10+ Linkedin Profile Picture Tips: Make Your First Impression Count

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It makes a difference if you establish yourself on Linkedin with an excellent profile, summary, and profile photo. There are millions of users all over the world. 

Linkedin is a professional networking platform; getting noticed over this platform is a task. All you need to do is work on the profile. 

While you might have excelled in all the other Linkedin fields but, if you have not worked on the profile picture or a profile photo, you lack knowledge of its importance. A good Linkedin photo is enough to grab peoples’ attention. 

The passes by could be anyone. It could be your prospective employer, current coworker, or recruiter. Make a difference with a good profile photo on Linkedin.

Here are a few Linkedin photo tips that can give you a perfect means to impress.

Best 10 Linkedin Profile Picture Tips

1. Use a simple and clean background.

You must use a neutral background when uploading a profile picture. You might have seen that among the professionals; it’s the neutral or white background that sells better. 

Using this simple and distraction-free background can be suitable for the Linkedin photo. 

White, gray, and black are the most appropriate colors for the background. It will create an impact for sure.

2. Crop the picture correctly.

It would help if you cropped the picture with sheer perfection. When you crop the image, ensure you have the proper ratio of your face with the shoulders. The picture has to be tight so the face is visible properly. 

Also, it should not be only about face visibility; the picture should look balanced. If you want, you can get the picture done with the help of a professional photographer. 

Tell him to take proper headshots, and then you can crop the picture as per the need.

3. Never make the mistake of using a selfie as a profile picture on Linkedin.

The professional networking platform Linkedin needs a good profile picture, which is impossible if you take a selfie. 

When you take a selfie, the distance between you and the camera is just an arm’s length. This distance could be better. The professional pictures, as needed for a site like Linkedin, will require an ideal shooting distance. It’s, therefore, vital to choose the perfect space and the focal length. 

Also, a selfie taken from a smartphone is quite distorted at times. Therefore, ensure that you avoid using a selfie picture as your profile photo for Linkedin.

4. The profile photo should be your recent photo.

Looking professional on a professional networking site is something crucial. Considering this, you must come up with your recent picture. Adding an old photo to your professional networking site like Linkedin is a big no. 

Even though your profession does not demand it, you must stay agile and keep an impressive profile photo on the networking site; for a businessman who also has his business accounts across other platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the same profile photo should be used so that the person can be identified quickly.

5. A smiling photo speaks for itself.

As per the available research, looking at the camera with a smile, you will look your best. Such a picture will be best suitable for the platform.

 A friendly, natural, and wide smile can offer you the perfect look, and such a picture can immediately grab attention and look impressive to your viewers.

6. Use good lighting

It would help if you used good lighting while getting the picture. If the lighting is dull and bad, the image will also be like that. 

Also, lousy lighting will show up imperfections and skin issues. It is, therefore, reasonable to invest in decent lighting to get the best results. 

Ideally, hiring someone for the best headshots will bring in the suitable image you have been looking for. Mind well; good light doesn’t mean hard light. Hard light can be equally distracting, as harsh shadows will not provide a natural tone to your image.

7. Send the photo for professional retouching.

Send the picture to a professional retoucher and check how the outcome is. That should not matter if you are confident that the snapshot taken is good enough, then that should not matter. 

But, if you are unsatisfied with the results, you must take the photo to a professional retouching specialist. The relevant editing will bring accurate results. But when you over-edit it, the results will not be ideal.

8. Look approachable in the picture.

A profile photo on Linkedin shows the natural you and the best you. It is favorable if you look approachable in the picture.

If your photo shows that you are angry or the picture is too intense, it will not create a friendly image of yours.

9. The picture should be in the attire you wear at your workplace.

The picture that you come up with should be in workplace attire. If you are an employee, a professional, or a CEO, it truly matters that you wear something that you usually wear at the office. A casual picture in a simple dress is not advisable as a profile photo on Linkedin.

10. Refrain from showing yourself pursuing your hobby for the Linkedin picture.

You can write about your hobbies and passion in the summary or the other part of the profile section. While you are up for the profile photo, it should be a simple straight photo. You must refrain from showing yourself doing some activity or pursuing a hobby. 

It is unsuitable for a profile photo on a professional networking website like Linkedin. But yes, you should look hardworking and approachable.

With the above Linkedin photo tips, it is clear that you need to make a few efforts as that can make things work. 

Take a look here to learn more about Linkedin SEO Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Your LinkedIn profile picture is the first impression you make on potential connections, so make sure it’s professional and high-quality.
  • Use a headshot that’s well-lit and in focus, with a plain background that won’t distract from your face.
  • Dress appropriately for your industry and the type of connections you want to make.
  • Smile naturally and make eye contact with the camera to come across as friendly and approachable.
  • Consider hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, or use a self-timer and tripod to ensure a clear and flattering shot.
  • Avoid using selfies, group photos, or images with distracting elements.
  • Keep your profile picture up-to-date and consistent with your current appearance.
  • Remember that your profile picture is just one aspect of your LinkedIn presence, so make sure your profile is complete and engaging to make a lasting impression on potential connections.

Conclusion

Your Linkedin photo should look like you, but a professional image will create a perfect impression. You must intricate the above tips and make the most suitable profile photo.

 Millions of users use Linkedin, and hence if you want to be contacted or if you want to accomplish your goals of a new job or better networking, then you must update the profile with the best photo. 

You don’t need to have mastery in photography, but a selfie picture is the least preferred one. It is better to get the headshots done with the help of a professional photographer. 

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you can call your friend to take a good picture of yours. If needed, you can send that to a photo retoucher. Remember the tips discussed above to have an excellent profile photo for Linkedin.

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