[FAQ]

I’m working on updating my LinkedIn profile and I realise the background photo—the banner at the top—is a big piece of visual real estate that I’m not using effectively. I see some people with great, professional-looking banners and others with generic ones or none at all.

What are some of the best practices in 2025 for choosing or designing a background photo that strengthens your personal brand and makes your profile stand out?

Thanks for any tips!

[Jeff Bullas]

Your LinkedIn background photo, often called a banner, is a critical piece of your personal branding. It is one of the first things a visitor sees and it sets the professional tone for your entire profile. Using it effectively can immediately convey your value.

Here are some best practices for creating an effective one:

Use a High-Resolution Image: You must start with a high-quality, sharp image to avoid any pixelation or blurriness. The recommended size for a LinkedIn banner is 1584 by 396 pixels.

Design for All Devices: This is crucial. Your profile picture will cover different parts of the banner on desktop versus mobile. To ensure your message is always seen, keep all essential text and logos positioned towards the centre and right-hand side of the image.

Clearly State Your Value Proposition: Use this space as your personal billboard. Add a short, powerful tagline that quickly explains who you help, how you help them, or your primary area of expertise. This gives immediate context to anyone who visits your profile.

Showcase Your Expertise Visually: Instead of a generic stock photo or pattern, use an image that represents you and your work. This could be a professional photo of you speaking at an event, working with a client, or a well-designed graphic that includes logos of companies you have worked with or media outlets you have been featured in.

Maintain Brand Consistency: Your banner should use your professional brand’s colours and fonts. This creates a cohesive and recognisable identity that aligns with your other online presences, such as your website or other social media profiles.

Keep It Clean and Uncluttered: Avoid overly busy images or too much text. A simple design with a single, clear message is far more effective and professional than a cluttered one.

A strategic background photo reinforces your brand, immediately communicates your value, and makes your entire profile more memorable and impactful.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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