Picture-Perfect LinkedIn: Why Professional Headshots and Action Photos Are Your Key to Standing Out

LinkedIn

First impressions in today’s age often happen online. LinkedIn is one of the most popular platforms among professionals and whether you’re looking for a new job opportunity, expanding your network, or establishing yourself as a thought leader or expert in your industry, the picture that accompanies your profile speaks volumes. However, it’s not just about a headshot either. In fact, using photos that show you doing your job is a great way to boost your personal brand and set you apart from other users.?

The Value of a Professional Headshot

Because your profile picture is the first substantial piece of content a person sees when they visit your web page, having a high-quality headshot offers several advantages.

Fosters Trust and Gives You an Established Image: People unconsciously associate a polished, professional photo with trustworthiness. When recruiters or potential connections see a polished headshot, it immediately gives them a positive impression.

Easier To Remember: With millions of users on LinkedIn, having a picture that stands out makes people more likely to remember you. A sharp, well-lit headshot with a plain background keeps the attention where it matters – on you and not anything else.

Shows a Bit of Your Personality: While it should look professional, it doesn’t hurt if your picture gives a glimpse of what you’re about. For instance, a smile on your face makes you appear more approachable. Are you in a creative industry? Your attire or photo style could reflect that.

The Value of Action Shots

While a great headshot is crucial, an additional layer of authenticity can be achieved by including pictures of you doing your job. These images provide potential employers, clients, or collaborators an insight into your work ethic, dedication, and the skills you have.

The Power of a Photo: Instant Impact

While videos can be a powerful way to showcase your skills, a well-chosen photo can be just as effective, if not more so, in capturing attention instantly.

A single image has the ability to freeze a moment, conveying your professionalism, passion, and expertise in one quick glance.

Unlike videos, which require viewers to invest time watching, a photo allows people to understand the entire scene at a glance. This instant impact can be especially valuable on LinkedIn, where first impressions matter, and busy professionals often scroll quickly through profiles. A photo tells the story in a moment, making it a highly efficient way to engage viewers and leave a lasting impression.

Why Action Shots Make Your LinkedIn Profile Better

The Simple Answer: Images Tell a Story

Action photos give viewers a better idea of what you’re really like, showing who you are and what you do in a way that a portrait will never communicate. A picture of you reading a report at a conference or surveying a construction site tells people much more about you than a headshot. In other words, a shot of you doing something in your job or field is worth a thousand words on your LinkedIn page.

A More Personal Touch

It’s not a bad thing, at times, to show a more genuine touch to your profile. LinkedIn is full of portrait-style profile photos, and while they feel ‘proper’ they also radiate ‘distant’. Sharing an in-action picture of you in a meeting or building something with your hands shows you being ‘real’. As long as you’re keeping up the proper etiquette expected of a LinkedIn profile – refraining from sharing inappropriate content or being too casual – there’s nothing wrong with a shot of you in "work clothes" especially for jobs like construction manager, fitness trainer, or nurse.

What Makes a Good Action Photo?

The ‘action’ you want to capture should also be relevant. For example, an action photo of a lawyer is better suited showing up at a court, with the backdrop of a courthouse.

A blurry, poorly composed photo shows – yes, you’re in-action- but you’re not really doing a good job, are you? You want to show and be at your best!

Celebrate Key Experiences: This could mean getting photos of you doing something imperative to your line of work, whether that means speaking at an event, working on a task or potentially even just engaging with the staff!

Keep It Professional: Even though these are action shots, they should still look professional. Avoid casual or overly informal pictures that don’t align with the tone of your industry.

Where to add your photos on LinkedIn

Profile: I recommend always using a high-quality headshot for your profile picture. There’s no better way to encourage someone to connect with you or take your profile seriously.

Featured Section: This section is a great place to add a portfolio or action shots of you in work environments or conferences or action shots of your accomplishments. Alternatively, you can add snippets from your first media interview or the first time you hosted a workshop.

Posts: Additionally, you can also regularly add action shots in various work situations. This can prompt more engagement on the platform and highlight your level of action.

Banner: Your LinkedIn banner is another great opportunity to show an even broader scene of your brand or industry.

In the competitive professional landscape, having a picture-perfect LinkedIn profile is essential. A well-done headshot can enhance your credibility, while action shots can set you apart by showing you in action, doing what you do best. Together, they create a powerful visual story of who you are as a professional, making it easier for connections, employers, and potential clients to understand and remember you. So, take the time to invest in high-quality images and let your LinkedIn profile truly shine!

Happy Branding!

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