How to make your LinkedIn profile picture pop

LinkedIn’s research shows that accounts with profile pictures are viewed 14 times more than those that don’t. But how do you make that great first impression and stand out on LinkedIn, or any other social media platform? 

Keep your profile up to date

You want to have a photo that looks like you, ideally taken at least within the last couple of years. No photos from ten years ago! If you’ve had a major change to your hair or looks, get a new one taken. It helps your connections pick you out from the crowd.

Have someone other than your right (or left) arm take the photo

While selfies are of course popular, they don’t really speak professionalism when used as a profile picture. Another thing to remember is that your selfie camera quality is worse than your main mobile phone camera. Getting a friend or colleague to take the photo of you will pay off, they can even help direct you to tilt your head or make sure you remember to smile. If you can’t find anyone to help you, put your camera on a timer and place it on a tripod. 

Be the star of the show

You want to be the sole focus of the photo, it’s all about you! Don’t share the limelight of your LinkedIn profile picture with anybody else. Having multiple people in the photo can make it confusing to determine who’s you. Instead, share group photos as posts on your page, and then you can tell us all about the special people around you. 

Find your best angle

Being photographed straight on isn’t very flattering – think of prison mugshots. Experiment with angles and poses to find your most flattering look. A slight tilt of the head, a confident stance – these little tweaks can make a big difference. 

Take a photo with just the right look

Smiling is always good, even better if you smile with teeth. Smiling increases your likeability. Studies show even slight changes in your facial expressions completely change the way you are perceived. Your profile photo is part of your brand and one of the first touch points with potential clients, so you want to make it count. If you’re a bubbly and warm person, you 100% want that to be conveyed in your profile. Equally, if you’re serious, don’t be scared to be that in your photo it’s important to get across the right you. 

Watch your background

You don’t want anything to distract from you. Make sure you don’t have fire extinguishers, distracting signage, bins, and the likes of in the background of your profile picture. Another thing to watch out for are trees and lamp posts ‘growing’ out of your head. If you are near trees or lamps, watch how you position yourself.

Use natural light

Natural light gives the most flattering light. But avoid direct sunlight, it can create very harsh shadows and you don’t want to be squinting in your photos. Try taking your picture outside on an overcast day or in the shade. If you are indoors, you can also use the light from a nearby window to lighten your face and give your skin a natural glow. 

And now, for my final tip… Drumroll, please! 

Book me

Elevate your LinkedIn profile picture to new heights by booking a session with me. I specialise in capturing your authentic self in the best light and poses possible, ensuring you feel confident and look fabulous in your profile photo. 

Not convinced yet? Head over to my blog on the power of professional headshots, or get in touch.