So the idea is that you optimize all of this, and then find a way to feature your recommendations, publications, and honors or awards \u2015 you know, so you\u2019re always putting your best face forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s walk through each one of these just so you know how to optimize everything in the best way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the end of this lesson, you\u2019ll know all the best practices \u2015 the same ones we use here at BAMF to create powerful LinkedIn profiles for clients all over the world. <\/p>\n\n\n
- LinkedIn Art Sizes and Dimensions<\/a><\/li>
- How To Optimize Your Profile Header Image<\/a>
- LinkedIn Banner Ideas<\/a>
- Improve your Credibility<\/a><\/li>
- Creating Graphics with a CTA<\/a><\/li>
- Using your Header as Social Proof<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Elevate Your Profile Photo<\/a>
- Testing your LinkedIn Photo<\/a>
- Using Photofeeler to Test your Profile Photo <\/a><\/li>
- Using Snappr Photo Analyzer to Grade your Profile Image<\/a><\/li>
- Improving your Photo with ClippingMagic Software<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Optimize Your About Summary<\/a>
- LinkedIn Post Inspector – Custom Profile Link Images – Software Walkthrough <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
LinkedIn Art Sizes and Dimensions <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you are here for THESE, here you go. These are the latest dimensions and sizes related to your LinkedIn profile and its art in 2020. But make sure to read on, if you want to KNOW how to make your profile TRULY outstanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Profile Image Dimensions<\/strong><\/li>
- LinkedIn Profile Picture:<\/strong> Size – 400 x 400<\/li>
- LinkedIn background photo:<\/strong> Size – 1584 x 396<\/li>
- LinkedIn post image: Size: <\/strong>1200 x 1200 (desktop) & 1200 x 628 (mobile)<\/li>
- Optimized Profile Link Image Dimensions: <\/strong>638px x 426px <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now let’s get down to business and improve your LinkedIn profile in ways that convert and grab the attention of other professionals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Optimize Your Profile Header Image<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alright, the first thing we’ll tackle is the header image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the big horizontal image that goes above your profile, but behind your photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s valuable real estate, the first thing people see when they click into your profile. Think of it as a chance to stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no scrolling involved, it\u2019s right above the fold. Visitors don\u2019t need to click expand, or read anything unless you add text in it. It\u2019s really about conveying something visually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And at 1584 pixels wide by 396 pixels tall<\/strong> (recommended), it\u2019s going to take up a nice chunk of your page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LinkedIn Banner Ideas <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s go over a few examples of how to get your LinkedIn banner rockin\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Improve your Credibility <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Let’s start off with this simple idea … event photos.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re speaking,<\/strong> or if it’s a company event, you should be showing off that photo. It will help you improve your overall credibility at an instant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any photo of you speaking in front of a crowd instantly visually conveys that you are a thought leader. Someone that people trust and listen to. This is the ideal type of photo to use in your header image if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Another option is to use group photos of your team<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they\u2019re impressive, feature everyone there, so people can see you\u2019re growing a big company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photos of you leading a team meeting or working with your team also do well because they instantly convey that you\u2019re a leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Creating Graphics with a CTA <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Another example you can use is custom graphics with a call to action. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are great if you don\u2019t have any good photos of yourself speaking or with your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Graphics help, especially if it encapsulates your service or product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That way, you can include a link to your website, inviting them to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
And this last client, Towers Wilen, also didn\u2019t have any speaking or team photos\u2026 But they had some impressive press mentions and other accolades that we were able to feature to make it stand out as an all-star profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not too bad, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using your Header as Social Proof <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You can also use your header as social proof<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We did this in the profile above example with a custom branded graphic, but also for Roger Jones below and combined with other images of him speaking at events and with his clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Roger Jones, we featured his press publications (Harvard Business Review, WSJ, Forbes, Financial Times, The Sunday Times). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Another all-star client, Lisa Wang, had tons of social proof in the form of Press mentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We highlighted them all across the top banner of her profile \u2015 looks pretty badass to me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s all for Cover Images for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re feeling a bit lost, no worries. You\u2019ll definitely see the full picture at the end of the chapter when we reveal the before and afters of our full profile optimizations. Let\u2019s keep cruisin\u2019 along and catch the next wave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elevate Your Profile Photo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, profiles that have photos generally receive 21 times the views and 36 times the messages as those who don\u2019t select any image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you have something up there, even something grainy and old, you\u2019re still doing better off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, it\u2019s important to get your photo right, since this IS a SOCIAL network, designed to potentially land you new deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some quick tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
And just because I like you, here\u2019s some more. <\/p>\n\n\n
- Make sure your photo is professional. If it features you at a bar, or wearing a wetsuit fresh off your surfboard, then it\u2019s probably not a good idea (what a shame).\u00a0<\/li>
- Definitely make sure it\u2019s not blurry. Low quality picture-taking in this day and age makes you seem incompetent, and no one likes that.\u00a0<\/li>
- Use some good lighting, like all those stylish Instagram people do. This ensures there\u2019s no harsh shadows on your face, making you seem angrier than you really are.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
- Make sure the picture is about you. That means no group photos, avatars, or cartoon versions of yourself. It needs to be the real, professional YOU.<\/li>
- Smile more, even if you\u2019re the serious type (no problem with that). When you don\u2019t smile in photos, you kind of come off stiff, or uptight, which alienates people. That\u2019s the opposite of our goal here. (????-> ????)<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve covered that, here are some of the most common mistakes that I see that\u2026 well, just really need to stop. <\/p>\n\n\n
- Full body shots. We get it, the gym has paid off, and you love your physique. But when people see you on LinkedIn, what they really want to see is the head and shoulders. It allows them to see your face clearer, making you seem approachable.<\/li>
- Uploading anything other than a moderate closeup. That\u2019s right, these LinkedIn profile images are only going to be blown up larger when someone is snooping on your profile. Otherwise, you\u2019re a tiny circle on a screen, especially on mobile. Unless your photo is taken decently close, you\u2019ll be blurry and off in the distance somewhere.<\/li>
- Using a super grainy photo. With high quality cameras being so readily accessible these days, there\u2019s no excuse for this. All it does is distract from you \u2015 the complete opposite of what you want.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
Testing your LinkedIn Photo <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Research has shown that we\u2019re very bad at perceiving how other people judge photos of us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like, pretty bad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Translation: whatever you think<\/em> people perceive from your photo is probably completely wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it\u2019s not just you \u2015 it\u2019s everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask anyone out and about what they think people are perceiving about them, and you\u2019ll likely nod, let them finish, and then clue them in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which all leads to the point here\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever image of yourself that you consider the best<\/em>, is not the same one others would pick of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, we need to get around our own biases about ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enter Photofeeler<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Photofeeler to Test your Profile Photo <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This tool allows us to quickly survey others to figure out what they think about our photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You know, because we can\u2019t be trusted to do it for ourselves\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So think of this tool as a window to the other side. It clues you in, so you can put your best face forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Literally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get started, go to Photofeeler.com<\/a>, and click the \u201cGet Started\u201d button in the upper right-hand corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then sign up for an account. If you sign in with LinkedIn, you can skip all the tedious parts \u2015 up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re logged in, you\u2019ll see a few options to upload photos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From your computer, Facebook, or LinkedIn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Once that\u2019s done, you\u2019ll pick a category to be evaluated against. Either Business, Social, or Dating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So for now, let\u2019s pick Business. We\u2019ll be evaluated on Competence, Likability, and Influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
At this point you\u2019ll be prompted to specify your job title \u2015 it gives voters more context. Then you\u2019ll select the test level you want from a variety of options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I recommend the Standard Test, or anything higher. You get more objective results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
To take your test live, you\u2019re going to need some credits. That means you have two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Just buy some credits. They\u2019re $19 for 100. That\u2019s all you need to run a live Standard Test.
<\/li> - If you\u2019re looking to save some cash, earn credits by voting on other people\u2019s photos. Click the \u201cVote\u201d dropdown in the top navigation, select a category (any), and vote.
<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Once you rack up enough credits, run your own live test for any photos you\u2019re considering using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, just leave it alone for a while. The results take time, but Photofeeler sends you an email when the tests are complete to keep you in the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fair word of warning though \u2015 the results might be a little unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what happened when I ran these four different photos (all of which I\u2019ve used as my LinkedIn profile photo in the past) through Photofeeler and had them rated in the business category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Surprisingly, strangers feel my photo appears more competent, likable, and influential with the natural light and real background standing in front of our building compared to the exact same photo with a simple gradient blue background. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And my most \u201clikable\u201d photo had me smiling the biggest while also holding my dog, Veni\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go figure! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But instead, his ratings in competence, likeability and influence spiked with the informal photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not exactly something we ever would have recommended ourselves, but it goes to show that surprises do happen. Be prepared to be proven wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019re done with this step, and pick out your photo, it\u2019s time to upload it onto your LinkedIn profile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boom, done. \u2705 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we wouldn\u2019t be BAMF if we didn\u2019t teach you how to use Artificial Intelligence to take things up a notch… <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Snappr Photo Analyzer to Grade your Profile Image <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Alright, let\u2019s dig into Snappr Photo Analyzer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a reason we use this tool all the time \u2015 it\u2019s honest. If you can do better, it\u2019ll tell you, straight up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To start, go to https:\/\/x.bamf.com\/snappr<\/a> and click \u201cAnalyze my LinkedIn Photo\u201d button. Then log in with your LinkedIn account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019ll scan your photo using A.I., then spit out a report with an aggregate score and some detailed feedback on your face, composition, and editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note, when it criticises your face, it\u2019ll do it based on the photo itself, not your normal, daily facial expressions. So, pick something where you\u2019re not squinting up at the sun, or something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, buckle in. This tool isn\u2019t for people who don\u2019t do well with harsh feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recently hosted a LinkedIn-focused event for the Santa Monica Bar Association, and I did a live audit of a profile for the audience\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It got some laughs for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, try not to take it too personally \u2015 it\u2019s not like another human is badmouthing you or anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s just an A.I. roasting your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, all negativity aside, the feedback is insightful, offering on-point recommendations, so you always walk away knowing what was wrong, and what you can do better next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
So, because I figured this would be a prime example, let\u2019s see what it had to say about an old profile photo of mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With an aggregate score of 72 out of 100, it\u2019s rated a low average, which isn\u2019t exactly great, but also not as poorly rated as I\u2019ve seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first nitpick? That I should smile more in the photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Fair enough, I see the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also mentioned something about a \u201csquinch\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat is a squinch? It’s a slight squint, or narrowing of the eye height. It’s that balancing point between fully open eyes, which can convey uncertainty, and a full-on squint, which looks like you’re staring into the sun. Research on profile photos suggests that a squinch does wonders for people’s perceptions of you in a professional context.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I agree, smiles convey trust. And squinches make you seem confident, and sure of yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s see what it says about composition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The background is too busy and distracting\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s blurred, so I\u2019m on the fence about that one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
It also says that the rule of thirds would help here. It\u2019s good to move the eye level to slightly off-center so viewers naturally gravitate to that part of the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, it gives us some editing tips.<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd I nailed everything except sharpness, so I\u2019ll keep that in mind in my next photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a Pro Tip<\/strong>: If you want to test a photo that isn\u2019t currently up on your LinkedIn profile, scroll to the top of your results page, and select \u201cOr upload another photo to analyze.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, that\u2019s what I did\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I optimized my profile even further\u2026 taking advantage of the \u201crule of thirds\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It had been 2 years since my last profile photo update, so this was a huge change. I wondered if people would even recognize me \u2015 my last photo received over 25 million impressions, probably thanks to my dog, Veni. \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Just buy some credits. They\u2019re $19 for 100. That\u2019s all you need to run a live Standard Test.
- LinkedIn Profile Picture:<\/strong> Size – 400 x 400<\/li>
- Profile Image Dimensions<\/strong><\/li>
- Using Snappr Photo Analyzer to Grade your Profile Image<\/a><\/li>
- Using Photofeeler to Test your Profile Photo <\/a><\/li>
- Creating Graphics with a CTA<\/a><\/li>
- Improve your Credibility<\/a><\/li>
- How To Optimize Your Profile Header Image<\/a>
![](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/1kR2kxPw1sSHPKpYEwG1JZowY99inEuENjhhb6VB1CxhFkbjUS-EmHfpNCWRBdQnP8MwLi62Bcxe9ktTu1B-HuA4iALXJa6fRPEJDfQikHRJrp5T5GlEwu4UYQWYvul0cYOiGqs7\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/xKvf-iLOI6KKXF64ZdrzC9DPV9MbHnbYoupYm2CchfBtGZttqLc6V8MXD8gca5PcwUnMPYm1-PE4RAAEEofLQ6eT6eI7Txm1wy2oFaAdRvg814WtGBrhQoumFab6AjT7ogkIcnxc\")
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![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/BMC50uyYyOB0TIWUEO0Q2rXsDkbuaaHoJrNeRnDWP74xC7XDF0ckt8Qh9CNZwmdD0jbZHHqSkzU-20pW4ivwRF_S_lURlbR6t50t77P5CQcthjZzepHpgjeWvukqlBcLwPUG_fZ2\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/OWi5xGfpy3S0RyH-4DdIACXfenGVbAAUhV1qzVhvraSfLbg_eYbSEG_1N2ur61FhI4ksqDvg-9qKRIz5zfqAcvAdBB-01j5t0indkY_gF-FGWAa0HoCnrzLd3viA-rpLDFY1RohE\")
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n