I recently wrote a blog post entitled Website Photography and it talked about not using generic photos on your website because you’re not generic.

It occurred to me after visiting LinkedIn that people need to consider their LinkedIn Profile Photo as well.

Invest in a Professional Photo for your LinkedIn Profile Photo …. Please!

On Facebook, you can have as much fun as you can get away with.  Your dog, cat, favorite meal, favorite vacation spot,  favorite photo of you from your youth, favorite sports team logo, etc can be used as your Facebook Profile Photo and that is just fine.

LinkedIn is different.   LinkedIn is a professional network where you make connections with potential customers, current clients,  business associates, your future boss, executive recruiters and more.

First, have a photo in your profile.  I know from my own experiences if someone is trying to make a connection with me and I cannot see who they are, I will most likely not make a connection with that person.  Why spend the time to fill out a LinkedIn profile and not have a photo available.   Don’t get started on LinkedIn without having a Profiled Photo to use.  No one will take you seriously if you have the default silhouette.

Second, use a professional looking photo of you.  First Impressions are very important and your photo will be the first thing people see when they search for you on LinkedIn.  When the visit your profile, they see your photo first, then read your name and the keyword rich title you have.

If you Google Head Shot Photo or even LinkedIn Profile Photo and your city, you will likely find someone who specializes in taking Head Shot Photos.

LinkedIn has some great articles about your LinkedIn Profile Photo.  Here are few that I found.

A Professional Photographer’s Guide to Getting the Right LinkedIn Profile.

LinkedIn Profile Photo Guidelines

Just like our your website photography is important to your brand your LinkedIn Profile Photo in an integral part of your personal branding statement.