One question I often get asked is about the LinkedIn photo – and how important is it?
It’s critical, we look at people’s faces and are drawn to their eyes so you need a great head and shoulders photo.
Two reasons for this blog post
1. A reminder of the need to have a great photo on LinkedIn
2. To get some feedback on my new photo
People need to see your face, it should take up most of the screen. It must be professional and look engaging. Look to the front or into the content.
I’ve just had some new photos created, I’m very interested in the 1950s, we recently bought a 1958 Austin A35 car and I wear dresses with full skirts and style my hair. We decided we’d have some photos of us looking like we had stepped out of an old movie, and I also had a new portrait photo for my website. It’s very different to my current one, but that will be 3 years old in December so time for a change. When clients come to my house I want them to recognise me.
So here’s my new photo and I’d love your reaction.
My aim is to look confident, professional but also friendly and approachable. Do I?
I’d love to hear your comments. I think the slight hesitation is that I usually wear rimless glasses and these really are statement ones, and i’m still getting used to them.
For me it’s important that I have a reasonably upto date photo on my website, i don’t want clients to be unsure of who I am when they come to my house.
I know several people on a professional basis who are still using a photo from at least 10 years ago. In one case I’m sure it’s nearer to 15 years. I exchanged emails with her but when we met at a conference I didn’t recognise her. It reminded me of the photos that journalists use, and actors, of when they were much younger.
So why don’t people change their photo?
I think in many cases it’s just not of high importance and they don’t even consider this.If they’ve paid for a professional photo maybe they don’t want to spend out more money.
How to make your photos great
Too many people have blurred and badly cropped photos, or with a busy and distrating background.
I’ve covered this in a previous blog post but this time I want to talk about making changes.
Some more advice I’ve recently found via Photo Feeler which is a site where you can upload your photo and get feedback from others
How To Get Great New Photos of Yourself
How to Pose for Flattering Profile Photos
3 Easy Edits Every Profile Photo Needs
p.s and here’s my 1958 car
