First introduced in 2014 the LinkedIn Profile Banner received a major overhaul in 2017. What didn’t change, is that it is widely underused. Basically, there are 3 things you need to understand about using a LinkedIn Profile Banner.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- LinkedIn is not Facebook. Instead of adding a picture just cos it is pretty, think about how the image strengthens the message of your profile.
- The dimensions are 4:1 the recommended size being 1584 x 396px.
- If it looks brilliant on desktop it might still look crap on mobile.
Update early 2018: YAYYY the image now does SCALE on mobile instead of having the sides chopped off! The image below is still not useful though, as on mobile your pretty face gets pushed up, so leave the middle empty or unimportant.
HOW TO ADD A BANNER TO YOUR PROFILE
- Top right click “Me” under your tiny little face.
- Choose “View profile”.
- Click “Update background photo”
- Upload a picture in the right dimensions
- Hit “Save”
[UPDATE LATE 2018] The LinkedIn Background (banner) below works well on both destop and mobile. When you view a profile from desktop, the left part (the white in this banner) is covered by the person’s head until about 1/3 up. When you view from a mobile device, the head sits in the middle and comes up about 3/4 of the way.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE BANNER
A picture tells a 1000 words. Truer than ever in creating first impressions. I visited a profile and the LinkedIn Profile Banner had two horses galloping in a meadow. I thought this person might work at some stables. As I was not looking for a horse professional, I nearly clicked away.
Your banner needs to strengthen the message in your headline. So at first glance, people know what you are about. The other option is to have a neutral banner. Be careful though, is it neutral to all readers?
I changed my background pic using my web browser and it updated there. However, on the mobile app it has not updated and is still the default image. What am I missing?
You are probably just missing Gremlins having a party. Is it still playing up? What is the link to your profile, so I can check on desktop and mobile to see what shows up for me.
In Linked in the alignment is sensitive, make the image smaller using paint make the pixel resolution around 900 x 200 then use the zoom function after uploading
I’m experiencing the same issue, it shows up on the desktop browser but not the mobile app. It works On mobile if I open my page in safari (Vs LinkedIn mobile). Strange…
I am having the same issue. I spent a lot of time the other day resizing until finally the background displayed on both desktop and mobile. Today, after my membership was upgraded to premium, I noticed the background will not show on mobile again. I reinserted the exact photo that worked the other day, but it will not work now. How frustrating. Have you had any luck yet?
Hi, Thanks for this advice. My banner doesn’t show up when I view my public profile. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong? Thanks for your time.
You are not doing anything wrong! Somehow when LinkedIn introduces changes to the profile, they take a while to reflect this in the public profile. In the case of the banner image… 5 years after its introduction it is still not shown on the public profile.
UPDATE Banners now DO show on the public profile.
I changed my banner 3 weeks ago. It’s a bit revolutionary – a bit salesy. But the increase in connections and requests for info has been massive. Having decided that it’s the most important bit of real estate on the profile, I’ve included my phone number and the chief benefit of what service. I don’t like to put ‘helping people to …’ . Everyone writes that. Instead, I’m more direct and say what clients actually ‘get’ if they take me on.
Love it! I will need to update this blog soon (if I remember). On desktop our face covers the banner on the left and they are now rolling this out on mobile as well.
I have a new banner on my profile. It tells my story I think.
You must have the easiest profession to illustrate with a banner. 🙂 Love the orange. It really radiates happy and positive vibes (don’t mean to sound that airy fairy). You banner definitely works!
Well done, Petra. When choosing your profile picture and banner, it is important to keep in mind, why you are using LinkedIn.
Great point made Marc! My profile picture is a lot more formal than me or anything else I do. Yet, I need it as first impressions are made in seconds. So as a trainer/consultant I need an image that matches.
Good point, again. You only make one first impression. You can always loosen your tie, afterwards.
Excellent points. Remember folks you don’t need to be a designer, you can use simple tools like PowerPoint to create a good image to use.
True Ben. I do prefer (as a non-designer) to use Canva.com as it keeps its resolution better. But yes, PowerPoint, Publishers, Paint, Canva … they all work.
Thanks Petra, I once had a great background pic that LinkedIn disappeared when it did a new upgrade. Your comments make sense! I took them to heart.
Love your banner Lin. That picture is so great. Guess what? LinkedIn barely messes your banner up on mobile! Amazing. (LinkedIn as a website is not known for its scaling ability).