Profile Photo Requirements and Best Practices
Quick Answer
Your Profile photo should be a professional headshot of yourself - not a logo, group photo, or stock image. While optional, profiles with photos receive significantly more clicks and inquiries. Upload a high-quality image (minimum 100x100 pixels, maximum 5MB) in JPG, PNG, or GIF format. Use a recent photo where you're dressed professionally and looking directly at the camera.
Overview
Your profile photo is often the first impression potential clients have of you. Research shows that profiles with professional photos receive 40% more views and significantly higher contact rates. This guide covers technical requirements, best practices, and common mistakes to avoid when selecting your profile photo.
Technical Requirements
Image Specifications
Requirement | Specification | Details |
Minimum Size | 100 x 100 pixels | Will appear blurry if smaller |
Recommended Size | 400 x 400 pixels or larger | Ensures clarity on all devices |
Maximum File Size | 5MB | Larger files will be rejected |
File Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF | PDF and other formats not accepted |
Aspect Ratio | Square (1:1) preferred | System will crop to square |
Color Mode | RGB | CMYK may display incorrectly |
Upload Process
Step 1: Access Photo Upload
Log into your dashboard
Edit your Profile listing
Navigate to "Profile Image" section
Click "Upload Photo" or "Change Photo"
Step 2: Select Your Image
Click "Choose File" button
Navigate to your photo on your device
Select the image file
Image preview appears
Step 3: Adjust if Needed
System shows preview
Verify photo displays correctly
If cropped poorly, use a square version
Replace if needed before saving
Step 4: Save Changes
Click "Save" to store photo
Photo uploads immediately
Visible after profile approval
Can change anytime (triggers review)
Photo Best Practices
What Makes a Great Profile Photo
Professional Appearance
Business or business-casual attire
Groomed and polished look
Appropriate for your profession
Consistent with industry standards
Technical Quality
Sharp focus (not blurry)
Good lighting (not too dark/bright)
Neutral or professional background
Recent photo (within 2 years)
Composition
Head and shoulders visible
Centered in frame
Looking at camera
Natural, confident expression
Examples by Profession
Profession | Recommended Style | Attire Suggestions |
Lawyers | Formal headshot | Suit and tie/professional dress |
Doctors | Clinical or professional | White coat or professional attire |
Therapists | Approachable, warm | Business casual, softer colors |
Real Estate | Friendly, professional | Business attire, modern look |
Accountants | Trustworthy, professional | Business formal or smart casual |
Consultants | Confident, modern | Contemporary business attire |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Errors That Cause Rejection
❌ Using a Business Logo
Profile is for individuals only
Logos belong on Organization listings
Will be rejected during review
❌ Group Photos
Must be solo photo
No family or team pictures
Clients need to identify you
❌ Stock Photos
Must be actual photo of you
Stock images detected and rejected
Damages trust and credibility
Quality Issues to Avoid
Problem | Why It's Bad | Solution |
Selfies | Appears unprofessional | Get professional headshot |
Party/Casual Photos | Wrong context | Use business-appropriate photo |
Outdated Photos | Misleading to clients | Update every 2-3 years |
Poor Lighting | Can't see features clearly | Reshoot with better lighting |
Busy Background | Distracting | Use plain or blurred background |
Cropped from Group | Often low quality | Take dedicated headshot |
Filters/Heavy Editing | Looks inauthentic | Use natural, light editing only |
DIY Photo Tips
If You Can't Afford Professional Photography
Setup Requirements:
Smartphone with good camera
Natural light source (window)
Plain wall or background
Tripod or stable surface
Timer or helper
Step-by-Step DIY Process:
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window
Avoid direct sunlight
Use indirect natural light
No harsh shadows on face
Set Up Background
Plain wall works best
Avoid cluttered spaces
Ensure nothing distracting behind you
Consider blurring background in edit
Position Camera
Place at eye level
About 3-4 feet away
Use portrait mode if available
Frame head and shoulders
Take Multiple Shots
Take 20-30 photos
Try different expressions
Slight angle variations
Choose best one later
Basic Editing
Crop to square
Adjust brightness if needed
Ensure face is clear
Don't over-edit
The Impact of Having a Photo
Statistics and Benefits
Profiles WITH Photos:
40% more profile views
3x more likely to receive inquiries
Higher trust rating from visitors
Better conversion on leads
More memorable to clients
Profiles WITHOUT Photos:
May appear less legitimate
Lower click-through rates
Reduced trust factor
Fewer direct contacts
Less personal connection
Building Trust Through Photos
Your photo helps establish:
Authenticity - You're a real person
Professionalism - You take your practice seriously
Approachability - Clients feel comfortable contacting you
Recognition - Clients can identify you at meetings
Connection - Human element in digital world
Special Considerations
Cultural Considerations
For Community-Specific Directories:
Consider cultural norms for your communities
Some may prefer more formal attire
Others may value approachability
Match expectations of your target clients
Religious Considerations:
Wear appropriate religious attire if applicable
Ensures authentic representation
Builds trust with community
Shows cultural understanding
Updating Your Photo
When to Update:
Significant appearance change
Every 2-3 years minimum
Career milestone or achievement
Rebranding your practice
Previous photo poor quality
Update Process:
Upload new photo in Profile edit
Submit for review
Old photo remains during review
New photo goes live after approval
1-3 business day review time
Photo DON'Ts Checklist
Avoid these common issues:
❌ Sunglasses or heavily tinted glasses
❌ Hats that obscure your face
❌ Distracting jewelry or accessories
❌ Logos or text on clothing
❌ Party or social settings
❌ Car selfies
❌ Gym or vacation photos
❌ Excessive filters or effects
❌ Photos with other people cropped out
❌ Images where you're not looking at camera
❌ Photos from more than 5 years ago
❌ Poor quality or pixelated images
FAQs
Is a profile photo required? No, it's optional but highly recommended. Profiles with photos perform significantly better.
Can I use my company logo instead? No, Profile listings require a photo of you personally. Use logos for Organization listings only.
What if I wear religious head covering? That's perfectly fine. Wear what you normally wear professionally. This helps clients know what to expect.
Can I use a photo with my business partner? No, Profile photos must be solo shots. Create an Organization listing for partnership representation.
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: using a logo, group photo, or poor quality. Simply upload a compliant photo and resubmit.
Can I use different photos for different publications? No, your profile photo appears across all assigned publications.
Next Steps
Review your current photo against these guidelines
Schedule a professional headshot if needed
Take a DIY photo following our tips if budget is limited
Upload or update your photo in your Profile
Ensure photo represents you professionally
Update every 2-3 years to stay current