How to Create LinkedIn Profile Picture?

I regularly change my profile picture on every social media that I am a member of. I don’t know if you can call this an obsession or not. Anyway, I do this a lot, maybe because I know the importance of a profile picture very well, especially on a platform like LinkedIn, with its more than 900 million and the great opportunities it can behold for me in my field of work.

To create a LinkedIn profile picture, start by choosing a high-quality photo that presents you professionally and aligns with your industry. Ensure that the image is well-lit, clear, and shows your face prominently. Dress appropriately for your industry, and maintain a friendly and approachable expression. Crop the photo to focus on your head and shoulders, and avoid any distracting backgrounds. Once you have the ideal image, upload it to your LinkedIn profile from the "Edit Intro" section. A professional profile picture can make a positive first impression and help you connect with others on the platform.

Do you know that your LinkedIn profile picture is even more important than the headline you choose? Your profile picture is literally the first thing people see of you on this and every other social media platform.

It doesn’t matter if they are a recruiter who is looking for suitable candidates for a job position, or if they are looking for an investor or business partner, a customer or a salesperson, etc. A profile image can encourage people to check out your profile or it can scare them away.

💡 Additional read: How to Message an Investor on LinkedIn?

Just take a look at our checklist to optimize your LinkedIn profile, see? The first thing in the optimization checklist is to have a suitable profile picture. Because people see your photo even before your name.

Let’s be honest, if I want to find, for example, a business consultant on LinkedIn, I definitely won’t choose someone who either doesn’t have a profile picture or someone who chose a photo he/she took at a party with his friends.

The photo you choose for your LinkedIn profile tells other users how much you care about your work and how professional you are. Contrary to what they always say, look matters very much. Having a professional profile picture has many advantages, I would like to mention a few of them:

One of the key benefits of having a great LinkedIn profile picture is that it can help you make a strong first impression. A high-quality picture that shows you in a professional light and a suitable suit can help you stand out from the crowd and can attract employers, clients, prospects, etc.

Another benefit of having a great LinkedIn profile picture is that it can boost your credibility. When people are considering doing business with you, they want to know that they are dealing with a real person who is trustworthy and reliable. A professional profile picture can help you convey that message and make a positive impression on those who view your profile.

Your LinkedIn profile picture can also help you build your personal brand. By choosing a photo that reflects your values and personality, you can set yourself apart from others in your industry and create a unique online presence.

Now that you understand the importance and benefits of a proper profile picture, it’s better to talk a little more about this. should we continue?

How Do I Make a Good LinkedIn Profile Picture?

So, where were we? Ah, LinkedIn profile picture. So how should we make a good LinkedIn profile picture? There are different tips for doing so.

Your LinkedIn profile picture is an important aspect of your professional brand. It’s the first thing people see when they come across your profile, and it can have a huge impact on how they feel about you.

I would like to attract your attention to the most important things that I have learned over the years of working with LinkedIn and of course consulting with digital business consultants:

1. Quality is very important:

Your profile picture should be sharp, in focus, and high resolution. Avoid using a blurry or pixelated image, as it can make you look unprofessional. A high-quality photo can make a good first impression and help you to stand out.

2. Suitable clothes are the star of the show:

Your clothes show how professional you are. Your clothing should reflect the industry you work in and the type of career you are seeking. If you are in a more traditional industry, such as finance or law, a suit, and tie can be appropriate.

If you work in a more creative field, such as advertising or design, you may be able to get away with more casual clothing. dress the way it is suitable for the message you are trying to convey.

3. Don’t forget to smile:

A friendly smile can go a long way in making a positive impression. Look directly into the camera and try to convey a friendly and warm sense. This can help you connect with those who view your profile.

4. Neutral background can be the best option:

Avoid using a busy background that can distract people from your picture. A neutral background, such as a solid color or a simple pattern, can help keep the focus on you. This can help create a more professional and polished look.

5. The focus should be on your face:

Your profile picture should be a headshot and your face should occupy most of the frame. Avoid using a full-body shot or a shot where you are away from the camera. This can help ensure that your face is easily recognizable and can help create a sense of familiarity sense for those who are viewing your profile.

6. Consult and ask others for their opinion:

Before you make your profile picture public, ask a friend or colleague for their opinion. They may be able to provide valuable feedback on how to improve their image. This can help ensure that your profile picture is the best representation of you and your professional brand. if the feedback is not that well, change the profile picture.

7. Be consistent:

Your LinkedIn profile picture should be consistent with your other professional profiles, such as your website or Twitter account. This can help you to create a cohesive personal brand and make it easier for others to recognize you on different platforms.

8. Selfies are not a good idea:

While selfies may be good for social media platforms like Instagram, they are not the best choice for a professional profile picture. If possible, have someone else take your picture or hire a professional photographer. This can help your photo to look high-quality and professional.

9. Natural light is always a better choice:

Natural light can help to have a more attractive and professional-looking picture. Avoid strong overhead lighting or flash, as this can create unwanted shadows. Consider taking your photo during the day in a well-lit area or near a window.

10. Stay up to date:

Your LinkedIn profile picture should get updated regularly to reflect any changes in your appearance, such as a new hairstyle or glasses. This can ensure that your profile is always up to date and reflects your current professional image. It is important to keep your profile picture up to date to make a good impression on the people who view your profile and might meet you in person later.

By following these tips, you can create a high-quality image that conveys your professionalism and approachability. So take the time to invest in a great profile picture and watch your LinkedIn connections and opportunities grow.

Now, let’s also see some good and bad examples of LinkedIn profile pictures, shall we?

Unprofessional LinkedIn Profile Picture Examples

You may be one of those people who take pictures of themselves every day, or on the contrary, you might rarely take pictures of yourself. In any case, we use these photos on our smartphones for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. profile pictures.

Maybe the photo you use for your profile picture is not that important on Twitter or Instagram, but it is different on LinkedIn.Are all pictures suitable here? Certainly not. Most of the photos in your phone gallery are not proper for the LinkedIn profile picture. I want to mention some of the worst options here.

1. Party pictures:

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and party photos have no place there. Avoid using images of yourself holding drinks, dancing, or participating in other party-related activities. These images can make you look unprofessional and give the impression that you don’t take your professional image seriously.

2. Selfie:

Although selfies are popular on social media platforms, they are not appropriate for a professional networking site like LinkedIn. Avoid using selfies as your profile picture, as they can sometimes make you look unprofessional and unprepared.

3. Group photos:

Your LinkedIn profile picture should be a picture of you and only you. Avoid using group photos as your profile picture, as it is difficult for others to recognize you in the image. Additionally, group photos can be distracting and detract from your professional image.

4. Informal dress:

Your outfit in your profile picture should be appropriate for the industry you work in and your goal in the platform. Avoid using photos where you are wearing informal clothes such as t-shirts or tops, bikinis, etc. These types of clothes can make you look unprofessional and give the impression that you don’t take your professional image seriously.

5. Low light:

A well-lit photo can make a significant difference in how others think of you. Avoid using images that are poorly lit or have harsh shadows. These types of images can make you look unprofessional and end up in a bad reaction.

6. Improper movements:

Your profile picture should be professional and appropriate. Avoid using images where you make inappropriate movements, such as making vulgar gestures. These types of images can make you look unprofessional and give the impression that you don’t take your professional image seriously.

7. Old pictures:

Your LinkedIn profile picture should be up-to-date. Avoid using outdated images, as it can give the impression that you are not actively involved in your professional life. Additionally, outdated images can make it difficult for others to recognize your presence.

8. Low-quality images:

Your profile photo should be of high quality and in focus. Avoid using low-quality images that are blurry or pixelated, since they can totally omit you from the search results on LinkedIn. algorithms hate these kinds of profile pictures.

9. Poor framing:

Your profile picture should be framed in a way that highlights your face and features. Avoid using images where you are too far from the camera or where your face is not the focus of the photo. These types of images can make it difficult for others to identify you or relate to you on a professional level.

10. Non-professional backgrounds:

Your profile picture should be taken in a professional and neutral environment. Avoid using background images that are distracting, busy, or unprofessional. A busy background can look unprofessional and you can get lost in other details.

An unprofessional LinkedIn profile picture can have a significant impact on how others perceive you. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a profile photo that showcases your professionalism and helps you to create a strong professional image.

Best LinkedIn Profile Pictures

Instead of repeating what I said above, how do you get the best examples and analyze them?

As we have repeatedly emphasized in this article and other articles, having a good profile photo is one of the conditions for having a profile on LinkedIn that attracts recruiters, customers, partners, and other valuable connections to our direction.

Since the profile photo is your initial impression, using a professional example can have a huge impact on how you understand them. Therefore, it is very important to take the time to create a high-quality profile photo that shows your best.

Madeline Mann is a great example of how to create an effective LinkedIn profile photo. As a job consultant, she shares job advice outside the workplace. Madeline’s profile photo is outstanding for a few reasons. She wears a dress showing her personality, has a big smile on her lips, and uses an eye-catching orange background.

In addition, she has brought her branding to a higher level with a similar cover photo and hashtag. By doing so, Madeleine has created a strong personal brand that distinguishes him from others in his field of work.

Another great example is Justin Welch, a sales professional who introduces himself as a nonsense man. The black profile photo on his back reflects his self-esteem and professionalism, his personality, and his brand. By keeping the background simple and using the right light, Justin’s profile photo creates a powerful effect that matches his professional image.

String Nguyen is and has always been one of my favorites. look at her picture, the wide smile, somewhat simple background, enough light, and that slogan behind her “do your thing” all built a perfect profile picture.

Finally, the profile image of Tynan Allan is remarkable because of his positive expression and shows that you do not need a solid background to look professional. By maintaining focus on his face and using the right light, his profile photo creates a powerful effect that aligns with his professional image.

By analyzing these samples, we see that a great LinkedIn profile reflects your personal brand, uses natural and professional light, and is taken by a professional photographer if possible. It should also be consistent with your other professional profile details and must be regularly updated to reflect any changes in your professional appearance or image.

How to Take LinkedIn Photo at Home?

Well, we talked about the importance of profile pictures and said the features they should have and what you can’t use as profile photos. But honestly, you have to update it regularly and it can be a hassle.

You can’t go to a photography studio or hire a professional photographer every time you want to change your profile picture since it would cost a fortune. So I want to tell you how you can take a good profile picture at home. Of course, I have to admit that these photos are never like professional photos, but something is better than anything, right?

Don’t be afraid to take a good picture at home, it is not like pulling a tooth. And if you follow the tips I gave you and will give you down below, it can also be very fun.

The first step to taking a great photo for LinkedIn at home is to choose the right place. Look for a point in your home with good natural light and neutral background. A simple wall or a simple background can work well, but if you want to add a little character to your photo, use a bookshelf, a work of art, or even your office as the background.

Light is another important element of a great LinkedIn photo. Natural light is always the best option, so look for a point in your home that illuminates well with natural light, such as near a window or the balcony door. You can even use a lamp that gives you professional light.

When it comes to gesture, the key is to keep it natural. Stand up or sit down and turn your shoulders back and lift your chin slightly. Look at the camera directly in a neutral or friendly state. Don’t be afraid of showing your character by taking a playful gesture that still looks professional and suitable for your industry.

When taking a LinkedIn photo at home, proper dressing is also important. Consider what you wear in a job interview or a professional network event. However, this does not mean that you can’t enjoy your clothes. Add a colorful tie or light scarf, or use a pair of odor earrings or a special necklace that still looks shiny and professional.

Now let’s go to the fun part, editing. While you don’t want to overdo it, playing with filters or adding text to your photo can create a unique and eye-catching image. However, make sure the editing still looks professional and does not diminish your image.

You can even get help from a friend or family member to take a photo. They can not only help you take the technical aspects of photography, but they can also provide valuable feedback on your gesture and clothing.

Play your favorite music! You can consider this to help calm and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. I used this trick a lot of times. Also, be careful about the items in the photo. Add your character to your photo by using the items that reflect your interests or hobbies.

For example, if you are a painter, gesture with one of your paintings, or if you are a lawyer, you can stand in front of your bookshelf or have a civil law book.

Use the outdoor space as well. If you have a backyard or park near your house, use natural light and beautiful scenery to create a unique and memorable image.

take a lot of photos. Don’t be afraid of taking several photos from different angles or with different gestures. This will give you more options to select the final photo.

LinkedIn Profile Picture Tips: the Checklist

Know, I just want to have a list of points and tips that you must remember when creating a professional LinkedIn profile photo.

Do

• Use high-quality pictures
• Wear suitable clothes
• Don’t forget to smile
• Use neutral background
• The focus should be on your face
• Consult with other people
• Natural light or enough light
• Stay up to date

Don’t

• Party pictures
• Selfie
• Group photos
• Informal dress
• Poor light
• Improper movements
• Old pictures
• Low-quality images
• Poor framing
• Non-professional backgrounds

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Creating a professional LinkedIn profile picture is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers, clients, and connections. Start by selecting a high-quality headshot that clearly displays your face and portrays a friendly and approachable demeanor. Ensure the photo aligns with your career goals, making it relevant to the job or business you are pursuing. Avoid using casual or overly stylized photos that may not convey a professional image. Your LinkedIn profile picture should match the tone of your headline and summary, as well as complement the overall aesthetic of your page. When taking the photo, consider the background, lighting, and attire to maintain a polished and business-appropriate look. If you’re unsure about the ideal photo, you can search for sample LinkedIn profile pictures for inspiration or consult with a professional photographer. Once you have the perfect picture, upload it to your LinkedIn account, and ensure it is visible to your connections. Having a well-crafted profile picture on your LinkedIn page will strengthen your online presence, enhance your resume, and leave a lasting impression on anyone who views your profile.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, your LinkedIn profile picture is one of the most critical elements of your professional online presence. A great picture can help you make a positive first impression, attract potential employers or clients, and build your personal brand.

By following the tips we’ve covered, including using proper lighting, background, and attire, avoiding common mistakes such as inappropriate expressions or distracting backgrounds, and taking advantage of home photoshoot techniques, you can create a LinkedIn profile photo that reflects your professionalism, personality, and unique qualities.

Remember, your profile picture is not just a snapshot, it is a representation of who you are, what you stand for, and what you bring to the table. So, take your time, put your best foot forward, and let your profile picture speak for itself!

FAQ

What app can I use to make a profile picture on LinkedIn?

Use Canva, Adobe Photoshop Express, or VSCO to edit your LinkedIn profile picture. Or, use the camera and editing tools on your smartphone.

How do I make a good LinkedIn profile picture?

For an impactful LinkedIn profile picture, ensure it clearly shows your face, preferably with a neutral or pleasant expression. Choose a well-lit setting without distractions in the background. Wear attire that reflects your industry or desired job position; this could range from business attire to more casual outfits depending on your field. Finally, ensure the image resolution is good — it shouldn’t be pixelated or blurry. Keep in mind, your profile picture serves as a first impression, so ensure it authentically represents you.

What app makes LinkedIn profile pictures?

There are numerous apps designed to enhance or customize profile pictures for platforms like LinkedIn. Some popular options include “Canva,” “Facetune,” “Snapseed,” and “Adobe Lightroom Mobile.” These apps offer tools for cropping, filtering, and editing photos to ensure they look polished and professional.

Does LinkedIn profile picture have to be professional?

While your LinkedIn picture doesn’t have to be taken by a professional photographer, it should exude professionalism. This means it should be clear, high-quality, and primarily focused on your face. The attire and style should be consistent with your industry’s standards. Avoid using casual or unrelated images, like holiday snaps or group photos, as they don’t communicate a professional image.

How do you make a LinkedIn headshot for free?

Creating a free LinkedIn headshot is straightforward. Find a location with good natural lighting, preferably against a plain, non-distracting background. Wear professional attire and ensure your face is visible and clear. Use a smartphone or camera with a timer or ask someone to take the photo for you. Once captured, you can use free editing apps or software, such as “GIMP” or “Canva,” to crop and adjust the image to fit LinkedIn’s recommended dimensions and improve the overall look if necessary.

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