Make your Profile Picture stand out

Whether you are aware of it or not, your social media accounts portray your Personal Brand, so it is important to make sure that you are communicating the right message. This can really have an impact professionally, so is worth taking the time to get right.

The first thing that people see, is your photograph, let's make sure it is communicating the image you want it to.

1. Particularly here on LinkedIn - the first step is to have a profile picture! I am still amazed by how many people omit this important part of their profile. In all life situations, it is nice to put a face to a name or voice.

2. It may sound obvious, but make sure that your face can be clearly seen. No peaked hats, sunglasses, shadows, strange angles etc.

3. Is the photo current? LinkedIn is not a dating site, so make sure it looks like you now, and not 10 years younger.

4. Use a high-quality, high-resolution image to avoid pixelation if it needs to be enlarged.

5. Your face should be the focus of the photo, so do make sure that it takes up at least 60% of the frame.

6. No group shots - you must be the only person in the picture, or it will confuse your audience.

7. No selfies either - get someone else to take the picture, so that it is at a proper distance from you, and is properly framed. If possible, get a professional photographer to take the picture - it will be worth it.

8. Wear smart clothes, or what you would wear to the office. Definitely avoid revealing clothing or noisy prints that will distract from your face.

9. Don't wear a company lanyard in the photo, unless you want to change it with each role. If you invest in a professional headshot, or even manage to get a picture you are happy with, you may want to use it for a few years without it looking dated.

10. Choose a neutral expression, but one that still shows your personality. Nothing too wacky or scrunched up, but a nice smile and eyes to camera.

11. Keep the background neutral also, and ideally in a shade that complements your hair colour and skin tone. Again, a busy, distracting background will take the focus off you and may reveal things that you don't want others to know.

12. Take the photo in soft natural light so that colours will be true and won't react to the flash.

13. Avoid the use of filters as they can create an 'alien' look that looks false, washed out or animated.