Profile Photo: 3 Things to Avoid & How to Optimize in Minutes

As discussed in the first article of this newsletter, your LinkedIn profile is your virtual business card in the digital age. In the banner, you see three different photos of me: all the same and yet different... And that is the key!

This means your profile photo is very important for creating a good first impression online. But often the right choice is neglected. ?? Time for action: Do the self-check and decide for yourself how well you align with the tips and/or get inspired on how to improve when taking a new photo. Spoiler alert: you don't need a professional, expensive, or complicated photoshoot.

Three Things to Avoid

First things first, to make the right impression, avoid common pitfalls:

1) Unprofessional Images

You might think this is obvious - but I assure you, it's not. While I'm not here to judge your choice of photo (as long as it's an intentional choice, you should know best), I do want to encourage you to reflect critically on how you want to present yourself professionally and choose a photo that reflects that!

For example, the photo below might be suitable for other social media platforms (like Instagram) but not for a professional headshot. Also make sure that you use a high-resolution image because a pixelated photo screams unprofessionalism - and yes, that also happens more often than it should (more on this later).

• Be human BUT avoid using too casual or party photos.

• Also say no to group shots or situations in which you are cut off. You should be the sole focus.

2) Black and White Photos

?? While black and white photos can have an artistic appeal (and if that’s the style you prefer, it’s perfectly fine), they might not fully convey the liveliness of your personality. In reality, we’re not black and white beings, so I recommend opting for color photos that truly capture your essence. Remember that your profile photo is there to make you approachable and recognizable, so choose a style that reflects this.

Similarly, I would suggest avoiding extreme colors or filters.

• Steer clear of creating a dramatic or dull first impression. Keep it natural.

c. Distracting Backgrounds

Even though, I love the blue colors in the photo below (our Tricycle company colors BTW), I find them quite strong and dramatic — although to be fair, I still used it for a long time as my profile photo.

My advice is to decide on your background carefully, but as long as it supports the overall story, it's fine. And why not bring in a little more creativity instead? In my case, I used it for branding purposes of the company and also matched my LinkedIn banner (= "background photo) to it by using the same colors, just milder to give my profile a uniform look. Or currently, I still use the same photo, but I’ve manually edited the background to make it cleaner and less Tricycle-specific (2 seconds, using Canva).

The key takeaway is to be intentional and thoughtful when selecting and adjusting your profile photo. But don't overthink it either.

• Avoid using backgrounds that are too cluttered or attention from your face. Use a clean and simple setting - or edit it.
• Also don’t use backgrounds that are inappropriate or irrelevant. Don’t use photos of people, beaches, crowded places etc... Use a photo that shows you in a professional environment!

How to Optimize Your Profile Photo

Now that we discussed what to avoid, let’s focus on optimization:

Choose the Right Expression

In my opinion, a good profile should reflect your personality and the human touch in a professional manner. You can achieve this by being welcoming, friendly and approachable - similar to how you would greet someone in real life. ???? Don't make your photo look like a passport, 'wanted' sign or a mugshot!

• Smile: Approachable and kind (remember LinkedIn should be a win-win environment).
• Recognition: When people recognize you based on your photo, it reinforces your identity.
• Confidence: Look into the camera and maintain eye contact (my preference).

"Dress to Impress" But Keep it Authentic

A strong profile photo creates a positive initial impression.

It signals that you take your professional image seriously. However, you should always be authentic too.

Depending on your industry, role and seniority level, this might look different. Keep this in mind:

• Professionalism: Dress as you would at work.

• Business Attire: A suit, blazer, or professional outfit might work best.
• Avoid: T-shirts, hoodies, or overly casual wear that you wouldn't wear in a client meeting. Better "dress to impress" because there's only one first impression!

BONUS: Focus on a Good Headshot, Even Without a Photographer

While I don't support the idea that you need to get a professional photographer or need to spend a fortune on your photo, I'd keep some things in mind:

• 2/3 of the photo should be your face in order to represent the handshake moment. Don't be shy! Plus, it only looks large on your profile but for the rest of the activities, it becomes very small.
• Avoid Selfies: They rarely look professional. Ask a friend or use a timer.
• Aim for Natural Light: Shoot outdoors or near a window for flattering lighting. Again, the goal is to make it as natural and realistic as possible.

Conclusion

Remember, your LinkedIn profile photo is your digital handshake. MAKE IT COUNT! Invest a bit of time in choosing a photo that aligns with your professional image — after all, a picture is worth a thousand words...

As an extra tip, you can also use AI to either generate headshots for you - or use it to analyze your current photo and get personalized tips. For example, try Snappr Photo Analyzer.

What else would you add? What does your profile photo say about you? What do you not like? Share your thoughts below! Thanks :)