Quick Answer
Your Profile Picture must be a professional headshot of yourself—not a logo, group photo, or stock image. Upload a high-quality image (minimum 200×200 pixels, recommended 400×400 pixels, maximum 5MB) in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WebP format. Profiles with photos receive significantly more views and inquiries.
Overview
Your Profile Picture is often the first impression potential clients have of you. It appears in search results, directory listings, and on your profile page across all Heritage Web publications. While optional, profiles with professional photos receive up to 40% more views and significantly higher contact rates.
Important: Profile Pictures must be a photo of YOU—the actual professional. Logos, stock photos, and group photos will be rejected during review. If you need to display a business logo, create an Organization listing.
Technical Requirements
Requirement | Specification |
Minimum Size | 200 × 200 pixels |
Recommended Size | 400 × 400 pixels or larger |
Maximum File Size | 5 MB |
Supported Formats | JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP |
Aspect Ratio | Square (1:1) preferred |
Display Shape | Circular |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access Profile Picture Upload
Log into your Heritage Web dashboard
Click My Profile in the left navigation
Locate the Profile Picture upload area near the top of the page
Click the circular photo area with the camera icon
Step 2: Select Your Image
Click to browse or drag and drop your image file
Select a photo from your device
Wait for the upload to complete
Preview appears in the circular frame
Step 3: Save Your Changes
Verify your photo displays correctly in the preview
Click Publish Draft to save changes
Your listing enters review (1-3 business days)
Current photo remains visible until new one is approved
What Makes a Great Profile Picture
Do:
Use a recent photo (within 2-3 years)
Wear professional or business-casual attire
Choose good lighting (natural light works best)
Use a neutral or professional background
Look directly at the camera
Include head and shoulders in frame
Smile naturally
Don't:
Use a company logo (rejected during review)
Upload stock photos (detected and rejected)
Use group photos or cropped images
Wear sunglasses or hats that obscure your face
Use heavily filtered or edited photos
Upload blurry or poorly lit images
Use photos more than 5 years old
Common Rejection Reasons
Issue | Why It's Rejected | Solution |
Logo instead of photo | Profile listings are for individuals | Upload personal headshot; use Organization listing for logos |
Stock photo | Must be actual photo of you | Take or upload genuine personal photo |
Group photo | Clients need to identify you specifically | Use a solo headshot |
Low quality/blurry | Appears unprofessional | Use higher resolution image |
Inappropriate content | Not suitable for professional directory | Use business-appropriate photo |
DIY Photo Tips
If you can't get a professional headshot:
Find good lighting – Stand facing a window with indirect natural light
Choose a plain background – A blank wall works well
Position your camera – Place at eye level, 3-4 feet away
Use portrait mode – If available on your smartphone
Take multiple shots – Capture 20-30 photos and choose the best
Crop to square – Before uploading for best display
Important Notes
Your Profile Picture is always visible when uploaded (no visibility toggle)
The same photo appears across all publications where your profile is listed
Changing your photo triggers a re-review, but your current photo stays live during review
Profile Pictures display in a circular crop—keep your face centered
FAQs
Is a Profile Picture required? No, it's optional but highly recommended. Profiles with photos perform significantly better in views and inquiries.
Can I use my company logo instead? No. Profile listings require a photo of you personally. Use an Organization listing to display your business logo.
What if I wear religious head covering? That's perfectly fine. Wear what you normally wear professionally—this helps clients know what to expect when meeting you.
How often should I update my photo? Every 2-3 years, or whenever your appearance significantly changes.
What if my photo is rejected? You'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include using a logo or group photo. Simply upload a compliant photo and resubmit.
Why is my photo cropped in a circle? Heritage Web displays Profile Pictures in a circular frame. Upload a square image with your face centered for best results.