If you're a job seeker looking to network online, having a great Linkedin profile is essential for making an impact and getting noticed.
A key part of creating a successful profile is your cover photo; this one image can make all the difference when it comes to grabbing attention and standing out in the digital crowd.
If you're looking for LinkedIn cover photo ideas and want to make your photo unique and impactful, then this article is perfect for you.
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The Benefits Of A Great Linkedin Cover Photo
A great cover photo on LinkedIn can make a huge impact on how potential employers or clients view your profile.
It's the first thing that visitors will see when they land on your page, and it should be visually engaging and representative of who you are as a professional.
A well-designed cover photo can help to create a positive first impression, establish credibility, and capture attention.
One of the primary benefits of having an eye-catching cover photo is that it helps to communicate your personal brand and gives visitors an idea of what you're about, what industry you work in, and what kind of personality you have.
We advise keeping it simple and concise as more than 80% of people who land on your page will never scroll down past the first fold, so make sure to pay special attention to this section of your profile.
Now let's discuss some cover photo ideas to help your LinkedIn profile stand out.
LinkedIn Cover Photo Ideas To Make Your Profile Stand Out.
1. Choose A Professional Cover Photo.
Your LinkedIn cover photo is the first thing potential connections and employers see when they visit your profile, making it a crucial element to get right.
Choose a high-quality image that represents your personal brand or professional goals. If you're unsure what to choose, remember that simplicity and clarity are key. I'd highly suggest avoiding cluttered images or busy backgrounds that distract from your message.
With these tips in mind, choose an eye-catching cover photo that reflects your professionalism and sets you apart from the competition on LinkedIn.
2. Utilize The Right Cover Photo Dimensions.
Cover photo dimensions are crucial to its success, and you need to keep this in mind when designing your cover photo. You should ensure that it fits perfectly within LinkedIn's recommended dimensions of 1584 x 396 pixels.
This cover image size will help prevent any distortion or pixelation on larger screens and different devices.
In addition to the overall cover photo size, you need to pay attention to the placement of important elements within the image.
Because LinkedIn profile photos overlap with the bottom left corner of the cover image, you may want to avoid placing important text or images in this area.
Instead, consider using this space for background textures or patterns that complement your overall design.
Finally, keep in mind that LinkedIn users access the site from a variety of devices with varying screen sizes and resolutions.
Test your background photo on multiple devices before publishing it to ensure that it looks great no matter how someone accesses your profile.
3. Use Text & Logos In Your Linkedin Background Photo.
Incorporating text and logos into your cover photo can help convey what you or your company does and what value you offer to potential connections.
However, be mindful of the font style and size you use, as it needs to be legible and not overwhelming. Keep the message simple but impactful so it grabs the attention of those viewing your profile.
Logos are also important in a cover photo as they represent your brand identity. Your business logo should be prominently displayed in the centre or on one side of the image.
If possible, ensure that the colours used match those on your brand's website or marketing materials for consistency.
Remember that a good LinkedIn cover photo should not only look visually appealing but also effectively communicate who you are as a professional or represent your company accurately.
The inclusion of text and logos can go a long way in achieving this goal.
4. Use Colour & Contrast For Your Background Photo
Using colour and contrast can help your cover image stand out from the crowd, so when you choose your cover photo, consider using bold colours that complement your brand or industry.
You can do this by using a colour wheel to choose colours that are opposite each other, as these will create the highest contrast.
Contrast is also important when it comes to choosing fonts for text on your cover photo, so make sure the font colour stands out against the background and is easy to read.
Black or white text tends to work well, but you can also experiment with brighter colours if they fit with your overall design.
Finally, consider adding texture or patterns to your cover photo for added interest and depth. This can be achieved through layers in graphic design software or by incorporating images with varied textures into your design.
If you need help with this, you can get a graphic designer to help you.
Remember not to go overboard with too many elements – simplicity is key when it comes to creating an effective LinkedIn background photo.
5. Consider the Layout
While designing your background photo, keep in mind that layout plays a significant role. A well-thought-out layout can make all the difference in grabbing the attention of your target audience.
One way to achieve this is by using grids to help with alignment and balance. Grids guide where elements should be placed, ensuring that they are not cluttered or out of place.
Another important aspect of the layout is spacing. Adequate spacing between elements ensures that each element stands out and can be easily noticed by users.
This is particularly important when dealing with text, as too much text can make it difficult for users to read and comprehend what you are trying to convey.
Lastly, it's essential also to consider how your profile cover photo looks on different devices such as mobile phones, tablets or computers.
With more people accessing social media platforms via their mobile devices, it's crucial that your cover photo/ LinkedIn banner remains readable regardless of the device type used by your target audience.
By taking these layout considerations into account, you'll be well on your way towards creating a visually appealing and effective LinkedIn cover photo that captures the attention of potential clients or employers alike.
6. Use A Photo Of Your Office Or Workspace.
Using a photo of your office or workspace as your LinkedIn cover image is a great way to effectively showcase your personal brand and give potential clients or employers a glimpse into your work life and yourself as a professional.
However, it's important to choose the right image that represents you and your work in the best possible way.
When choosing a photo of your office or workspace, consider factors such as lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic, as you want to convey a sense of professionalism.
Additionally, consider how you can incorporate your brand into the photo, such as company logos or colours.
This reinforces your brand identity and makes you stand out from other LinkedIn profiles. After all, it's a competitive world out there, and you need to do your best to stand out from the crowd.
Overall, using a photo of your office or workspace can be a great way to personalize your profile and make a strong first impression on those initial first connections.
7. Showcase The Tools You Use In Your Everyday Work Life.
Using a photo of the tools of your trade is a great way to create an eye-catching LinkedIn cover photo.
Depending on your profession, this can include anything from a camera and tripod for photographers to a laptop and notebook for writers.
These tools not only communicate what you do but also give insight into your work style and process.
For example, if you are a fashion designer, you can show your design software, fabrics or any designs you're currently working on.
This will give potential clients or employers an idea of how you work and what they can expect from working with you.
Additionally, including these tools in your cover image can add a personal touch that makes it stand out from generic stock images.
Overall, incorporating a photo of the tools of your trade in your LinkedIn cover photo is an effective way to grab attention and communicate what you do in one glance.
Remember to choose items that represent who you are as a professional while adding personality to the image.
8. Choose An Image That Represents Your Company.
One great way to design an eye-catching background image is to use an image that represents your company.
This could be a photograph of your office, a product shot, or even a graphic representation of what you do. Whatever it is, make sure that it's high-quality and relevant to your brand.
When choosing an image for your LinkedIn cover photo, consider the colours and overall aesthetic of your brand.
You want the photo to be visually appealing and representative of who you are as a company, be sure that the image is properly sized for LinkedIn's dimensions so that it displays correctly on both desktop and mobile devices.
Using an image that represents your company can help establish credibility with potential customers or clients on LinkedIn.
By showcasing what you do in a visually appealing manner, you can attract more views and engagement to your page.
9. Show Off Your Awards Or Accomplishments.
An image of an award or accomplishment can be a great addition to a LinkedIn cover photo. It helps in showcasing the achievements and recognition that one has received throughout their career.
The use of such images gives a positive impression to the person viewing your profile and can make them curious about your professional journey, it also builds social proof and proves you are good at what you do.
It is also essential to ensure that the quality of the image is high-resolution and not blurry or pixelated.
An award or certificate may seem insignificant on its own, but when combined with other elements like typography or graphics, it can create an effective, lasting visual impact on your profile visitors.
10. Feature A Photo Of Your Colleagues, Clients, Or Employees.
Featuring a photo of your colleagues, clients, or employees in your LinkedIn cover photo can make your profile more personal and relatable.
It shows that you value the people you work with and can give a glimpse into the culture of your workplace. This is especially important if you're looking to attract potential employees or clients who may be interested in working with a company that values its people.
If you do use a photo like this, it's important to ensure that everyone featured in the photo is comfortable with it being shared publicly on social media. Lastly, consider using a group shot rather than an individual headshot to showcase teamwork and collaboration.
Including a photo of your colleagues, clients, or employees on your LinkedIn cover can add personality and authenticity to your profile while also highlighting the importance of relationships within your workplace.
11. Display A Photo That Shows Your Hobbies And Interests
One way to design an eye-catching LinkedIn cover photo is to showcase your hobbies and interests. This not only adds a personal touch but also gives potential connections an idea of who you are outside of work.
Consider displaying a photo that shows you engaging in your favourite activity or hobby. For example, if you enjoy hiking, use a photo of yourself on a trail with beautiful scenery in the background.
Another option is to display a photo that represents your professional interests. For instance, if you work in marketing, consider using an image related to branding or social media.
This can help attract potential connections who share similar interests and career paths.
It's important to remember that while displaying hobbies and interests can make for an effective LinkedIn cover photo, it should still maintain a professional aesthetic.
I'd avoid using photos that may be controversial or offensive, and as always, make sure the resolution is high-quality for optimal viewing on all devices.
12. Use A Skyline Photo Of Your City.
A Skyline photo of your city is an excellent way to create an eye-catching LinkedIn cover photo this communicates various things about you and your professional brand; it can emphasize your location, showcases the pride you have in your city, or simply just adds a stunning background banner to your profile.
When selecting a skyline photo for your LinkedIn banner, consider the colours and lighting in the image. You want to make sure that the picture complements the text and graphics on top of it.
Try not to choose an overly busy photo with too many details that could distract from other essential elements on the cover.
13. Find A Quote That Inspires You And Use It.
A quote can be a powerful tool in creating eye-catching LinkedIn background photos. It can encapsulate a message that resonates with both you and your target audience.
Choosing a quote that inspires you and aligns with your personal or professional values will serve as the foundation for the design of your cover photo.
It will add personality and depth to your profile while also attracting like minded connections while simultaneously showcasing who you are as a person or professional.
Wrapping Things Up
In conclusion, selecting the right LinkedIn cover image can be a daunting task. But with the right strategy, you can find a great image that will help you make a strong first impression.
Whether you choose to use a professional or personal cover photo, make sure it reflects your values and expresses who you are.
Doing so will ensure that your profile is visually engaging and relevant to your target audience.