Put Your Best Face Forward Online
Mallusk Enterprise Park
Making Enterprise Possible, inspiring an entrepreneurial culture in Antrim & Newtownabbey
Local enterprise?agency Mallusk Enterprise park has teamed up with Chartered Marketer Christine Watson FCIM Chartered Marketer and professional photographer Jim Corr to help entrepreneurs and small business owners tackle the seven deadly sins that professionals across Northern Ireland are seen to be making when choosing a profile photo?for display on professional online network LinkedIn.
Secondary research carried out by the team who have organised the practical workshop 'Spring Clean Your LinkedIn', which is set to take place on Monday 20 March 2023, shows that individuals are failing to put their best face forward when it comes to personal and professional branding on the social media platform.
Analysis of the LinkedIn profiles of over 100 individuals across Northern Ireland has revealed seven deadly sins that can easily be combated with the help of an experienced headshot photographer and a little know how.
1. Having no photo uploaded at all
A number of the personal LinkedIn accounts analysed had clearly been set up years ago and rarely returned to since. It is said that people do business with people so don't underestimate the importance of having your actual face uploaded onto your LinkedIn profile.
2. Uploading a poor quality image
The research uncovered a number of profile photographs being used that showed up blurry or pixelated. This could be as a result of individuals pulling their favourite photo straight from a google search - often photos uploaded to websites and other social media sites are vastly reduced in size and quality. LinkedIn state that profile photos should be of a maximum file size of 8mb and the pixel size should be between 400 (w) x 400 (h) pixels and 7680 (w) x 4320 (h) pixels.?
3. A Logo or cartoon image being used as a profile photo instead of a head shot
LinkedIn provides its users with the opportunity to add a photograph to a profile in order to help others recognise you. LinkedIn has guidelines and conditions of use. The platform states that all photos must comply with their user agreement and that they can remove photos if the profile image does not include your likeness. Examples of photos that shouldn't be used are company logos, landscapes, animals, words or phrases and stock imagery. They also caution that if they remove a photo three times then the user will not be able to upload a photo to their profile again.
4. Using Selfies
A selfie image is an all too common format used for many different reasons. Sometimes people like to add filters too, but these images are not exactly a true and professional reflection of an individual and their personal brand. As well as sending a signal of falseness they can also be perceived as amateur and indeed immature.?
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5. All Glammed Up
When we take the time to invest in nice clothing, hair or indeed make-up for events outside of work such as weddings and parties it can be tempting to use a photo that one feels is flattering. However LinkedIn is the professionals network and unless you wish to portray yourself as a glammed up model available for photoshoots then an image that is more reflective of you at work is a more accurate portrayal of you for business purposes.?
6. Dubious backgrounds
All sorts of colourful bedroom wallpaper patterns, dirty mirrors and family, friends and pets have made the cut when it comes to profile photos on LinkedIn. However your LinkedIn profile itself should be all about you as a professional, your photo taken in a professional way and wholly representative of an individual that one would wish to connect with, follow, network with or indeed do business with.
7. Old outdated photos
There are a number of local profiles that feature headshots that were clearly taken a decade or two or more ago! If it has been a while since you invested in a professional photo shoot then maybe the time is nigh, nostalgia is a wonderful thing but don't be shy about owning your grey hairs too - that is if you haven't coloured them out! When you get to meet your connections on LinkedIn in real life do consider whether you'd actually be instantly recognisable from your profile shot. Trust is an important factor when it comes to relationship building so make sure that your LinkedIn is a trusted source.
If you recognise yourself in any of the sins highlighted above then take proactive steps today - the Spring Clean Your LinkedIn practical workshop at Mallusk Enterprise Park on Monday 20 March 2023 comes with fresh professional headshot photography for each delegate.?
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