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A complete guide on how to change your Linkedin cover picture and ideas for a background image that stands out.
Having a strong online presence is crucial for professionals looking to advance their careers and expand their networks.
With over 772 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is the undisputed leader when it comes to professional social networking.
One often overlooked feature on LinkedIn that can significantly enhance your profile is the cover picture, also known as the LinkedIn background photo.
In this article, we will explore the importance of a custom LinkedIn cover picture, provide practical tips on optimising your cover photo, and offer creative ideas to make your profile stand out.
Why Your LinkedIn Cover Picture Matters
Your LinkedIn profile serves as a digital introduction, allowing you to present your skills to potential employers, clients, and colleagues.
While the profile picture and headline are essential elements of your LinkedIn presence, the cover picture offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personal brand and capture the attention of visitors.
A visually appealing and well-designed cover photo can grab the attention of visitors, encourage them to explore your profile further, and potentially initiate meaningful connections or conversations.
By selecting an image that aligns with your professional goals, you can create a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience.
Getting Your LinkedIn Cover Picture Right
What size should a LinkedIn cover picture be?
To ensure your cover picture displays correctly on different devices, it's crucial to adhere to LinkedIn's recommended dimensions. The recommended size for a LinkedIn cover photo is 1584 x 396 pixels, with a 4:1 aspect ratio. While cover photos can be larger or smaller, maintaining this ratio ensures the best visual presentation.
Quality and Resolution
LinkedIn accepts PNG, JPG, and GIF file types for cover photos, with a maximum file size of 8MB. High-quality images are essential for creating a professional and visually appealing LinkedIn profile. Blurry or pixelated images can detract from your overall presentation and give the impression of a lack of attention to detail.
Consider Different Devices and Browsers
Keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile will be viewed on various devices and web browsers. Test how your cover picture appears on desktop, mobile, and different browsers to ensure it displays correctly and conveys your intended message across all platforms.
Pay attention to how your profile picture interacts with your cover photo: in full-screen mode, most of the cover image is visible, but when browsing the profile picture moves to the centre of your cover image.
LinkedIn Cover Photo Ideas
Your LinkedIn cover picture should align with your personal brand and professional goals. Consider the message you want to convey and the audience you want to attract.
Are you aiming to showcase your expertise in a specific industry? Highlight your passion for a particular cause? Or demonstrate your creativity and innovative mindset?
Choose an image that reflects your personal brand and resonates with your target audience.
Select images that are relevant to your industry, demonstrate your expertise, or highlight your achievements.
Showcasing Your Workspace
If you take pride in your workspace, consider using a photo of your desk, home office setup, or office space as your cover picture.
It can also serve as a conversation starter and spark discussions about your work habits and preferences.
Highlighting Your Tools of the Trade
Feature the tools and equipment you use in your everyday work to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your craft.
Whether you're a photographer, programmer, or podcaster, showcasing relevant tools can help establish your professional identity.
Incorporating Your Company's Branding
If you're proud of your company and its brand, consider using your company logo, products, or images that represent your company's values as your cover picture.
This showcases your affiliation with the organisation and can help promote your brand to potential clients and collaborators.
Infusing Personal Hobbies or Interests
To add a personal touch to your LinkedIn profile, consider incorporating your hobbies or interests into your cover picture. This can help you connect with individuals who share similar passions and create a more relatable and approachable image.
Whether it's a photo of you hiking, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in community service, showcasing your interests can make your profile more memorable.
Utilising Inspirational Quotes or Mantras
Incorporating an inspirational quote or personal mantra can help convey your values and aspirations to your profile visitors.
Choose a quote that resonates with you and aligns with your professional goals.
Showcasing Your Achievements
If you've received awards, accolades, or recognition for your work, consider showcasing them in your cover picture. This not only highlights your accomplishments but also adds credibility to your profile and positions you as an expert in your field.
Remember, the key is to choose images and ideas that align with your personal brand and professional goals. Be creative, authentic, and intentional in selecting visuals that reflect your unique identity and resonate with your target audience.
Updating Your LinkedIn Cover Picture
LinkedIn provides a straightforward process for changing your cover picture:
Log in to your LinkedIn account and navigate to your profile page.
Locate the camera icon in the top section of your profile, specifically in the area designated for the cover photo.
Click on the camera icon, and a menu will appear, giving you the option to "Upload photo" or "Select photo."
Choose the desired option and select the image from your computer or LinkedIn's suggested images.
Adjust the position and size of the image as needed.
Click "Save" to update your cover picture.
Remember to preview your profile on different devices and browsers to ensure your cover photo appears as intended. Regularly review and update your cover picture to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
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