Your LinkedIn profile picture is critical in making a good first impression online and is a key piece in establishing a trustworthy personal brand. People will judge you (and what you sell) based on how you present yourself.

So avoid using images that are unclear, cluttered or outdated.

Instead:

• Use a recent photo that has a good likeness (i.e. taken in the last 3 years)

• Use a high-resolution image (LinkedIn recommends 400 x 400 pixels)

• Choose an image where you appear approachable and friendly

• Ensure your face makes up at least 60% of the image

• Get someone else to take the photo (or use a tripod)

• Blur or mask natural backgrounds

• Be the only person in the frame

Bonus tip: Use Canva’s background remover tool to isolate your headshot, then add a simple background that aligns with the colour(s) you wish to associate with your brand.

Here are 19 examples of profile pictures done well:

1. Filipa Canelas: One Colour

Pro tip: Use a high-resolution image (LinkedIn recommends 400 x 400 pixels).

2. Jay Clouse: Subtle Gradient

Pro tip: Use Canva’s background remover tool to isolate your headshot, then add your brand colour(s).

3. Jon Brosio: Black & White

Pro tip: Get someone else to take your photo or use a tripod (no selfies or holiday snaps).

4. Matt Gray: Natural Background (Blurred)

Pro tip: Blur natural backgrounds and ensure you (the subject) remain in sharp focus.

5. Justin Welsh: Solid Black

Pro tip: Crop your photo so you take up ~60% of the frame. This ensures sharpness on mobile.

6. Sadaf Sana Anwar: 2-Colour Pattern

Pro tip: Leave some space around your head to avoid the picture looking cramped.

7. Dakota Robertson: Subtle Linear Gradients

Pro tip: Much like a well-lit room, subtle gradients create an ambient image.

8. Bethany Jewkes: Subject Outline

Pro tip: Using a subject outline really helps your profile picture stand out.

9. Ayushi Bansal: Inner Circle

Pro tip: Use an image where you appear approachable and friendly.

10. Luke Matthews: One Colour + Outline

Pro tip: Use a contrasting colour for the photo's outline to make it pop.

11. Nick Broekema: One Colour + Noise

Pro tip: Soft light is best. If outside, aim for the golden hours.

12. Sarah Hart: Two Colours

Pro tip: Challenge conventions with a split-coloured background.

13. Jacob Pegs: B&W Subject + One Colour

Pro tip: Looking away from the camera can create a more relaxed vibe.

14. Ruben Hassid: One Colour + Vignette + Outline

Pro tip: Remove backgrounds with Canva or remove.bg

15. Dan Koe: B&W Subject + Backlit Glow

Pro tip: Blur natural backgrounds so you remain the focus. Backlight to evoke a specific mood.

16. Jane Kisnica: B&W Subject + One Colour +Outline

Pro tip: Using a shadow effect behind the subject gives a 3D look to the image.

17. Tommy Geoco: Stylized Subject + One Colour

Pro tip: Opting for an illustration rather than a photo can help to stand out from the crowd.

18. Lea Turner: Subject Outline +Branded Design

Pro tip: For a cohesive approach, use design elements that reflect your personal or company brand.

19. Chris Do: B&W Subject + Branded Emblem Logo

Pro tip: Including a brand emblem logo is a smart advertising move and helps compound brand recognition.