LinkedIn Background Banner Best Practices Guide · AI for LinkedIn

Joe Apfelbaum

Jan 28 • LinkedIn Tips

LinkedIn Background Banner Best Practices Guide

Do you have a SOLID background banner for LinkedIn?

Here is what I recommend you do..

Use Canva to find the perfect template.
Customize it to match your brand.
Upload it to LinkedIn...

And if you dare get ready to have 5 banners on Linkedin because they are rolling out BANNER SLIDE SHOWS!!!!

But your banner to your Linkedin in the comments and we will give you some suggestions.

BE CAREFUL not to block out content with the PROFILE PICTURE that blocks part of your banner on LinkedIn.

Personally I just put selfies of ME and my connections but below I have many other tips.

If you want people to scan your banner, ADD A QR code.

Technical Specifications

Recommended dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels
Maximum file size: 8MB
Supported formats: PNG, JPG, or GIF (static only)
Aspect ratio: 4:1
Safe zone: Keep important elements within the middle 1128 x 396 pixels to ensure visibility across devices

Design Elements to Include

Professional Branding

Company logo or personal brand elements
Consistent color scheme with your professional identity
Industry-relevant imagery that reflects your field
Professional achievements or certifications
Conference speaking engagements or published works

Visual Strategy

High-quality, sharp images
Simple, clean design that doesn't overwhelm
Clear focal point
Complementary colors that match your profile photo
Subtle textures or gradients when appropriate

Content Opportunities

Portfolio highlights
Value proposition or personal tagline
Professional motto or mission statement
Relevant industry keywords
Current role or expertise area

What to Avoid

Design Mistakes

Overcrowded or busy designs
Low-resolution images
Text that becomes illegible on mobile devices
Harsh or clashing colors
Heavy patterns that distract from content

Content Don'ts

Personal photos better suited for social media
Controversial or political statements
Outdated information or old company logos
Copyright-protected images without permission
Excessive promotional language

Strategic Considerations

Mobile Optimization

Test banner appearance on multiple devices
Ensure text remains readable on smaller screens
Consider how the banner crops on different viewport sizes
Maintain clear spacing around important elements

Professional Context

Align with industry standards and expectations
Consider your target audience (recruiters, clients, peers)
Reflect current career goals and aspirations
Maintain consistency with your personal brand
Update regularly to reflect career progression

Cultural Sensitivity

Use universally appropriate imagery
Consider global audience when using symbols or text
Avoid region-specific references that might not translate
Ensure accessibility in color choices and contrast

Implementation Tips

Regular Maintenance

Review banner quarterly for relevance (At least once a year!)
Update with new achievements or certifications
Align with current company branding if applicable
Refresh design to reflect industry trends
Test across different devices after updates

Testing Process

Upload banner in full resolution
Check appearance on desktop and mobile
Verify text legibility across devices
Confirm color accuracy
Get feedback from colleagues or mentors

Success Metrics

Increased profile views
Higher engagement rates
More connection requests
Improved professional credibility
Better alignment with personal brand

Remember that your background banner is often the first visual element people notice on your profile. It should work in harmony with your profile photo and summary to create a compelling first impression that accurately represents your professional brand.

@Paul Brown

I made this for you.

Go ahead an put your banner in the comments.

3 comments