LinkedIn Banner: How to Create a Professional Background Photo
Your LinkedIn banner is the largest visual element on your profile, yet many professionals leave it blank or use a generic image. A thoughtful banner can reinforce your expertise, communicate your industry, and make your profile more memorable without distracting from your experience.
Quick Answer
A good LinkedIn banner is clean, relevant to your profession, and visually simple. It should support your personal brand, avoid excessive text, and complement your profile photo and headline rather than competing with them.
In This Guide
What Is a LinkedIn Banner?
A LinkedIn banner (also called a background photo or cover image) appears behind your profile picture at the top of your profile.
Unlike your profile photo, the banner doesn't identify you.
Instead, it helps communicate:
โ Your profession
โ Your industry
โ Your interests
โ Your personal brand
Why It Matters
A well-designed banner can:
โ Make your profile look complete
โ Reinforce your expertise
โ Support your personal brand
โ Create a stronger first impression
โ Help your profile stand out
Although recruiters primarily evaluate your experience and skills, a polished profile often reflects attention to detail.
Design Principles
Keep It Simple
Your banner should support your profileโnot become the center of attention.
Use High-Quality Images
Avoid blurry or stretched images. Use a banner designed for LinkedIn dimensions to prevent awkward cropping.
Limit Text
If you include text, keep it brief. Examples include your profession, a short tagline, or your website if relevant. Avoid turning the banner into an advertisement.
Match Your Brand
Your banner should visually fit your profile photo, headline, industry, portfolio, and personal website. Consistency creates a stronger professional identity.
Less Is Usually More
Many effective LinkedIn banners contain:
โ A simple background
โ One professional visual
โ Minimal or no text
A clean design often looks more professional than a crowded banner filled with graphics and slogans.
Common Banner Mistakes
Avoid:
โ Leaving the default blank banner
โ Using low-quality images
โ Adding too much text
โ Including unreadable graphics
โ Using unrelated vacation photos
โ Clashing with your profile photo
โ Forgetting that LinkedIn crops banners on different devices
Banner Checklist
Before Uploading
โ High resolution
โ Professionally relevant
โ Simple design
โ Works on desktop and mobile
โ Doesn't hide important elements behind your profile photo
โ Matches your personal brand
Best Practices
โ Use a clean, professional design
โ Choose visuals related to your industry
โ Keep branding subtle
โ Test how the banner appears on different devices
โ Update it when your career focus changes
โ Ensure it complements the rest of your profile
Build a Professional Brand Across Every Platform
Your LinkedIn banner supports the professional story told by your resume. Resumee helps you create ATS-friendly resumes, professional summaries, and tailored application materials that align with your LinkedIn profile and strengthen your personal brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a LinkedIn banner?
No, but adding one makes your profile look more complete and professional.
Should my banner include text?
It can, but keep text minimal. The banner should remain clean and easy to read.
Can I use my company logo?
If you're representing your own business or personal brand, a small logo may be appropriate. Avoid making it look like an advertisement.
What kind of image works best?
Simple, high-quality images related to your profession or industry usually create the strongest impression.
How often should I update my banner?
Update it whenever your career focus, industry, or personal branding changes.