No more boring LinkedIn profiles 🥱

Your profile picture and banner are your first impression. Make them count.

Author

Brett Erik
May 31, 2025

Most people treat LinkedIn visuals like an afterthought.

'But these 2 elements decide whether someone stays—or clicks away.

Here’s a quick guide to get both right:

✅ Profile Picture: Look Like Someone Worth Talking To

This is your digital handshake. Here’s what works:

  • Framing: Head and shoulders, not a full-body shot

  • Background: Clean, neutral, or softly blurred (avoid distractions)

  • Lighting: Natural or studio-quality—no shadows or filters

  • Expression: Friendly, confident, approachable

  • Clothing: Match how you'd dress for your ideal client or role

📸 Pro tip: Use tools like PFPMaker or Remove.bg to clean up your photo instantly.

Okay another pro-tip: Your profile picture will most likely be seen first on the timeline, so a high-contrast background helps you stand out — your profile pic will be SMALL on the timeline.

Great guide for more info on quality profile pictures HERE

Most people leave it blank or throw in a stock photo.

But a good banner answers this question:
“What do you do and who do you help?”

Here are 3 formats that work:

1. The Value Prop Banner

  • Headline with your core offer

  • One-liner on who you help

  • Optional: Call to action (DM me, visit site, etc.)

2. The Authenticity Banner

  • Builds trust

  • Highlight your story

  • Stand out from more boiler-plate banners

3. The Offer Showcase

  • Highlight your podcast, newsletter, community, top posts, etc.

  • Include visual cues (mockups, charts, etc.)

🛠 Tool tip: Use Canva (free templates) or hire a freelancer on Fiverr/Upwork to make something polished in under an hour.

Your profile picture and banner are the first things that profile viewers see.

Make your first impression count!

Best,

Brett Erik

P.S. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to begin building your own personal brand, this is it.

Check out the Growth Network👇