7 Tips to Elevate Your LinkedIn Profile with an Eye-Catching Headshot!

August 21, 2023 - Reading time: 3 minutes
Ready to level up on LinkedIn? Boost your personal brand with the perfect headshot and watch your connections soar!

LinkedIn is a social media platform that can be helpful for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and salespeople. With over 722 million members, having a great LinkedIn headshot can help you stand out from the crowd. Follow these tips to get the perfect LinkedIn headshot for your goals.

Tip #1: Avoid Selfies

A selfie or other unprofessional photo in a LinkedIn profile can look awkward. While some people might think that a casual picture is good, it's unlikely that people who are looking to hire, promote, or buy from you will see it that way. A professional headshot makes you look competent, influential, and reliable. Taking the time to get your headshot taken shows that you are professional and hardworking.

Tip #2: Keep Your LinkedIn Headshot Up-to-Date

Updating your LinkedIn headshot every 1 to 2 years or after any significant changes in your appearance is essential for showing yourself authentically. A misleading photo can lead to a lack of trust, which can negatively impact your professional reputation.

Tip #3: Choose an Industry-Appropriate Backdrop

Different industries tend to use different backdrops. Look at other people in your industry on LinkedIn and their websites to see what they're using. Even though there aren't any hard-and-fast rules, choosing an industry-appropriate backdrop can make your headshot more effective.

Tip #4: Dress Professionally

Avoid dressing too casually for your LinkedIn headshot. Dressing professionally shows that you take your career seriously and conveys respect for your potential clients or employers.

Tip #5: Use Natural-Looking Editing

Overly edited headshots can be distracting and can take away from the impact of the photo. Editing should remove any distracting blemishes or details while keeping the photo looking natural.

Tip #6: Crop at 2/3rds Eye Level

Traditional close-up professional headshots should be cropped so that your eyes are at 2/3rd height in the photo. Cropping a half-body shot with your nose at 2/3rds height can reduce the amount of empty space in the frame.

Tip #7: Use a Matching Cover Photo

Once you have an awesome LinkedIn headshot, complement it with a modern cover photo from a site like unsplash.com. A cool cover photo can help you create a cohesive personal brand.

In summary, having a professional LinkedIn headshot is essential for making a great first impression on potential clients, employers, and partners. By following these tips, you can create a headshot that helps you stand out and achieve your professional goals.

Ready to Book Individual Headshot or Group Headshots for Your Team in Fairfax County or Washington D.C.?

Look no further than Alex Headshots. I’m located in Burke, VA — just 15 minutes from downtown Fairfax, VA and 30 minutes commute from Washington D.C. If you have a large team, I can bring my photography studio to your office in Fairfax County or D.C. After your initial photo shoot, send new hires to my studio to get a matching headshot at an exclusive rate. 

To inquire, call us at 202-800-5566.

Blog | Alex Headshots

Hi! My name is Alex and I'm a Headshot Photographer and Retoucher specializing in portraits for LinkedIn profiles, corporate websites, business cards, etc.