Your LinkedIn background photo is often the first thing people notice when visiting your profile, so it’s important to make a good impression. The ideal photo is professional, high-quality, and tailored to your personal brand. When choosing a background image, consider your industry, career goals, and the impression you want to make. With some thoughtfulness and creativity, your background photo can reflect your professional identity and attract the right connections.
Why Your Background Photo Matters
On LinkedIn, first impressions matter. Your background photo is prominent on your profile and seen by anyone who visits your page. It’s a unique way to showcase your personality and stand out from the crowd. Here are some key reasons to choose your background image strategically:
- Makes Your Profile Memorable: A striking, professional photo will help you be more recognizable and memorable to connections.
- Communicates Your Brand: Your photo can reflect your personal brand and campoenvironment. For example, a sales manager might include an image that conveys leadership.
- Shows Your Personality: While remaining professional, your photo can also show a bit of your personality and interests to form deeper connections.
- Looks More Complete: A background photo makes your profile look more robust and finished compared to a plain background.
- Makes You Look Engaged: An eye-catching background gives the impression that you’re active and engaged on LinkedIn.
In summary, your background image is valuable LinkedIn real estate, so be thoughtful about taking advantage of it.
Ideal Image Types for Your Background
When considering the actual image to use, think about what would represent you best professionally. Here are some top options to consider:
Professional Headshot
A close-up professional headshot is a classic choice that puts your face front and center. Make sure it’s high-quality. Looking directly at the camera with a smile makes you look approachable.
Workplace Photo
Showcase your work environment by using an image of you in your office, at your desk, or collaborating with colleagues. It conveys your industry and professional setting.
Industry Image
Use an image the encapsulates your industry or area of expertise. For example, an education professional could use a graduation photo. Just make sure you have rights to use the image.
Company Branding
Incorporate your company colors, logo, products, or other branding into the imagery. This option works well if you want to highlight your role.
Conference, Award Ceremony, or Speaking Event
Photos of you at professional events or accepting awards can illustrate your engagement and thought leadership in your field.
Website Homepage
A screenshot of your company or personal website homepage makes the visual connection to your digital presence.
Photo Composition Tips
Once you’ve selected a suitable image type, keep these composition tips in mind:
- Use High-Resolution Images: Don’t pixelate your brand with blurry or low-quality images. Invest in professional photos when possible.
- Include Your Face: Having your face visible forms a stronger personal connection.
- Avoid Distractions: Select photos with an uncluttered background to keep the focus on you.
- Be Mindful of Color: Avoid busy backgrounds and opt for neutral, muted, or accent colors.
- Focus On Eyes: Photos with natural eye contact look more engaging and trustworthy.
- Check Sizing: Preview how the image appears cropped on a profile before selecting.
- Use Productive Poses: Poses that show you confidently at work convey professionalism.
Examples of Strong LinkedIn Background Photos
To get inspiration for your own LinkedIn profile, check out examples of some visually appealing, on-brand background images:
Industry Imagery
Using imagery connected to your field can work well. This educator incorporates graduation caps:
Branding & Logos
Incorporate any company branding, logos, products, or collateral if relevant:
Conference Speaking
Photos of you presenting at events build your authority and expertise:
Workplace Setting
Show yourself engaged in your work environment:
Tips for Looking More Professional
To maximize how professional your photo appears:
- Wear Professional Attire: Business formal or business casual is ideal.
- Look Groomed: Neat hair and minimal accessories put the focus on you.
- Use Natural Smiles: Warm, natural smiles appear more genuinethan forced grins.
- Make Eye Contact: Connect with the camera to look more Approachable.
- Mind Your Posture: Stand or sit tall to convey confidence.
- Consider Black & White: Monochrome gives a classy, timeless effect.
Investing in a professional headshot can be well worth it. But you can also DIY quality photos with the right lighting and preparation.
Background Photo Ideas to Avoid
While you want your background photo to make an impact, there are certain types of photos that can diminish your professionalism. Steer clear of the following:
- Selfies or informal snapshots
- Outdated photos from long ago
- Distracting or cluttered backgrounds
- Photos with questionable hand gestures or facial expressions
- Images with other people or celebrities to avoid confusion
- Vacation photos, party photos, or overly casual images
- Offensive, controversial, or insensitive imagery
- Images that violate copyrights or lack proper licensing
- Anything visually unappealing or hard to discern
The bottom line is to avoid anything unprofessional that detracts from showcasing your personal brand. Vet your images thoroughly before selecting your profile photo.
Tools to Perfect & Edit Your Image
If you already have a photo in mind but need to edit or touch it up, try these editing tools:
Photo Editing Software
- Adobe Photoshop – The industry standard for advanced photo editing.
- GIMP – Free open-source image editor with extensive features.
- Canva – User-friendly graphic design site with image editing options.
- PicMonkey – Intuitive online photo editor with templates and graphics.
- Pixelmator – Full-featured Mac photo editing app.
- PhotoScape X – Multi-functional editor with fun filters and effects.
Mobile Apps
- Adobe Photoshop Express
- Snapseed
- Afterlight
- VSCO
- Retouch
- ToolWiz Photos
These tools allow you to crop images, adjust lighting, remove blemishes, alter backgrounds, and more. Investing a bit of time can really make your photo stand out.
Photo Ideas for Different Professions
The most suitable background photo can vary depending on your industry and professional role. Here are suggestions tailored to different fields:
Business Professionals
- Power pose in an office setting
- Professional headshot
- Talking at a conference or event
- A tableau of work supplies and accessories
Creative Fields
- On set, stage, exhibit venue, or studio
- Speakers at a creative conference
- Behind the scenes working on a project
- Artistic portraiture
Academic Professionals
- Graduation or campus imagery
- Lecturing or teaching a class
- Your professional department homepage
- With students at a university event
Nonprofit & Public Service Roles
- Volunteering for your cause
- Infographics about your issue
- Speaking at a community event
- With the people or community you serve
The key is visually communicating your field in an appealing, professional way. Use images that authentically reflect your work.
Sourcing Photos for Your Background
Need help getting a professional background photo? Here are places to find suitable options:
Take Your Own
- Use a tripod, lighting, and camera timer to DIY quality photos.
- Shoot several poses and expressions for options.
- Ideally use a DSLR camera, or latest smartphone camera.
- Capture in HD resolution for crisp quality.
Hire a Professional Photographer
- Search sites like Yelp, Google, or LinkedIn to find local photographers.
- Ask to see examples of their professional headshots or branded photos.
- Discuss locations – office, event venue, their studio?
- Agree on a package – number of images, print rights, edits.
Purchase Royalty-Free Images
- iStock
- Shutterstock
- Getty Images
- Adobe Stock
- Canva Photos
Review licensing terms closely. Subscription services can offer more flexibility.
Use Sites with Creative Commons Photos
- Pexels
- Burst
- Life of Pix
- Pixabay
- Unsplash
Look for images licensed for commercial use with modification rights. Always credit appropriately.
Caption Ideas for Your Background Photo
To make your photo even more effective, add an engaging caption. Include it in the caption field on LinkedIn under your image. Ideas include:
- Your job title and company name
- A professional quote or motto
- Your personal brand slogan
- A summary of your expertise
- Your professional credentials
- A thoughtful call-to-action
Keep captions brief and compelling. This text shows up prominently on your profile on desktop.
For example, “Passionate about leading sales teams to exceed targets | Vice President of Sales at ABC Company”.
Tips for Changing Your Background Photo
Over time you may want to refresh your background image. Here are some best practices for changing it up:
- Update it Annually: Don’t let it get outdated as your career evolves.
- Time it Strategically: Change it when starting a new role or around major industry events.
- Gradually Evolve Your Brand: Don’t change it drastically all at once.
- Test New Versions: Try posting different options to see what resonates before switching.
- Archive Old Favorites: You may want to reuse old photos someday.
- Keep File Details: Note photographer credits, licenses, or image specs needed.
The most important thing is that your photo accurately reflects your professional self at the moment.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn background photo is prime personal branding real estate. A picture can make a strong impression on visitors to your profile. Invest time selecting a high-quality, on-brand image that puts your best foot forward. Showcase your expertise through environmental portraits, industry imagery, and professional events. With a compelling photo and caption, you can make memorable first impressions and advance your career goals through your network.
