Having an eye-catching yet professional background on your LinkedIn profile is key to making a good first impression on potential employers and connections. With over 850 million members on LinkedIn, standing out from the crowd and highlighting your skills and experience is essential. But with so many background options to choose from, how do you pick the right one?
Should I use the LinkedIn default background?
When you first create your LinkedIn profile, it will have a default gray gradient background provided by LinkedIn. This basic background is fine to use when you’re first establishing your profile, but it won’t help you stand out from other users. It’s better to upload your own professional background that aligns with your personal brand.
What types of backgrounds should I avoid?
Stay away from backgrounds that are overly distracting, unprofessional, or personal. For example:
- Distracting patterns or busy images
- Vacation photos
- Images with text or quotes
- Outdoor landscapes or nature scenes
- Images with people or animals
- Inappropriate or unprofessional images
You want the focus to be on your profile content – not the background image. Pick a background that complements your profile rather than overwhelms it.
What size should my background image be?
LinkedIn recommends uploading a background image that is at least 1400 x 425 pixels. This ensures the image will display properly on monitors of varying sizes and resolutions. Anything smaller may appear blurry or pixelated.
What are some good background options?
Here are some professional background options to consider:
- Blurred office environment related to your industry
- Abstract shapes and designs in muted colors
- Cityscape or landscape silhouettes
- Books, tools, or objects related to your profession
- Subtle patterns or textures
The key is choosing an image that looks polished and refined. Stay away from stock images that look generic. Implementing images related to your industry or job function can further emphasize your professional brand.
Should I include text or graphics on my background?
In most cases, avoid adding text, logos, or complex graphics to your LinkedIn background. Simple is best. You want the focus to remain on your profile content and experience. The background should frame your profile – not overpower it. The exception is if you have a strong personal logo or brand that is appropriate to include.
How do I change my LinkedIn background image?
Changing your LinkedIn background is easy:
- Click on “View profile” from your homepage
- Click the pencil “Edit background photo” button
- Upload your image file from your computer
- Preview how it looks on your profile
- Click “Save changes”
You can change your background as often as you want. Try testing out a few options to see which one looks best.
Should I pay for a premium background?
LinkedIn offers both free and paid backgrounds:
- Free backgrounds: You can upload any image for your background for free. Just make sure it meets the recommended 1400 x 425 pixel size.
- Premium backgrounds: These can be purchased from LinkedIn’s background collection starting at around $10. They feature high-quality original images from professional photographers.
Premium backgrounds look more polished than generic free stock images. However, a thoughtfully designed custom background will look just as professional. Don’t feel like you need to pay for a background if you have a quality image to upload.
Do backgrounds really matter on LinkedIn?
In short, yes. While your background image won’t make or break your LinkedIn presence, it’s still a factor that creates an impression. Consider this:
- It’s one of the first things people notice on your profile
- It’s a chance to display your style and design aesthetic
- It makes your profile look more complete and put together
- It reinforces your personal brand and who you are professionally
Professionals who take the time to upload eye-catching yet appropriate backgrounds tend to look more polished and appealing to connect with. It’s a subtle but powerful detail.
Example LinkedIn Backgrounds
Here are some excellent examples of LinkedIn backgrounds:
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Conclusion
Picking the right LinkedIn background image may seem minor, but it can enhance your personal brand and presentation. Aim for a professional aesthetic that complements your photo and industry. Avoid backgrounds that are distracting, busy, or unpolished. With over 850 million users, standing out from the LinkedIn crowd is key. So use your background strategically to reinforce who you are as a brand and connect with the right audiences.