Your LinkedIn profile picture, also known as your cover photo, is one of the first things people will notice when visiting your profile. Having a high-quality, professional photo can make a good first impression and showcase your personal brand. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know what makes for a good LinkedIn profile photo. This article will provide tips and best practices to help you choose the right cover photo that presents you in the best possible light.
Why Does Your LinkedIn Photo Matter?
Your profile photo is prime real estate on your LinkedIn profile. It’s featured prominently at the top of your profile and in search results. Given its prominent placement, your photo has a big impact on the impression you make on your connections.
According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than profiles without photos. So having a photo on your LinkedIn profile is a must if you want to stand out and be noticed.
Beyond getting more views and engagement, your photo also conveys your personal brand. It lets viewers quickly get a sense of who you are as a professional. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-quality photo that portrays you at your best.
What Makes a Good LinkedIn Profile Photo?
When selecting your LinkedIn profile picture, aim for a professional headshot that is:
Recent
Use a current photo that reflects what you look like now. Don’t use old photos from 10 or 20 years ago that misrepresent what you look like today. You want to avoid surprising connections by looking significantly different than your profile photo.
High Resolution
Be sure to use a high-quality image with good resolution. This will keep your photo from looking blurry or pixelated in the small profile picture thumbnail.
Close Cropped
Have the photo closely cropped around your head and shoulders. You want the focus to be on your face, with minimal background distraction.
Well Lit
Proper lighting is essential. Make sure your features and expression are clearly visible, not too washed out or hidden in shadows. Diffused natural light often works best.
Neutrally Colored Background
Avoid busy backgrounds and stick with a solid neutral color behind you. This prevents things in the background from distracting from you as the focal point.
Professional Attire
Dress professionally as you would for an interview. Portray the polished image you want to present to career connections.
Friendly Facial Expression
Smile naturally to project an approachable, friendly vibe. Avoid stern or exaggerated expressions.
Facing Forward
Look directly at the camera for an engaging head-on shot. Avoid sideways glances or tilting your head at angles.
No Selfies
Selfies from your phone often have unflattering angles, odd expressions, or distorted proportions. Invest in a professional headshot instead.
You Alone
Photos should feature you by yourself. Shots with other people, pets, or children divert focus away from you.
Profile Photo Don’ts
In addition to the do’s, there are some definite don’ts for your LinkedIn photo:
Awkward Cropping
Full body shots that awkwardly crop off part of your head or cut you off mid-torso don’t work for a small profile thumbnail. Stick with a close headshot.
Distracting Backgrounds
Avoid backgrounds with clutter, patterns, or bold colors that draw attention away from you.
Informal Attire
Skip the casual tee shirts, tank tops, or party shots. You want to look professional.
Provocative Poses
Flirty poses, cleavage shots, and seductive glances don’t belong on a business networking site. Keep it professional.
Eye-Obscuring Glasses
Don’t wear sunglasses or tinted glasses that obscure your eyes, which are key for making connections.
Dated Hairstyles
Hairstyles significantly change over time. Make sure yours is current and not pegging you to a certain era.
Distracting Accessories
Avoid large jewelry, hats, scarves or other accessories that divert attention from your face. The focus should be all on you.
Photo Ideas
Not sure where to get a professional photo taken? Here are some options to consider:
Hire a Photographer
Professional photographers specialize in taking high-quality headshots with proper lighting, framing and resolution. Ask for digital files you can easily upload to LinkedIn and other sites. Rates vary, but expect to invest around $100-200.
Take Your Own
With the right equipment, DIY photography can work. Use an HD camera, tripod and remote. Watch online tutorials on optimal angles, framing and lighting. You may need multiple takes to get a clear, crisp shot.
At Work Events
Some companies offer professional photos at conferences, trainings or company parties. Take advantage of the convenience.
Studio Portraits
Many photo studios offer simple portrait packages on a budget. Watch for deals at chains like JC Penny Portraits or independent photo studios.
Photo Editing Tips
Once you have a professionally taken headshot, do a little editing to make it “pop” as your LinkedIn profile picture:
Crop Tightly
Crop out background clutter. Fill the frame with just you.
Adjust Lighting
Use the “levels” tool to brighten or increase contrast if needed.
Color Correct Skin Tone
Give skin a healthy glow. Adjust “temperature” and “tint” to correct color casts.
Soften and Retouch
Subtly soften wrinkles. Use the clone stamp to touch up blemishes or flyaway hairs. But don’t overdo it—you want to look natural.
Sharpen Details
A slight sharpening gives clarity to eyes and facial details without looking overprocessed.
Save as High-Quality JPG
Use minimal compression for best resolution. LinkedIn recommends an image of at least 400×400 pixels. The maximum file size allowed is 8MB.
Should You Pay for a Premium Profile Photo Service?
LinkedIn offers two paid services for your profile photo:
Photo Pro
For a one-time fee of $29.95, you can have a professional photographer take your picture and enhance it. Appointments are at participating FedEx Office locations. You get 2 finished JPGs.
Photo Badging
For $99.95 annually, you can automatically update your LinkedIn photo monthly with a new headshot. You are mailed a webcam badge to display at your desk that will take your picture when prompted.
These services provide convenience, but are expensive for what you get. You can likely get similar professional photos much cheaper through your own efforts. The badge solution also locks you into static office shots. Carefully consider if paying the premium is worth the benefits for your needs.
Should You Hire a Professional LinkedIn Profile Writer?
In addition to help with your profile photo, you may want to consider hiring a professional LinkedIn profile writing service. Here are some potential benefits:
Profile Optimization
A LinkedIn expert can strategically optimize every section, including your headline, summary, experience, skills, endorsements, and more.
Keyword Integration
A writer can target key words and phrases to help your profile rank high in LinkedIn searches.
Error Checking
A second set of eyes can catch and correct any typos or grammar issues.
Customization
A writer can tailor your profile to your goals, whether that’s getting a new job, gaining clients, getting speaking gigs, etc.
Added Credibility
Professionally written content can lend your profile more expertise and credibility.
Rates vary based on the writer’s level of experience, but expect to invest around $200-$500 for an optimized LinkedIn profile. Take the time to find a reputable service vetted by people you trust. The investment can pay off with better networking and career opportunities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right LinkedIn profile photo is an important piece of presenting your professional personal brand. Select a high-quality, flattering headshot featuring you alone with a friendly facial expression. Pay attention to proper framing, lighting, resolution, and attire. Don’t let an unprofessional photo undermine the expertise you aim to project. A minor investment in the right profile picture can maximize the potential of your LinkedIn presence.