Leverage your LinkedIn Banner Image
How to Leverage Your LinkedIn Banner Image:
Think of your LinkedIn Banner image as a canvas for your career branding. It's often key to a viewer's first impression of you and what you offer. So don't fill it with a random picture as an afterthought. Instead, use it to convey a compelling representation of your unique brand.
Here are 3 tips to do so:
1️⃣ ONE - Include a positioning statement.
This lets viewers know the value you offer. Examples:
Instead of "Front End Architect", My client wrote: "Front End Architect serving end users by implementing architecture to achieve business goals."
Instead of "HR Executive", my client wrote: "HR Executive who builds HR from scratch."
2️⃣ TWO - Choose an image that resonates with your style.
Think about the color composition and the image itself. You can get creative here, just make sure it isn't too distracting. Examples:
My Accounting Manager Client chose an image of a money tree because it represented money (for accounting) and also growth (he develops accounting teams and depts).
My Software Engineer Client chose an image of backend coding because it represented what he excels at in his role.
3️⃣ THREE - Keep it focused on your people.
Consider the audience you want to attract and speak to, and use that to determine what you include (and what you leave out). Example:
My Client worked as a manager in a company, but his goal was to get more freelance gigs on the side. So, we focused his LinkedIn on his business and made his banner speak to his potential customers (instead of to recruiters). And as a result - he's already gotten 3 new freelance gigs!
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That's what to include on the Banner. Now for HOW to make it.
My favorite free tools to use are Canva and Unsplash.
Canva will let you upload a banner image, add text overlay, and edit it all so it looks snazzy. The free online version has everything you need to make an incredible LinkedIn Banner Image.
Unsplash is a great additional free source for image options. This online site lets you search for a specific topic or color, and you can download the image then upload it into Canva.
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There you have it. These tips will enhance your LinkedIn presence and leave viewers with the first impression you're wanting.
