Recruiters, colleagues, and potential clients are 14 times more likely to click on your LinkedIn profile if you have a photo. If you spend hours editing your written profile, make sure you give equal time to your images.

Researchers also say that most viewers take only about one-tenth of a second to form judgements about how trustworthy and competent you are. Learn how to make your LinkedIn photo say what you want it to say and deliver the message quickly.

Tried and True Tips for Your LinkedIn Photo

Some techniques are effective for any line of work or any stage in your career. When you’re trying to convey your professionalism, it’s usually acceptable to look a little conventional.

• Smile. A smile makes you look friendly and approachable. It also makes you feel better doing it.

• Stay updated. You may lose some credibility if your photo doesn’t look like you when you show up in person. Take a new shot every couple of years.
  
  

• Focus on your face. Making your face about 60% of the image is a good rule of thumb. Crop it from the shoulders up.
  
  

• Make eye contact. Holding eye contact encourages positive feelings. Take off your sunglasses and watch out for glare so the viewer will connect with you.
  
  

• Dress for work. Put on clothes that you would wear to an interview for your dream job. For most professionals, that means business or business casual looks. If you’re a creative person, then look creative. Solid colours tend to be more flattering than busy patterns.
  
  

• Hire a professional. Investing in a visit to a professional photography studio could pay off. Ask around for referrals and check out work samples. If you’re on a tight budget, ask a friend or family member who’s handy with a camera.
  
  

• Skip recycling. Suppose you have a shot you love from your last holiday or your cousin’s wedding? Unfortunately, you’ll probably lose points if you have to crop out the background or that unwanted person. It’s still early days with AI but if you find ones that work for you…

• Be consistent. Become more recognisable. Use the same image on other social media platforms and websites.
  
  

• Seek feedback. Ask those you trust to tell you if it works in the business setting. I’ve played with photofeeler.com too. It’s a sight where strangers can give you feedback.

Innovative Tips for Your LinkedIn Photo

On the other hand, perhaps you need to stand out or communicate your unique personal brand. Experiment with these more creative ideas.

• Play with color. Vivid background colours grab attention. See how you look in a field of orange or purple. But if you have a brand colour, use that.
  
  

• Highlight your passions. While it’s a good idea to leave pets and children out of LinkedIn photos, you may be the exception if you’re a veterinarian or a nanny. Similarly, a musician playing or a chef cooking may be more persuasive than the usual head and shoulders shot.
  
  

1. Create balance. If your photo is a little daring, let the rest of your profile show your serious side. Write a compelling headline. Gather impressive recommendations and endorsements. Change your custom LinkedIn URL to your full name.
   
   

• Supplement it. Add additional media to your profile. SlideShare presentations, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts help to make you more interesting and engaging.
  
  

Your LinkedIn photo is an important ingredient in your personal brand. When you’re picking images to advance your career, appearing approachable and competent is more important than looking like a movie star.