Choosing the right header image for your LinkedIn profile can be an important decision that helps convey your personal brand and make a strong first impression on visitors. Your header photo sits prominently at the top of your profile, so it’s worthwhile to put some thought into selecting an appropriate, professional image that aligns with how you want to present yourself in the business world.
There are a few key considerations when picking your LinkedIn header photo. First, you’ll want high quality, crisp image with good lighting and resolution. Second, the photo should be appropriate and reflect well on your brand – creative images are great but avoid anything unprofessional. And third, it helps to choose a photo that connects to your industry, interests or goals in some way.
In this article, we’ll explore different options for LinkedIn header images and how to select the right one to convey your personal brand. We’ll also cover tips for taking a great headshot or background photo, sizing and formatting images for LinkedIn, and using customized images or templates to polish your profile. With the right approach, your header photo can make your profile stand out while presenting your best professional self.
Should I Use a Professional Headshot or Background Photo?
One of the first decisions is whether you want a headshot of yourself or an interesting background image. Both are common options for LinkedIn headers. Here are some of the pros and cons of each approach:
Professional Headshot
A professional headshot showcases you as the brand. It creates a human connection so people can put a face to your name when interacting on LinkedIn.
Pros:
- Puts your face and expression front and center
- Viewers get to know you on a more personal level
- Conveys approachability, trust and personality
Cons:
- Background is secondary
- Less flexibility for creativity
- Might blend in more with other headshot photos
Background Photo
A background photo allows you to get creative with environments relevant to your industry, interests or brand. The focus becomes more about conveying a unique story or concept visually.
Pros:
- Allows for more creativity and customization
- Can incorporate your industry, passions or causes
- Opportunity to stand out visually on your profile
Cons:
- You appear smaller/less prominent in the image
- Conveys slightly less personality upfront
- Might look like a stock image if not unique enough
As you can see, both options have their merits. Many professionals choose an eye-catching background photo with themselves featured in a smaller profile picture. This provides a good balance of personality and storytelling. But a bold professional headshot can also make a strong impression.
Tips for Taking a Great Headshot
If you opt for a headshot, here are some tips for taking a stellar photo that will represent you well on LinkedIn:
- Invest in a professional shoot with a skilled photographer. This will ensure great lighting, posing and overall quality.
- Wear professional attire in a solid color that flatters you. Avoid busy patterns.
- Look directly into the camera with good posture and a natural, warm facial expression.
- Take some serious shots as well as some relaxed smiles and laughs. Choose the best one.
- Simple backgrounds generally work best to keep the focus on you.
- Stick with basic makeup that looks natural – avoid anything distracting.
- Make sure the photo is high resolution. Many photographers provide finished files.
A professional headshot photographer will guide you through flattering poses and natural expressions to end up with quality, polished photos for your brand.
Tips for Creating a Compelling Background Photo
For a background image, you have more creative options. Here are some ideas for picking or producing a compelling photo:
- Show your workspace or tools of your industry in action.
- Feature an environment related to your interests – e.g. science lab, court room, food scene.
- Display an artsy cityscape or nature scene that conveys your vibe.
- Include a bold texture, design or colors associated with your brand.
- Incorporate motivational or uplifting messages/imagery.
- Feature yourself against the interesting backdrop – e.g. speaking at a lectern.
- Collaborate with a photographer on concepts aligned with your message.
- Purchase professional stock photos to represent your brand or industry.
The goal is to make your image stand out while connecting back to your professional identity. Think through how to represent your brand visually and have fun getting creative with the composition.
Image Size and Format Tips
To upload your photo successfully, you’ll need to adjust the file specs. LinkedIn requires a minimum 1584 x 396 pixel image. Larger images will be cropped and resized.
Here are some tips:
- Take photos in landscape format, not portrait.
- Use image sizes between 1584 x 396 – 5120 x 1440 for best quality.
- Save photos at 72 dpi resolution in JPG or PNG format.
- Keep file sizes under 8MB – use image optimization tools if needed.
- Review the image preview before uploading to ensure it fits the header space nicely.
Formatting your image correctly will help it look crisp and seamless on your profile.
Using a Customizable LinkedIn Header Template
One shortcut is to use a customizable LinkedIn header template that makes it easy to create a polished, professional background image.
LinkedIn provides basic header templates featuring different color schemes and textures. You can overlay your profile photo within the template graphic.
There are also third-party websites like Canva that offer drag-and-drop LinkedIn header templates. You can quickly create a background with your photo, effects, and branding.
Here are some benefits of using a LinkedIn header template:
- Provides an easy starting point if you’re not graphically inclined.
- Offers premade layouts, fonts, effects and color schemes.
- Lets you incorporate your photo into a polished graphic.
- Requires no advanced image editing skills.
- Some templates are free, others have paid options.
The tradeoff is that templates may look more generic. But they still beat using LinkedIn’s default background. With customizable elements like fonts, colors and effects, you can make a template uniquely your own.
Putting It All Together: 7 Top LinkedIn Header Photo Ideas
Now let’s explore some specific examples of stellar LinkedIn header photos:
1. Warm Headshot Smile
As discussed, a well-executed headshot creates instant likability and connection. A natural, approachable smile is ideal. Soft lighting and a solid neutral background keep the focus on you.
2. Headshot + Brand Messaging
Include your smiling headshot while overlaying your brand messaging or company name. This ties your personality and values together. Just keep text short and subtle.
3. Workspace Background
Showcase your workspace or work tools in action – e.g. at your desk, in a studio, on stage. This conveys your industry or role while humanizing your brand.
4. Industry Theme or Message
Feature backgrounds that represent your niche, whether it’s medicine, tech, gardening or music. Show environments or objects related to your work.
5. Signature Style or Aesthetic
If you have a signature color scheme, visual style or aesthetic, incorporate this consistently. This could be black-and-white minimalism or colorful pop art that expresses your personality.
6. Cause Driven
Advocate for a cause or organization you support through imagery. This could be nature preservation, fighting poverty or championing diversity.
7. Conference or Event Speaking
Build authority by showing yourself presenting on stage at a conference or company event. You appear dynamic and influential.
Optimizing Your Header for Mobile Devices
With much of LinkedIn viewed on mobile, you’ll also want to ensure your header photo looks great on smartphones and tablets.
Here are some mobile optimization tips:
- Use bold, uncluttered imagery that translates well to small screens.
- Feature text prominently so it remains readable.
- Avoid busy backgrounds with small details that won’t be visible.
- Pick colors with enough contrast to stand out.
- If using your headshot, position yourself centrally and sized-up.
- Preview your header on a mobile device before finalizing.
Creating both desktop and mobile versions of your header image is recommended. This allows you to tailor the design for each experience.
Tying It Back to Your Personal Brand
Most importantly, your header photo should complement your broader personal branding and messaging on LinkedIn.
Some key principles to follow:
- Reinforce who you are as a professional.
- Convey your personality and work style.
- Align with your industry niche and expertise.
- Visually represent your mission or passions.
- Stay on-brand – match your profile aesthetics.
Your photo, profile summary and other branding elements should tell a consistent story about you. Use your header to kick things off strongly.
Best Practices for Changing Up Your Header
It’s fine to refresh your header photo periodically as your brand evolves. But avoid changing it too frequently, as this can seem distracting.
Some tips:
- Only update it when you have a new professional milestone to feature.
- Consider seasonally relevant headers tied to holidays/events.
- Promote new projects or initiatives 2-4 times per year maximum.
- Add visual variety while maintaining cohesion with your profile.
- Make sure new imagery aligns with previous branding.
You want visitors focusing on your content and connections – not a busy header.
Tools and Resources for Creating Great LinkedIn Headers
For assistance creating a standout header photo for your LinkedIn profile, here are some handy tools and resources:
Image Editing Software
- Adobe Photoshop – Industry standard for photo editing.
- GIMP – Free, open-source image editing alternative.
- Canva – Browser-based design withtemplates.
- PicMonkey – Online photo editing and templates.
Stock Photo Sites
- Getty Images – For premium, high-quality stock photos.
- 123RF – Budget stock photos, graphics and templates.
- Unsplash – Free high-resolution stock photos.
Professional Headshot Photographers
- Search sites like Yelp or Google for local photographers.
- Ask contacts for referrals to talented pros.
- Search professional associations and directories.
LinkedIn Header Templates
- LinkedIn Background Templates – Free templates on LinkedIn.
- Canva – Customizable LinkedIn header layouts.
- PhotoSlices – Templates with stock photos included.
With the right tools and guidance, you can create a header photo that elevates your LinkedIn presence and brand.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn header image is valuable real estate to make a strong impression. A photo that reflects your brand positively while capturing viewers’ interest can enhance your profile and messaging. Carefully consider the visual story you want to tell and which approach best fits.
Aim for images that are high-quality, professionally executed, and convey your professional identity or industry. Go for visually striking concepts that will stand out in people’s feeds while representing your brand consistently. And customize your imagery for desktop and mobile viewing experiences.
With a thoughtful header photo that aligns to your broader personal branding, you can attract the right connections and opportunities on LinkedIn. So take the time to craft the perfect image to introduce yourself. The effort can have a big impact.