Are you giving your LinkedIn cover image and banner the attention it deserves?
Far too often I see blank images, badly pixelated imagery, or a stretched-out logo serving as your banner image. And it’s not doing you any favours.
When people check out your profiles, the cover image is one of the first things they see. So you want to use it to tell your story. Think of it like this-your profile is your brand’s personal billboard.
Your cover image needs to do its job. And that job is telling people what you do and giving them a reason to work with you.
Why your LinkedIn Cover image is important
Brand reputation
Your LinkedIn Cover Image needs to reflect your brand. Just as you'd dress appropriately for an important meeting, your LinkedIn image should make a good first impression too.
Cohesive Visuals
The LinkedIn Cover Image should be the same or similar to your website branding. Consistency builds trust, so your brand logo, colours, or tagline need to align.
Emotive Imagery
They say a picture says a thousand words and it's true. Use imagery your audience relates to or instinctively can tell what you do. Even better if it encourages action taking.
Build Trust
Show off those awards, media appearances if you have them. Pathways to working with you: Use this to drive people to your newsletter, next event or podcast.
Remember, your banner image is flexible.
You can change it at any time to reflect the priorities in your business and the actions you want visitors to your Linkedin profile to take.
Your LinkedIn cover image shouldn’t be an afterthought – it’s a powerful communication tool.
It enhances your personal brand, advertises your skills, and may even bring opportunity. So, if you haven’t updated your image in a while, spend some time to create one that aligns with your professional aspirations and communicates your unique brand story. It’s worth it.
How to change your LinkedIn Cover Image
I recommend you use Canva, a fantastic free online tool for visual content creation.
Canva sets a default size for LinkedIn banners (which is old) but its easy to customise to the new resolution of 2023 x 419 pixels for a sharper image.
Step 1: Set Up a Canva Account
If you don’t have a Canva account, head over to https://www.canva.com, click on ‘Sign up’ and follow the instructions.
Step 2: Create a Custom Dimension Design
Once you’re logged in, click on the ‘Create a design’ button on the top right corner. In the dropdown, select ‘Custom dimensions’. Input the width as 2023 pixels and the height as 419 pixels, then hit ‘Create new design’. This makes sure your image fits perfectly in LinkedIn’s cover photo slot.
Step 3: Choose a Template
On your new empty canvas, explore different templates on the left-hand side. Canva offers a truckload of free templates. Choose the template that best aligns with your brand.
Step 4: Customise Your Image
Make your chosen template unique to you. Drag and drop elements, change colours, add your logo or any other branding elements, tweak text or add imagery that gives insight into who you are and what you do.
Step 5: Include Text
If you wish, you can add some text to your design. To add text, click ‘Text’ in the left-hand sidebar. Select from the options, add your text and format it to suit your brand style.
Step 6: Add a Call to Action
A call to action could be a gentle way to prompt LinkedIn visitors to take the next step, such as visiting your website or reaching out to you for services.
Step 7: Save Your Design
Once you’re satisfied with your design, it’s time to save it. Click the ‘Download’ button in the top right corner, select the file type you want (typically a PNG or JPEG is best) and hit ‘Download’.
Step 8: Upload to LinkedIn
Finally, head over to your LinkedIn profile, hover over your current banner, click the ‘edit’ icon, then drag and drop or select your newly created image.
Step 9: Test on Multiple Devices
Before you celebrate, make sure your cover image looks good across devices. Check primarily on a desktop and a mobile device to ensure the main elements are not hidden due to different display sizes.
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About the Author
Rebecca Cofrancesco is an experienced marketing strategist and content creator.
She works with professional services brands and offers freelance services without the overhead of a full-time employee.
Contact:
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