What’s the first thing someone notices when they visit your LinkedIn profile? Your LinkedIn profile photo is an incredible opportunity to make a positive first impression.
Whether you are looking for a new job, seeking clients for your small business, or wanting to network within your profession, a polished and professional-looking LinkedIn photo can open doors.
But how do you get your LinkedIn photo looking its best? Here are seven practical tips to help you create a LinkedIn profile photo you’ll be proud of.
1 – Dress Like You Would for Work
If you want those who visit your LinkedIn profile to think of you as a serious professional in your sector, it’s probably unwise to share a shirtless photo of you drinking a pint on holiday.
Think about how those in your profession dress, and dress accordingly. There’s nothing wrong with dressing for the job you want instead of the job you have. But keep it simple; avoid busy patterns or neon colours.
2 – Focus on Lighting
What makes for a great photo? The secret sauce is lighting.
Natural light can work well, so try standing near a window or heading outside on a slightly cloudy day (direct sunlight doesn’t tend to be very flattering).
Avoid standing directly underneath artificial lighting. If you’re indoors, you can improve the quality of light in your photo by standing close to a lamp.
3 – Choose a Simple Background
You want attention to be on you, not on a cluttered background. A plain wall, a softly out-of-focus natural background, or even a tidy office can all work well.
Keeping the background simple means it competes less with your face for attention.
4 – Smile Naturally
We immediately think the person is approachable and confident when we see a friendly smile. But don’t force the smile.
Think of a happy memory or place to help you relax and present a more natural smile. And don’t forget to smile with your eyes, too!
5 – Mind Your Posture and Angle
Posture is important, even if the photo is cropped to show your head and shoulders. Stand or sit tall, and keep your shoulders back.
Place the camera slightly above eye level and angle it down for a more flattering perspective.
Look directly into the lens to make a better connection with the viewer. Gazing off into the distance can come across as evasive.
6 – Keep It Current
Unlike a Christmas Day puppy, a LinkedIn photo isn’t for life. Your photo should be a (somewhat) accurate representation of how you look today, not how you looked five years ago.
Suppose you’ve experienced significant changes to your look, such as a new hairstyle or beard or have started wearing glasses. In that case, it’s probably time to update your LinkedIn photo to reflect your current appearance.
People don’t like surprises. Keeping your LinkedIn photo current means fewer awkward encounters when you meet your digital connections in real life (or your real-life connections look you up on LinkedIn after a meeting).
7 – Use a High-Quality Image
A shortcut to an unprofessional LinkedIn photo is one which looks like it was taken on a potato (or 1990s digital camera).
I’ve got nothing against smartphone cameras. Some of them are incredible. If you get the lighting, focus, pose, and background right, you can get a decent-quality image on your phone.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera (in the hands of someone who knows how to use it) will probably get even higher quality results, but a current smartphone is perfectly capable.
Ready to Take Your LinkedIn Photo to the Next Level?
Your LinkedIn profile photo is pretty damn important. Done well, a professional photo can help you stand out, connect with the right people, and make a lasting impression.
If you want a stress-free experience and a LinkedIn photo that represents your professionalism, I’m here to help. Based in Surrey, I love working with solopreneurs, creatives and professional advisers to create LinkedIn profile photos that help people stop scrolling.
Let’s work together to get your photo just right. Get in touch today to book your session or ask for advice.
