31 January 2025
by Elke
Reading time : 7 min

Profile Picture, Banner & Headline on LinkedIn – Essential Basics! 🚀

In the digital world, your LinkedIn profile is your business card. Just like in real life, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why it’s worth optimizing the key visual elements of your profile: your profile picture, banner image, and headline. These three components are the first things people see—whether they’re connections or recruiters.


1. Profile Picture 📸 – Your Face on LinkedIn

A professional profile picture is a must! According to LinkedIn, profiles with a photo get up to 21 times more views—an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

What makes a great profile picture?

  • Use a recent, high-resolution image (a clear portrait of your face!)
  • Choose a neutral background that keeps the focus on you (No selfies, no group pictures—just you!)
  • A friendly smile? Works wonders! 😊 A strong, approachable profile picture is invaluable!


2. Banner Image 🌆 – More Than Just Decoration!

Your LinkedIn banner isn’t just a decorative element—it’s a powerful tool to showcase your personality and professionalism.

What should you keep in mind?

  • Select an image that reflects your personality and aligns with your professional brand.
  • Make sure it’s the right size (1584 x 396 pixels) for the best display.
  • Use this space strategically—incorporate text, logos, or symbols to highlight your expertise or industry focus.

👉 Pro Tip: The free version of Canva offers easy-to-use templates to help you create a professional-looking banner—even if you’re not a graphic design pro (just like me 😉). 


3. Headline ✨ – Clear, Informative & Impactful!

Your LinkedIn headline is what recruiters and hiring managers see next to your profile picture in search results. That means what you write here is crucial! It’s your chance to grab attention. 👀

How to craft an effective LinkedIn headline:

  • Clearly state your role and expertise—what exactly do you do?
  • Include relevant keywords that describe your profession and value.
  • Keep it short, sharp, and engaging—ideally under 120 characters.

A well-crafted headline boosts your visibility in search results and helps attract the right opportunities.

 

Conclusion: Small Tweaks, Big Impact! 💎

A strong LinkedIn profile starts with these three fundamentals: profile picture, banner, and headline. Don’t underestimate them! They help you stand out positively and professionally. 💼✨

💡 Want to optimize your LinkedIn profile or make it more attractive to recruiters?

Our CV services and LinkedIn profile checks can help!

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