What are the best practices for choosing a LinkedIn profile photo for mobile?

You don’t have to hire a professional photographer, but it certainly helps. If you take your own, make sure your lighting is good. The key thing is that of someone first meets you on LinkedIn and then meets you on Zoom or in person… you want to be recognizable.

An unclear photo represents a lack of attention to detail. You are a representation of yourself and your company. Also, avoid pictures of logos, with other people, or your pets as your profile picture. If you need support editing your picture, feel free to message me.

I agree. Our LinkedIn profile photo is the “first impression” received when connecting to network. Personally, I prefer a plain solid background. I don’t feel logo and branding should be in the photo. That can be incorporated into the Header background photo

It's okay to dress casually if it aligns with your personal brand because the goal is to connect your brand to your audience. However, dressing casually is not the same as dressing unprofessionally. Make sure your clothes are clean and unwrinkled. Use a well lit photo and smile.

Smile! I have seriously second-guessed either connecting with or accepting a connection from someone who is not smiling in their profile pic—even when I knew them personally!!! Think of this from a customer service standpoint: do you want a person assisting you, selling something to you, or trying to connect with you who comes off as overly grumpy or serious? Smile more. You won’t regret it. Plus, you will give others on social media one more reason to connect with you without hesitation when expanding your network!

Along with testing on multiple devices, you should ensure your picture is the same on all your business networking sites or company software (MS Teams, Outlook 365, Sharepoint, etc).

All of these aspects of a great headshot can be handled by a great headshot photographer. Interview them to get the way they willwork with you. They should advise you to make you feel comfortable in the shoot. I had mine taken outside in NYC with the urban street background and we ran into the street at each red light for another shot. Someone rolled opened car window and asked me, "Should I know you-are you famous?" and the next photo after he asked that was the one I chose. I happy with the results and we had fun doing so.

Your posture matters. Don't slouch. Stand up and straighten up. Look purposefully at the camera. Look confident. Think of the message you want people who have never met you to have.