Lesson Introduction
Your LinkedIn® profile photo is the first impression you make on anyone who visits your profile. People make snap judgements so it’s a crucial element that will significantly influence how professionals perceive you in the digital world. A well-chosen photo helps establish credibility, approachability, and professionalism.
LinkedIn® says members with a profile photo can receive up to 2x more profile views.
Why Your Profile Photo Matters
- First Impressions Count: People are visually oriented, and your photo is often the first thing they notice.
- Professionalism: A professional photo conveys a serious commitment to your career and personal brand.
- Visibility: Profiles with photos receive more views and engagement than those without.
- Recognition: Your profile photo is used across the whole of the LinkedIn® network. Once people get to know you and start valuing your content, your profile photo can stop people scrolling through their feeds to find out what you’re saying.
Choosing the Right Photo
Expert Tip
Get someone else to take the photo. Get them to take multiple photos in different poses. You will create a much more relaxed and friendly headshot by having a friend, co-worker, or professional photographer help you avoid the “selfie pose”.
- Professional Quality: Use a high-resolution image where you are clearly visible. The focus should be on your face, with an uncluttered background.
- Dress for Success: Wear attire that matches your industry and audience expectations. Of course, you may want to stand out, but stay professional.
- Smile: A friendly smile makes you appear approachable and welcoming.
- Headshot Framing: Your face should take up about 60-70% of the frame, typically from the shoulders up.
- Lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit without harsh shadows.
- Sizing: LinkedIn® suggest the ideal size of 400 pixels by 400 pixels, Any smaller and it can appear blurred. The file size should be no larger than 8MB.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using Old or Irrelevant Photos: Your photo should reflect how you currently look.
- Use a Current Professional Photo Where Possible: LinkedIn® permits some illustrated or artistic representations where they still reflect your likeness. For most professional profiles, I recommend a current photo that makes you immediately recognisable.
- Casual or Unprofessional Images: Avoid using casual photos that might be more suited for other social media networks. A shot of you enjoying your pal’s wedding is a missed opportunity to show you are serious about your career and personal brand.
- Group Photos: Your profile photo should be of you alone to avoid confusion.
- Low Resolution or Poorly Cropped Images: Ensure your photo is clear and correctly positioned. The cropping and positioning can be adjusted when you upload the photo.
Bonus Material
A free Canva account allows you to do clever stuff with your profile photo before you upload it. You can Remove the background, add a new background, add a vibrant solid colour, and apply filters.
CONCLUSION
Taking the time to select a professional profile photo is a small but significant step in creating a powerful LinkedIn® presence. Remember, this photo represents you to the world of professionals On LinkedIn®; make it count!
Action
Review your current LinkedIn® profile photo. Does it convey the professional image you wish to present? If not, consider taking a new photo, keeping in mind the guidelines that this lesson suggests. Definitely consider asking someone to take a number of photos for you.
Updating Your Profile Photo
LinkedIn® makes it easy to update your profile photo. Here’s a quick guide:
- Go to your LinkedIn® profile.
- Hover over your profile photo and click on the camera icon.
- Upload your chosen photo, adjust the position within the frame, and click “Save”
