Your LinkedIn profile photo is one of the first things people notice when they click through to your profile.

That small round image is your chance to make a striking first impression on potential clients and business partners.

If you’re serious about building a powerful personal brand, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional photographer to assist you with headshots. Not only do they have the right equipment, but a bit of editing can help enhance your best features.

Already have a few headshots on file that you’re considering using? Here are some tips to help you choose the best image for your profile.

– Make sure it’s a recent photo. The photo you use on your LinkedIn profile needs to look like you. If you’re using a photo from 10 years ago, chances are potential clients might be a little confused when they meet you.

– Keep the quality high. Your LinkedIn profile picture needs to be at least 400 x 400 pixels. Low-resolution images don’t create a good first impression, which is why it’s recommended that you get assistance from a professional photographer.

– Don’t include others. When you’re building a personal brand, it’s all about you, so it’s not best practice to include other people in your profile picture. It’s also not ideal to crop a group photo – it hardly ever looks professional.

– Your face should be the main focus. If you’re thinking about using an image that incorporates most of your body, think again. At least 60% of your LinkedIn profile photo should be your face.

– Consider your expression. Your profile photo should represent who you are as a person. It’s ok to have a professional expression instead of a quirky smile, but try not to look overly serious.

– Choose the right outfit. The clothing in your photo should be what you wear to work on an average day. You can’t wear hiking gear when you want to attract corporate clients.

– Lighting matters. Soft, natural lighting will change the look and feel of your photo – it will also highlight your best features. Using artificial lighting can be too harsh on your skin, making you look pale or shiny.

– Think twice about the background. The background you use matters too. A clean white background can wash you out, depending on your profile. A busy background can be too distracting and take the focus off your face.

By following these basic guidelines, you can instantly make your profile stand out. Don’t forget to choose the right cover photo too.