July 2017
Maybe you have already uploaded a background image? Or maybe you are using the default image provided by LI (think generic blue with random shapes). Either way, this change affects the top of everyone’s profile (the background/cover image is seen at the top of your profile as the backdrop to your profile picture).
To make the image display better on mobile devices, LI just recently changed the dimensions for the background image. This is a new change beyond the major face lift they just finished rolling out. The dimensions are now 1584 x 396 (used to be 1536 x 768). On the website version, the new layout minimizes the overlap of your profile picture, and makes it easier to see most of the full image.
There is a nifty site I learned about from UK LI Expert Mark Williams, that provides templates for LI background images (using the new dimensions). I played around with it a little and it was pretty easy to use, though after working on it for a while, I couldn’t figure out how to save my work (I need to google that!).
It’s best to have a background image that is on brand. A veterinarian business owner might have a picture of the office front or some animals. An IT professional might have an image with zeros and ones. A chef could have pictures of prepared meals.
Or you can upload your own image (a picture or create a montage of pictures, using a tool like Relay or Canva). Until I create something new, my LI background image is currently a picture I took on vacation. It’s not exactly on brand, but it’s a pleasing placeholder and it does send a good vibe. Also, I do weave an explanation for my beach picture into my Summary, so it’s not entirely out of left field.
Now that you know more, try to make your LI profile stand out just a little bit more, and enhance your branding efforts by jazzing up your LI background/cover image. See what you can do!
