Personal Branding Tip: LinkedIn Profile Picture Best Practice

First impressions are everything, whether they are in person or online, make them count.

Your LinkedIn profile picture is more important than you think.

You wouldn't show up in your beach attire to a professional networking event then why are you wearing a towel around your waist and a fedora in your LinkedIn profile picture?

I'm all for folks showing off their vacation pictures, their toned bodies, their kids, their pets, their significant others and friends. It's what makes you YOU! However, those things do not belong in your LinkedIn profile photo.

What your LinkedIn profile photo should not be.

It should not be a selfie, cropped out of a group photo, poor quality (pixelated, out of focus, grainy), have more than one person in it, poorly lit, inappropriate, or boring.

The worst mistake of all? Not having a profile picture!

How to make a good first impression with your LinkedIn profile picture:

Your profile picture should be a close up of your friendliest face, well lit, focused, and with you looking at the camera.

Hire a professional photographer.

A good photographer is worth their weight in gold. They can guide you through wardrobe choices, locations for the shoot, and pose you properly for your headshot.

A few months ago, I attended a Local Levo event with complimentary services to prep a group of young professionals for headshots. I got my hair blown out by the experts at blo charlotte, my makeup applied by a Mary Kay professional, and my photo taken by Lindsay Wynne.

After I received my proofs from Lindsay, I posted them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get feedback on which picture I should use for my LinkedIn profile. After dozens of votes and comments, there were two clear winners.

I chose D, my favorite of the two.

Keep in mind that you should look friendly and inviting in your photo. Photo C got a lot of votes, however, I look like I'm about to cut someone. Not the first impression I want to make.

Do not be afraid to spend money on a good photographer and a crew of experts for a headshot. It's an important part of your personal brand.

Invest in YOU.

"But," you say,

"I don't have the money for a professional photographer, I’m unemployed/new college grad/whatever!!"

Get creative.

Trade services with the photographer, crowdsource the funds, or ask for it as a gift for your birthday/graduation/whatever.

Do it yourself.

Find a neutral backdrop with good lighting, study proper posing by looking at YouTube videos and Pinterest, and have a friend take photos of you. It's more time consuming but if it's your only option, make it work.

Do your research.

Find a find a networking event with a focus on personal development and networking with the added bonus of headshots.

Still not convinced?

Your profile is seven times more likely to be viewed if you have a profile picture. This is huge regardless if you're looking for a new job or not. People do business with those who they know, trust and like. Don't lose their trust with the first impression.

What is the worst profile picture that you have ever seen?

This article originally appeared on kseniyamartin.com.