The Professional Headshot - Is it Really Necessary for LinkedIn?
Jul 11, 2021
From a network connection.
Q: I don't have a photo on my LinkedIn. Do I really need one?
A from me: Yes, you will need a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile.
At a minimum, your photo should include:
- You in professional attire
- Head and shoulders only. Your face should be 50-60% of the circle
- Pleasant, smiling
- Not a selfie
- Clean background
Here's a blog with more instructions and info. https://www.mellermarketing.com/blog/your-linkedin-profile-photo-what-image-are-you-creating
I know of several professional photographers in the area if you want to invest in one. They typically range from $300 - $500+ if you go to their studio. More if they come to you, but you could also look at booking a group to bring the individual cost down.
Or you could have a friend or family member snap a few photos from your phone. If you go this route, take them against a clean wall and take many pics so you can get a good angle.
Or you could go to a JCPenney or some other studio and pay a semi-pro a fee for photos. probably under $100, including a fee to get the photo digitally.
"BUT BRENDA," you ask, "WHY is this Necessary? Isn't the Photo I Have Good Enough?"
In a word, "NO." If your headshot is not professional, it looks sloppy. You are creating the wrong first impression for your profile visitors.
When I visit profiles for executives and I see any of the following, it immediately causes me to conclude that they are not that polished and prestigious as I once believed:
❌ A selfie. YES, we can tell.
❌ A photo taken in your car. YES, we can see the backseat.
❌ A photo taken in your kitchen. Egad. And by the way, you need new wallpaper. That style was popular in the 70s.
❌ You in sunglasses. Unless you sell sunglasses or you're a celebrity.
❌ An obviously cropped photo, with someone's arm draping over you. Yes, we can tell.
❌ You from 20 years ago. I've seen you. You don't look like that anymore.
❌ A poorly lit photo where I can barely see your face. Yes, it's important.
❌ Your company logo instead of your professional headshot photo.
❌ You on a surfboard, the beach, a boat, or some other place. OK, so you're rich. Great. No, I'm not impressed.
❌ You wearing a baseball cap or some other hat. Unless you sell baseball caps.
❌ You looking like you want to pick me up in a bar. You have some provocative stare and you may be showing chest hair (men) or cleavage (women).
❌ You with your significant other or a group of people.
❌ You presenting on stage. You look fabulous, but I can't see your face.
❌ You looking angry or ominous. A blank stare with no smile also goes into this category for me.
And here's my current headshot photo and header as of July 2021:
What are the headshot photo mistakes do YOU see most often on LinkedIn? Create a LinkedIn post and tag me and Meller Marketing with your response.
Video Resources - Headshot Photos
Wear glasses in YOUR HEADSHOT session? 🤓🤔
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