--- title: 15 LinkedIn Profile Image Sins You May Be Making description: Examples of terrible LinkedIn profile images, and protecting your personal brand. image: https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2304617312.png --- 980-275-2253 [info@adaptiveims.com](mailto:info@adaptiveims.com) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveims) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AdaptiveIMS) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/115321561753968879446/posts) - [RSS](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/rss.xml) [![Adaptive](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images-Adaptive-Dec2015/header-logo.png?width=320&name=header-logo.png "Adaptive")](http://www.adaptiveims.com/) - [Home](http://www.adaptiveims.com) - [About](http://www.adaptiveims.com/about-2/) - [Executive Team](http://www.adaptiveims.com/what-we-do/#) - [Patrick Sitkins](http://www.adaptiveims.com/patrick-sitkins/) - [JC](http://www.adaptiveims.com/jc/) - [Testimonials](http://www.adaptiveims.com/adaptive-testimonials/) - [“Brand Aid”](http://www.adaptiveims.com/brandaid/) - [Marketing Expertise](http://www.adaptiveims.com/yeah-were-kind-of-a-big-deal/) - [What We Can Do](http://www.adaptiveims.com/what-we-do/) - [Free Tools](http://www.adaptiveims.com/free-marketing-tools/) - [Blog](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog) - [Instant Help](http://www.adaptiveims.com/instant-help/) - [Contact](http://www.adaptiveims.com/contact/) # The Chameleon - Adaptive Marketing Ideas For Your Business # 15 LinkedIn Profile Image Sins You May Be Making Posted by [Patrick Sitkins](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/author/patrick-sitkins) on Jan 6, 2015 6:00:00 AM ![](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-1607212244.jpg) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksitkins) [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/patricksitkins) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With marketing, there is almost never one correct answer. Most times, what works for one company may not work exactly the same for another company - even in the same industry. There is certainly a try-test-adapt-try again methodology. Notice I said almost. If you are a professional, then listen up because your LinkedIn profile image may need help! There is really only one correct answer on what your profile image should be. It should be a clean, professional headshot of you. Period. This is one of the few times there is not another answer. LinkedIn is a **professional network**. It is not Facebook or Instagram. I will admit, there was a time where my image was the one I use on Facebook and Twitter. My thinking was I could differentiate myself with a more casual picture. It doesn’t work. If first impressions are important, and if your [reputation precedes you](http://www.adaptiveims.com/brandaid/), then you have to get this right. Here are 15 image types you may have; and more importantly need to change immediately. I was feeling a little punchy, so bare with the sarcasm. It’s all in good fun, but serious of course. Also, to ensure I didn't offend any of my connections or any other strangers on LinkedIn, I decided to use my own images. Nothing like putting yourself out there to start off the year. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did when I found them. All of these are either me, or pictures I've taken, but none of them are my profile image. ## Cartoon Is there really any sense in having a cartoon, drawing or Simpsons avatar of yourself here?  ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_11.23.22_AM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2304617312.png)   ## Logo If you’ve set up your profile correctly, then people can easily find your company. They are trying to connect with you, not your company. ![ADAPTIVE_(_transparent_background_)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/file-1595798707-png/AIMS_Logo/ADAPTIVE_(_transparent_background_).png?width=296&name=ADAPTIVE_(_transparent_background_).png) ## Grey Man Nothing says "I don't care" more than this guy. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_11.55.08_AM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2303103339.png)   ## Group You have friends? Family? Hey, everyone does! Let us know which one you are. ![Virginia_Family_Photographer_0020](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2302448240.jpg?width=591&name=file-2302448240.jpg)   ## Wide Angle You want people to be able to see your face.  ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.13.32_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2304687817.png?width=501&name=file-2304687817.png)   ## Inappropriate You own a bathing suit? You workout with your shirt off? Great. LinkedIn doesn’t need to know. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.04.24_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2299171403.png) ## Mug Shot Not much to say here but **no**. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.18.06_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2302563840.png) ## Selfie No parking lot or red light selfies, and please no ‘duck face’ ![FullSizeRender](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2119755301.jpg?width=411&name=file-2119755301.jpg)   ## Cropped Arm Get a professional headshot. They really aren’t expensive, plus you won’t hurt your friend’s feelings by cutting them out. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.09.00_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2303199154.png) ## Casual A good rule: dress the way you show up to work. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.28.42_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2304768207.png) ## Hidden No reason to cover up your face, unless of course you are a superhero. Then it is totally acceptable.  ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.27.35_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2304768212.png)  ## Pets Crazy cat lady? In love with your dog? That’s fine, just keep it off LinkedIn. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.09.41_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2299171378.png) ## Vacation Wow, that’s great scenery. No one has ever been to the beach, mountains, etc. before. Thank you for showing us that. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.33.11_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2301610246.png?width=544&name=file-2301610246.png) ## Party Would you show up to work drunk? No? Then don’t show up on LinkedIn doing shots. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.06.35_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2301504656.png) ## Irrelevant Can anyone explain this to me? I don’t understand why people put pictures of things instead of head shots. ![Screen_Shot_2015-01-05_at_12.37.35_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-2303299674.png)  ## Do Yourself a Favor If you are going to have a presence on LinkedIn, ensure your profile is complete, up-to-date, and relevant. And of course, make sure your image reflects your [personal brand](http://www.adaptiveims.com/brandaid/).   [![Protect Your Brand Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/424801/175e8c50-9009-4394-a354-c548d232f56f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/424801/175e8c50-9009-4394-a354-c548d232f56f) Topics: [Personal Branding](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/personal-branding), [Pro Tip](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/pro-tip) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [inbound marketing (29)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) - [social media marketing (17)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/social-media-marketing) - [Client Experience (12)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/client-experience) - [Personal Branding (12)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/personal-branding) - [Digital Marketing (11)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/digital-marketing) - [Pro Tip (11)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/pro-tip) - [branding (7)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/branding) - [social media (6)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/social-media) - [Brand Management (5)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/brand-management) - [Insurance Agency Marketing (5)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/insurance-agency-marketing) - [Marketing 101 (5)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/marketing-101) - [Websites (5)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/websites) - [Adaptive News (4)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/adaptive-news) - [Marketing Results (4)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/marketing-results) - [Small Business (4)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/small-business) - [HubSpot (3)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/hubspot) - [Strategic marketing (3)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/strategic-marketing) - [Marketing Automation (2)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/marketing-automation) - [Marketing Optimization (2)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/marketing-optimization) - [Brand Aid (1)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/brand-aid) - [Case Study (1)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/case-study) - [Women in Business (1)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/women-in-business) - [social selling (1)](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/topic/social-selling) see all - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveims) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AdaptiveIMS) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/115321561753968879446/posts) - [RSS](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/rss.xml) Designed by [Adaptive](http://www.elegantthemes.com) | Powered by [Adaptive](http://www.wordpress.org)