Research on first impressions shows viewers form a judgment about a profile within seconds, largely from the photo, before reading a single word -- so a blurry, group, or overly casual photo actively works against you regardless of how strong your experience section is. An effective profile photo is a clear, recent headshot with good lighting, a neutral or simple background, professional-appropriate attire for your field, and a genuine, approachable expression -- not a stiff, unsmiling corporate pose. The banner image, directly behind your headline, is frequently left as LinkedIn's generic default, wasting space that could reinforce your brand with a relevant graphic, a tagline, or visual cues tied to your industry (for example, a writer might use a banner featuring a subtle typography theme).