Tips for an Attractive and Trustworthy LinkedIn Profile Picture

I didn't want to write this post 😬 But I see too many BAD profile pictures on LinkedIn. Like it or not, this is 2024. Most of your connections rarely see you in person. They only ever see your profile picture. Maybe you look better in "real life," but who cares. Your profile pic IS real life now. So yeah. Let's get your profile pic fixed! 💪 Here are 5 tips for a better profile pic. I didn't lift these from anywhere. They are 100% my own observation and opinion. 1. Most people's face is TOO SMALL in their profile pic. Your face should cover two-thirds of the space vertically. On mobile, profile pics are reeeeally tiny. If your face is small, no one on mobile knows what you look like and so your face is not memorable. And forget about signaling with any details in the background – no one can see that. 2. CONTRAST IS KEY. Your face should not blend into the background. It should absolutely POP. If you don't have a good pic for this, then use an online tool to color your background something that contrasts with the color of your face and hair. 3. Do NOT have two (or more) people in your picture. No spouse, no friend. No obvious "cut-offs" where your girlfriend's (or whoever's) shoulder is in view. If there are two people in your pic, no one knows which one is you. It's obvious to you, but not to anyone else. 4. Either have a really GOOD, GENUINE SMILE or make some kind of funny face. No half-smiles, no scowls. No staring into the distance wistfully. No drinking coffee. The point of a profile picture is to simulate your presence and attention with your connections as much as possible. This is already hard to do with such a tiny space – don't make it weird by staring bleakly at something out-of-frame. And I promise, promise, PROMISE you that you'll have tons more success with whatever you're trying to do online if you're smiling in your picture. 5. Do NOT use a photo of you at your wedding. It's cringe. Just is. No bow ties, tuxedos, or wedding dresses. Full stop. I see this a lot because, I suppose, it's when people look their nicest. But how you look at a wedding probably isn't how you want to look in front of everyone every day. OPTIONAL: Do something memorable in your picture. Have pink hair. Wear silly glasses. Use a neon green background. Tilt the photo a bit. If done well, this stuff can help you stick out from the crowd. That's my two cents. Or ten cents. Take it or leave it. (I'll share some of my favorite profile pics in the comments 👇) #profilepic #marketing #branding

Of all the updates I've ever made to my LinkedIn profile, my current photo has garnered the most positive feedback by far. Under most circumstances, my face features a permanently furrowed brow and what a friend once lovingly referred to as "thinly veiled hostility." They weren't wrong. I can't help it. That's just my face. But your profile photo on LinkedIn is usually the first thing anyone sees, and it sets the tone for how others are likely to interact with you. So I made an intentionally goofy face for the photo– an excited face that is less than true-to-life. And, coupled with my banner, it helps brand the rest of my profile. Updating that photo is another free way to set a tone without spending a single dollar. **** From Erin Lewber 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢  (the picture of your face in the circle) The purpose of your profile photo is to put a face with the words on a page so people know who they're interacting with. A profile photo helps people know, like, trust you because it becomes a recognizable representation of you. 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗣𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘: 𝟭. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳  A professional photo is always lovely (but not required). If you have a professional photo (say, from a holiday card), you can crop your loved ones out, remove the background and crop out any other people using Canva, add a colorful background (optional) and you're good to go! If you don't have a pro photo, then wipe off the lenses on your phone's camera (because fingerprints ruin photos) and get someone to take a photo of you outside or in a well lit environment. Phone cameras are SO GOOD these days, you don't need to pay someone for a nice photo. Try not to selfie - typically not anyone's best angle. You can also consider an AI headshot (personally, I'm not a fan of AI headshots because they all have that creepy glow to them...but you do you). 𝟮. 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲  You may have a lovely photo of you standing in nature....but your photo needs to feature your face - not trees, fountains, your feet, etc. Your profile photo should be mostly your head in that circle (see my photo for example). General rule: Your head should take up two thirds or more (66% or more) of your circle. Two eyes, a nose, a smile 𝟯. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱  I currently have a very neutral background. I also previously used Canva to remove the background from my photo and replaced it with an orange color. You don't have to do this. But ask yourself: Does the background distract from my face? Could I streamline my background so my face really stands out? Canva is a great, free resource if you want to do anything to your photo's background 𝟰. 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝟱. 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽  You can change your photo a million times on LinkedIn, so don't make it a 'thing' that's a bigger deal than it needs to be

Your profile photo is the logo of "YOU, Inc." ❗ Let's explore the power and psychology behind a great profile photo 🔽 Yep, that tiny picture in the corner of your profile can make a world of difference in how you're perceived and how successful you are on this platform. The photo matters more than you might think. First and foremost, it symbolizes how you've chosen to show up. All part of the first impression you're making on potential employers, clients, or partners. You wouldn't show up to a business meeting or an interview looking disheveled and unprofessional, right? Well, your profile photo is the digital equivalent of that first impression. It reflects your professionalism, approachability, and personality. So, what makes a great LinkedIn profile photo? 1️⃣ Clarity and Quality Your photo should be clear and high-resolution. Blurry, pixelated, or poorly lit images scream unprofessionalism. Invest in a good camera or hire a photographer if needed. It's an investment in your personal brand. 2️⃣ Professional Attire Dress for the role you want, so wear professional attire that matches your industry and the image you want to project. A sharp suit, business attire, or even smart casual, depending on your field, can work wonders. 3️⃣ Background Keep it simple. A clean, uncluttered background is best. You want the focus to be on you, not the distractions in your surroundings. 4️⃣ Consistency Use a recent photo that accurately represents how you look now. You don't want to surprise someone at an in-person meeting when they realize you look nothing like your photo. 5️⃣ Professionalism Avoid selfies, vacation photos, or pictures that are too casual. This is LinkedIn, not Instagram. You want to convey professionalism and dedication to your career. 6️⃣ Head and Shoulders Your photo should ideally show your head and shoulders. Don't go too close or too far away. Your face should be easily recognizable. And most importantly, don't forget to SMILE 😊 Approachability is key, so show that you're a friendly, approachable professional. Now, you might be wondering, "Why does all of this matter?" 🤔 Studies show that profiles with professional photos are significantly more likely to get viewed and receive connection requests. It's a visual cue that tells others you take your professional image seriously. It humanizes your presence and provides a glimpse of the real person behind the experience, skills, and qualifications. People connect with people, not faceless profiles. Your photo sets the tone, conveys your professionalism, and influences how others perceive you. Don't underestimate its power. 🔽 🔽🔽 👋 Hi, I'm Graham. Thanks for checking out my Post. ➕ Follow me to see me in your feed 🔔 Hit the bell on my profile for Post notifications 💬 Share your ideas or insights in the comments 📚 DM me ‘SUCCESS’, for eBooks related to generating sales leads on LinkedIn #sales #marketing #socialmedia #strategy #business

Say Cheese! Many of you are either starting your professional journeys or looking to refresh your online presence. 🚀 So, today, I want to talk about the power of headshots and how they can elevate your brand! 💼 📸 What's the Big Deal About Headshots? 🤔 First impressions matter. Your headshot is often the first glimpse people get of you. 👀 Whether it's potential clients, employers, or colleagues, a well-crafted headshot can make all the difference! It conveys confidence, approachability, and professionalism—three essential traits for a lawyer! 🤝 🌟 Embrace Your Uniqueness! Remember, your headshot should reflect your personality and style. Don't be afraid to show a bit of your true self! 😄 Whether you're a classic suit aficionado or a casual-chic enthusiast, your headshot should capture the essence of YOU! 🎨 Behind the Scenes: Tips for a Winning Headshot! 📌 Location, Location, Location: Choose a setting that aligns with your professional image. A clean, clutter-free background can help you stand out! 📌 Lighting is Key: Natural light is your best friend! Find a spot with soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows. 📌 Dress to Impress: Opt for colors that complement your skin tone and represent your brand. But most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident! 💪 📌 Strike a Pose: Relax, and let your personality shine through! A genuine smile can work wonders, and a slight head tilt can add a touch of approachability. 📌 Professional Photographer: Invest in a talented photographer–they're worth it! They know how to capture your best angles and bring out the best version of you. 🚀 Level Up Your Online Presence! Once you have your headshots ready, it's time to make the most of them!💥 Update your LinkedIn profile, website, and other professional platforms with your new headshot. You'll notice an instant boost in engagement and connection requests! 📈 ✨ Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words–and your headshot could be the start of a thousand opportunities! So, get ready, strike a pose, and let your professional persona shine through! 🌟📸 Have you had a headshot adventure of your own? How did it impact your professional journey? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!👇 #headshots #firstimpressionscount #personalbranding101 *Special thanks to ChIPs Network, Kirkland & Ellis, and Michael Pool Photograph (https://lnkd.in/eXAxgxTd) for last week's Build Your Brand, Increase Your Impact event with headshots.

Your LinkedIn Photo is You LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and while you certainly don’t want to shy away from letting a little bit of your personality shine through, when it comes to how you present yourself visually you need to be careful. You may think that a casual photo of you at a party with your friends showcases the fact that you are outgoing and friendly. However, a potential employer may take one look at the beer in your hand and decide you may be a liability rather than an asset. Fair or not, the truth is that potential employers, recruiters and networking contacts are going to look at your profile. Your LinkedIn photo is one of the first impressions that you will make on them. Regardless of how sharp your resume might be, if the image you've uploaded to the site paints an unprofessional picture of you few people are going to stick around to read it. Keep your headshot simple. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the workplace. You don't want to be in a swimsuit or in a bizarre Halloween costume. Use your picture to help brand yourself as a professional. Also, keep shots of your spouse and kids out of the mix as well. During the interview process, employers are not allowed to ask you about your marital status, sexual orientation, or a myriad of other personal questions. There's no need to give them these answers and possibly eliminate yourself from consideration for a potential job just because your choice of picture couldn't keep its big mouth shut. Also, make sure to update your LinkedIn photo on a somewhat regular basis to reflect any changes in hairstyle or facial hair growth. When your interview is over and prospective employers go to the site to check out your profile you want them to recognize you. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Do your best to make those words speak highly of you. #linkedininsights #linkedinadvice #linkedinprofileoptimization #linkedinprofile #jobsearchadvice