3 Reasons Why You Need To Change Your LinkedIn Profile Picture

When it comes to building your network on LinkedIn, there are many strategies. But, one of the most simple- and often overlooked- is your profile picture. LinkedIn members with a profile photo receive up to 9 times more connection requests than those without. But, simply having a profile picture is not enough. If you want to get serious about optimising your LinkedIn profile, then you need to think about whether you’ve chosen the right profile picture. Here are 3 reasons why you need to change your LinkedIn profile picture: 

1. It’s An Old Picture

I don’t care how good you looked when you were 20 years old – if you’re still using that old snap as your profile picture, it’s time to change it. An old picture is just not representative of who you are now. That’s going to be damaging for a few reasons. Your name doesn’t change, but your face definitely will.

Firstly, you’ll look different. That means that when real-life contacts see your profile, they may not recognise you, and simply pass you by without connecting. Also, you have to remember that your LinkedIn account is about building a personal brand. The person you were 10 years ago is not the same person you are now. By changing your profile picture to a more recent photo, you’re allowing LinkedIn to get to know you better.

2. Too Many Filters

One of the most engaging things about LinkedIn is finding people you can connect with. It’s about relationships. Which means creating an account that feels genuine. It’s one thing to edit out a blemish, but if your profile picture is so heavily filtered that it no longer resembles you, then it’s time to change it. 

The impersonal feeling of an over-filtered profile picture could put people off connecting with you. It will also make any subsequent pictures that you may share of yourself as part of personal posts feel jarring. 

Don’t let heavy filters put people off your LinkedIn profile. Change it to one that people can relate to and boost your engagement. 

3. It’s Unprofessional 

Getting personal on LinkedIn is a great way to build connections. But, how personal is too personal? If your LinkedIn profile shows you doing something unprofessional, then it’s going to be offputting. You don’t want a profile picture that makes it difficult for people to take you seriously. On a platform that’s primarily for professionals, it’s going to damage your personal brand.

Of course, not everyone is going to have the same idea of what it means to be ‘professional’. If you work for a brewery, for example, then having a pint in hand in your profile picture might be the right choice. But, if you’re unsure, then it’s best to change it. Choose a photo that casts you in a more professional light, instead. 

Your profile picture may only be a small part of your LinkedIn profile, but it can have a big impact. If you want to optimise your LinkedIn profile and have the best chance of getting engagement and building connections, then you need to get it right. Remember, if any of these three things apply to your LinkedIn profile, then it’s time to change it. 

1. It’s an old picture
2. Too many filters
3. It’s unprofessional

Go to your profile, click on your old profile picture and upload a new one to replace it. With your new and improved LinkedIn profile picture, you won’t have to worry about it holding you back from Linkedin success.