.
Measuring Image Performance
Use LinkedIn’s analytics to see how your image posts perform and improve over time. Measure:
- Post impressions and reach
- Engagement metrics like reactions, comments, shares
- Clicks on the post and image
- A/B testing images posts against non-image posts
- Traffic driven from LinkedIn to your site
Let data guide your strategy. Double down on what resonates while changing up what doesn’t.
Summary and Recommendations
At the end of the day, does your LinkedIn audience want to see images or not? Here are some summary recommendations based on the points discussed:
| Pros of using images | Cons of using images |
|---|---|
|
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Based on an assessment of the pros vs. cons, here are my recommendations on using images in LinkedIn posts:
- Use images selectively when they enhance your content, not force them into every post.
- Purposefully choose images that reinforce your narrative – don’t just decorate your posts.
- Invest time sourcing quality images and aligning them with your text.
- Leverage images to convey emotion and show concepts visually.
- Analyze performance data to double down on what works.
With strategic use of Intentional, high-quality visuals, images can take your LinkedIn results to the next level.
