Your profile picture is the first impression you make on your social media contacts, whether they are potential employers, clients, partners, or friends. It can convey your personality, professionalism, and credibility in a matter of seconds. But how can you choose the right profile picture for your social media profiles? Here are some tips to help you out.
Different social media platforms have different purposes and audiences. For example, LinkedIn is more formal and business-oriented, while Instagram is more casual and creative. You should choose a profile picture that matches the tone and expectations of each platform. For example, you might want to use a headshot with a neutral background and a smile for LinkedIn, but a more expressive and colorful photo for Instagram. Think about what message you want to send to your audience and how you want to be perceived.
It seems old school to think that you should be using the exact same image for all of your social media profiles. To be top of mind, you want to use a headshot that fits each profile. It shows that you understand the purpose of each platform. Each headshot should have these in common: - be current, no older than 1-2 years - the face should be well lit and recognizable - avoid busy backgrounds - show your personality appropriate to the platform - remember that profile photos are always public A headshot photographer can easily create a set of headshots that will fit each platform and also be consistent for you and your brand.
Choosing the right profile picture for your LinkedIn profile is crucial, as it forms the first impression that potential employers or professional connections will have of you. Dress Professionally or suitable for this platform, choose a high-resolution image to avoid pixelation or blurriness and the most important thing is you, so show yourself as you are.
Quick tips for the right profile pic: → Clear & Pro → Show Your Face → Nice Background → Natural Smile → Brand-Aligned → Keep It Fresh Remember: Use the same pic everywhere.
Audience Relevance: Choose a profile picture that is relevant to your audience and the platform. Consider what would appeal to them and align with their expectations.
If you are addressing a B2B audience, you want to be perceived as trustworthy, but still stand out from the crowd. First, your LinkedIn profile should be up to date. You want to be recognized at trade fairs, events and meetings! Nothing is more embarrassing when a new business contact doesn't recognize you. Use a colorful background in a bright color like yellow, pink or neon green to stand out. If the bright background is too much, create a colored circle around your profile picture.
You want your profile picture to reflect your current appearance and identity, not an outdated or misleading version of yourself. Use a photo that was taken within the last year or two, and make sure it is clear and high-quality. Avoid using filters, effects, or stickers that might distort your face or hide your features. You want your profile picture to be recognizable and authentic, not confusing or deceptive.
You want your audience to recognize you and it's important to add your recent picture without any beauty effects Be authentic, professional and recognizable
Up-to-Date Imagery: Ensure your profile picture is recent and accurately represents your current appearance. Clear Visibility: Select a photo where your face is clearly visible without any obstructions.
Consider using the same photo across all your social media profiles. That way, some who follows you on one platform can easily find you on another
We've all heard stories about people going on a first date and finding out their date looks nothing like their photos on the dating app. It's false advertising! Using an outdated social media profile photo from 10+ years ago might seem like a good idea, but it can backfire when people meet you virtually or IRL. In fact, this inconsistency might encourage people to consider your age, when previously they hadn't given it a thought! Choose a RECENT photo where you look like your most professional, authentic, and happiest self.
Make sure you keep an upright posture and do not tilt your head to the side, especially women. Doesn't look very assertive. Your face is in the foreground, especially your eyes. Avoid full body photos. Get feedback and don't be too critical of yourself.
Your profile picture is not only a representation of your face, but also of your style and personal brand. You should dress appropriately and professionally for the context and industry you are in. For example, if you are a lawyer, you might want to wear a suit and tie, but if you are a graphic designer, you might opt for something more creative and casual. However, regardless of your profession, you should avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, distracting, or offensive. You want your profile picture to show your competence and confidence, not your cleavage or controversy.
Your profile photo should represent you as a thoughtful leader and someone to motivate You should be: ? Confident ? Motivational ? Professional ? Thoughtful leader
"What should I wear for my profile photo?" I get this Q all the time. Here are my suggestions: => You don't have to wear a suit! Do consider your industry. Wear what you would wear to an important work-related event. => Wear solids. Avoid patterns. Patterns are distracting and they can be pixelated. No florals, no stripes, no plaids... => If you have a favourite color, then go for it! Otherwise, blue is a great default. Blue is more people's favorite color. Blue also looks great on camera. => Dress to reinforce your personal brand. (Did I mention I ??LOVE turquoise?!)
Professional Attire: Wear clothing that suits the context of the platform and reflects the level of professionalism expected. Consider the Audience: Dress in a way that resonates with your target audience, whether it's casual, business casual, or formal attire.
Your profile picture should showcase your best features and your personality. You should choose an angle and expression that flatter your face and make you look approachable and friendly. For example, you might want to tilt your head slightly and smile with your eyes and teeth. Avoid using selfies, unless they are well-lit and well-composed. You might also want to ask someone else to take your photo or use a tripod and a timer. You want your profile picture to look natural and engaging, not awkward or arrogant.
Gestures are key!! 1/ A friendly smile lowers the audience's barriers and resistance and at the same time generates a positive attitude of identification for the brand. 2/ A light and authentic smile reflects confidence in yourself, in the context and in others. 3/ Try several shots until you choose the one in which you feel represented by your expression and you feel that it is also consistent with your industry.
Flattering Angle: Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering one for your face shape. Friendly Expression: Opt for a genuine smile or a friendly expression that makes you approachable.
A smile is the key to bridging communication gaps. Select a profile picture with a warm smile and a kind gesture to convey approachability and friendliness to your audience. A smiling face is often preferred over flat or rigid expressions.??
?? Be unique in your own way - Its not always a good idea to always copy others, sometimes doing something out of the box turns out best!
Your profile picture should fit the dimensions and specifications of each social media platform. You should crop and resize your photo accordingly, so that it is not too big or too small, too zoomed in or too zoomed out. You want your profile picture to fill the frame and focus on your face, not on the background or the edges. You can use online tools or apps to crop and resize your photo easily and accurately.
Choosing the right profile picture for your social media profiles can make a big difference in your personal branding and online reputation. By following these tips, you can create a profile picture that showcases your best self and attracts the right attention.
Some people like just a face, I prefer head and shoulders but the key to all of this is upload it then check it - use a different platform or your phone to be sure it's sitting correctly and half you face isn't cropped out.
One of the most common mistakes I see with profile photos is cropping. Many of us need to ZOOM IN. Consider how small that circles is, especially if people are viewing it on their small phone screen. Also, related to cropping, you don't need to get a professional photo, but you should definitely be the only person in the photo. Usually we can tell if you cropped out your friend's shoulder. One of my clients even had a SEATBELT visible in her profile photo! Yes, she looked gorgeous, but you could tell she was in her car. So again, you don't need to hire a professional photographer, but do take the time to provide a neutral background, make sure you're the only one in the photo, and zoom in!
Proper Cropping: Ensure that your face is the main focus and properly centered in the frame. Platform Specifications: Adjust the size and resolution of your photo according to the specifications of the social media platform.
I like a picture that’s friendly- your picture is like your logo. Colleagues and friends who’ve had stern non smiling “professional” shots I’ve asked if they’re interested in my thoughts and if no I move on.. yes… simply ask if they smile comfortably when they meet new people or hold the “Days of our lives or Bold and beautiful” long stair not friendly. I enjoy life and working with others so that’s what you get ?????? funnily enough when I met a group of people at a networking event I’d never met before… they recognised me immediately hahahaha
Invest in a professional headshot, especially for professional networks like LinkedIn. If it's too expensive to get a professional headshot, then make sure you look professional and the photo is taken with good lighting. Please, don't include personal elements in the shot (like don't crop your photo out of a group shot) and not photos of you and your pet!
As a personal brand consultant, I see a lot of errors in profile photography. Avoid - use formats that are not appropriate for each network (many times the photo is deformed when uploaded. Check this!) - include other people in your profile photo. The focus is you. - have busy backgrounds that distract or generate contradictory messages for the brand Last but not least, enjoy linking your personal image to your brand!! This generates identification and enhances your presence and differentiation.
While many of us do get professional headshots, you certainly do NOT need to! Follow these guidelines, based on LinkedIn's own research regarding what makes people appear likeable and competent: => Smile! A "big toothy grin" is even better! => You dont need to wear a suit and tie. Wear what you would wear to an important day at work. => Black and white or full color is fine. Regardless, make sure it is high resolution. => YOU are the feature! Nothing distracting in the background, unless you are strategically communicating something about your personal brand.
Background Choice: Select a background that complements your image without being distracting. A plain or neutral background often works well. Consistency Across Platforms: If you have multiple social media profiles, consider using a consistent profile picture to enhance recognition. Brand Alignment: If you're building a personal brand, align your profile picture with the overall visual elements and message of your brand.
?? Make sure the photo you're using is bringing positive energy for viewers. - Maintain a balance between being bold and being kind!