A LinkedIn profile cover photo is the large banner image that appears at the top of your profile. It’s one of the first things people will see when visiting your profile, so it’s important to make a good first impression with an appropriate, professional cover image.
Why is your LinkedIn cover photo important?
Your cover photo allows you to showcase your personality, interests, and professional brand. It’s a visual representation of you and gives viewers insight into who you are beyond your resume. Here are some key reasons your LinkedIn cover image matters:
- Makes a strong first impression – It’s often the first thing people notice on your profile, so should be visually appealing and professional.
- Communicates your professional brand – Reinforces your personal brand and the image you want to convey professionally.
- Shows off your industry or interests – You can feature images related to your occupation, company, causes or hobbies.
- Makes your profile stand out – With a unique, high-quality photo, you can stand out from others in your industry.
- Reflects your creativity – By carefully selecting and customizing your photo, you display your creative side.
So in summary, your cover image gives viewers a window into your personality and professionalism. Having a thoughtful, well-designed photo can enhance your profile and leave people with a positive first impression.
What makes a good LinkedIn cover photo?
When selecting your LinkedIn cover image, keep these tips in mind:
- High resolution – Use a high quality image that is clear and looks professional when stretched across a large screen.
- Focused on you – You should be the central focus, though can include other people, things or settings.
- Authentic to you – Showcases your actual interests, company, career or personality accurately.
- Visually appealing – Eye-catching with good use of color, framing, editing and design elements.
- Sends the right message – Aligns with the professional image you want to project to connections.
- Relevant to your industry – Features images, slogans or iconography related to your profession.
- Looks good on mobile – Mobile use is increasing, so ensure your photo adapts well to small screens.
A great LinkedIn cover photo should check all those boxes – attractive and polished, on-brand for your career, and optimized for desktop and mobile.
Common types of LinkedIn cover photos
There are a few standard approaches people often take with their LinkedIn cover images:
1. Professional headshot
A close-up portrait of your face establishes a personal connection with your profile. Make sure it’s a high-quality, well-lit headshot that looks professional.
2. Workplace photo
If you’re proud of your office, desk or workspace, showcase it in your cover image. Just be sure your actual work area is tidy and professional for the photo shoot.
3. Company logo or branding
Display your current company’s logo or branding, which visually establishes where you work. This is a simple, effective approach.
4. Industry-related image
Select an image tied to your particular field or occupation – this could be technology, financial charts, healthcare symbols or education imagery that reflects your niche.
5. Background image or texture
A textured background or abstract image in colors tied to your brand can look modern and sophisticated behind your profile photo.
6. Interests or causes
Show your interests and personality beyond work by featuring hobbies, passions or causes important to you, like travel, sports, volunteering or family.
Tips for designing your LinkedIn cover photo
Follow these tips for putting together a polished, professional cover image:
- Use photo editing software to design an eye-catching layout featuring your selected visuals, logo, text or other elements.
- Stick to just a few focal elements – don’t overload your cover or make it too busy.
- Select colors that complement your personal brand or company logo.
- Make sure your profile photo and cover image work cohesively together.
- Use background patterns subtly – don’t detract focus from your profile itself.
- Add a customized headline like “Social Media Manager at XYZ Company” to brand yourself.
- Feature inspirational or branded quotes if relevant, but don’t overdo text.
- Customize your cover for each audience if you maintain multiple LinkedIn profiles.
Investing time in crafting a high-quality, professional cover photo can really make your LinkedIn profile stand out and leave people with a positive impression.
Common LinkedIn cover photo mistakes to avoid
While creating your LinkedIn cover image, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Blurry, pixelated or low-quality photos.
- Appearing unprofessional like wearing a swimsuit or party outfit.
- Group photos where you do not stand out.
- Selfies or snapshots that look casual instead of business professional.
- Outdated photos that no longer reflect your role or company.
- Spelling errors – thoroughly proofread your image.
- Images that are too busy or distracting with too many elements competing.
- Anything controversial or polarizing like politics, religion or social issues.
- Photos unrelated to your profession that are confusing.
- Text-heavy designs that people won’t take time to read.
Avoid these missteps, and test your cover photo design with a trusted colleague before activating it to catch any issues you may have overlooked.
Tips for taking your own LinkedIn cover photo
If you want to take your own cover photo, keep these photography tips in mind:
- Use a quality camera, ideally with at least 10MP resolution if taking the photo yourself.
- Ensure you are in focus and the photo is not blurry.
- Capture yourself straight on or slightly angled towards the camera.
- Make sure the lighting is bright and uniform – outdoors in shade works great.
- Dress professionally in typical work attire – this photo will represent you.
- Have a simple, clean background free of clutter and distractions.
- Maintain good posture and facial expression – smile naturally.
- Take many photos to select the best options to potentially use.
- Consider hiring a professional photographer for best results.
If you use your smartphone, invest in accessories like a tripod or remote shutter release to capture sharper, better composed images. With some preparation and attention to detail, you can take an effective LinkedIn cover photo yourself.
Tools and resources for creating your LinkedIn cover image
Take advantage of these helpful tools and resources when designing your LinkedIn cover:
- LinkedIn Cover Photo Maker – LinkedIn’s free online cover creator with stock photos and design templates.
- Canva – User-friendly graphic design site and app with tons of professional templates.
- Adobe creative software – Programs like Photoshop or Illustrator for advanced image editing and graphic design.
- FotoJet – Online graphic design platform with easy drag-and-drop tools to customize cover photos.
- Pixlr – Full-featured photo editor that works right inside your web browser.
- Shutterstock – Subscription site offering stock photos, vectors and illustrations.
- Unsplash – Free stock photography site with thousands of high-quality images.
The right tools enable you to create a polished, professional cover photo that perfectly complements your personal brand and profile. Invest time into designing an eye-catching image that makes the right impression.
Examples of great LinkedIn cover photos
Here are some stellar examples of LinkedIn covers from a variety of professionals and companies:
Cover Example | Analysis |
---|---|
![Professional headshot cover photo example](https://i.imgur.com/BVFIxF2.jpeg) | This simple, close-up headshot establishes a personal connection while looking professional and approachable. The warm smile and direct eye contact engages viewers. |
![Company logo cover photo example](https://i.imgur.com/fxTiz5J.jpeg) | Featuring their recognizable logo, this cover clearly communicates the company while the large typography makes the branding pop. |
![Industry imagery cover photo example](https://i.imgur.com/y3LquJF.jpeg) | The tech imagery illustrates this user’s industry while the circuit board visualizations look futuristic yet professional. |
Studying examples can spark ideas for crafting your own creative, appealing cover photo optimized for LinkedIn.
Cover photo guidelines and specs
When designing your LinkedIn cover image, adhere to these specifications:
- Minimum size of 1400×425 pixels
- Under 8MB file size
- JPG, PNG or GIF format
- Landscape orientation works best
- Your logo can take up 20% max of image
- Text should comprise less than 20%
- 300dpi resolution recommended
Review LinkedIn’s cover photo guidelines for details on content and positioning specifications. Follow their best practices for cover images to ensure your photo meets requirements.
Changing your LinkedIn cover photo
It’s simple to change or refresh your LinkedIn cover image:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile
- Click the pencil “Edit” icon to access your profile settings
- Select “Change cover photo” under the Profile section
- Upload your new cover photo file
- Preview and adjust the positioning
- Click “Save changes” to apply your new cover
Monitor responses and engagement on your new cover photo. Change it regularly to showcase different aspects of your brand, career or personality.
Tips for standing out with your LinkedIn cover image
Take your cover photo to the next level with these tips:
- Show your brand’s personality using colors or imagery not often seen in your industry.
- Feature employees in environmental portraits at your workplace or events.
- Align branding elements like colors, fonts and iconography with your company website or collateral.
- Spotlight signature products, equipment or facilities used by your business.
- Leverage major visual elements like vehicles, technology, architecture or nature tied to your organization.
- Use empty space strategically around key cover photo elements to increase emphasis.
- Conduct A/B testing of cover photo variants to see which perform best.
Brainstorm innovative concepts and aim to have the most memorable cover in your profession to stand out.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn cover photo offers valuable real estate to make a strong first impression and showcase your brand. Invest time into crafting a high-quality, professional image that complements your profile and resonates with your target audience. Take advantage of design tools and examples to create a compelling cover that represents the best of your business, career or personality. With a little creativity, your cover photo can capture attention and elevate your LinkedIn presence.