Optimizing your new LinkedIn premium profile

Didit Editorial

10 years ago

September 3, 2014

LinkedIn recently rolled out a new look for the profiles of LinkedIn Premium members. If have a Premium profile, you can immediately start reaping the personal branding benefits, but even basic (free) LinkedIn members will soon have access to them.

How can you optimize the new profile and take advantages of the new features? First, make sure that your “premium” badge is turned on. You can find the option of turning it on or off through your profile page. In the top section of your profile, click the “Edit” icon next to the word Premium.

Turning on your Premium badge will:

1. Make your profile photo 30% larger. Make sure that your photo can handle the size adjustment! The image size should be above 200 x 200 pixels and below 4 MB. The profile photo will still be square, so try to crop your photo before adding it to LinkedIn. Don’t have access to Photoshop? Sites like picmonkey or canva can help you crop and otherwise optimize your image for LinkedIn.

Make sure your profile image is large enough to be represented well in LinkedIn’s new profile format.

2. Make your listing appear larger in the search results.

3. Add a “Premium” logo to the right corner of your profile.

4. Add the new “background photo” to your profile. The ideal dimensions for this photo are 1400 x 425 pixels, with file size under 4MB. The new background image is a great way to personalize and brand your page. Choose an image that will stand out, or give more insight into your personality, location, or interests. LinkedIn also offers a library of 25 stock images you can use to create an attractive background profile image. The header is also slightly transparent, so check out your image to see how it looks live before you settle on it.

Our Sales Manager Bill Salone chose to represent his neighborhood on his page.

5. Give you the option to use the new “Open Profile” feature. This feature allows LinkedIn members to message you at no cost, without using InMail. Make sure that this feature is turned on once your Premium badge is on.