Your LinkedIn banner is prime real estate that most people waste on stock photos of cityscapes or that default grey background. As your first visual touchpoint with potential clients or employers, it deserves more attention than that.

We've analysed hundreds of LinkedIn banners and handpicked 12 examples that nail it - plus, we're sharing our designer-crafted templates to help you create your own (more on that later).

What Makes a Great LinkedIn Banner?

Before we look at the examples, let's quickly cover what your banner needs to achieve:

• Instant clarity about who you are and what you do

• Visual consistency with your profile photo and brand

• Strategic placement of key elements (avoiding the profile picture overlay area)

• Readable text that works on both desktop and mobile

• Professional polish without looking corporate-boring

Now, let's look at how successful professionals are putting these principles into practice.

12 Banner Examples to Learn From

1. James Alberts (DesignGuru Co-Founder)

We had to start with our co-founder's banner - and while we might be a bit biased, it's a fantastic example of how to showcase both personal and company branding! James's banner perfectly demonstrates what DesignGuru is all about: clean, impactful design that means business.

The banner combines several elements that work brilliantly together: a clear value proposition ("Design that keeps up with your ambition"), subtle social proof through client reviews, and an eye-catching gradient effect that makes his profile picture pop. It's professional without being stuffy.

2. Quinn Che

Quinn's banner is an absolute masterclass in personal branding! Her banner immediately tells you what she's about - helping founders and coaches grow on LinkedIn.

What makes this banner particularly effective is how she's integrated her photo with the design elements. The pink and black colour scheme is consistent throughout, and she's cleverly used her impressive stats as social proof. Notice how the text placement perfectly frames her profile picture? That's no accident - every element has been carefully considered.

3. Eric Partaker (CEO Coach)

Looking for a perfect example of how to showcase media credentials without looking boastful? Eric's banner nails it. The newsletter preview design catches your eye immediately, but it's those media logos (WSJ, CNN, BBC, Forbes) that really seal the deal.

The visual story here is compelling - you see the newsletter, you spot the credibility markers, and you instantly understand that this is someone worth following. The balance between his professional headshot and the digital product preview is particularly clever. It says "I'm approachable, but I also mean business."

4. Amalia Fowler (Digital Marketing)

Here's a banner that proves sometimes the simplest concepts are the most effective. Amalia's "Good AF" branding is clever, memorable, and perfectly positioned. The way she's structured her banner makes her value proposition crystal clear: practical digital marketing advice that saves you time and money.

What we love most about this banner is how the professional photo feels natural rather than forced. The colour scheme is spot-on too - it's eye-catching without being overwhelming. This is a perfect example of how to balance personality with professionalism.

5. Beatrice Gutknecht (Brand Strategist)

Talk about making an impression! Beatrice's "ROO-FRAME" banner shows exactly how to stand out in a sea of corporate sameness. The clever wordplay combined with the striking visual arrangement immediately grabs attention, but it's the thoughtful design that keeps you looking.

We're particularly impressed by how she's managed to inject personality while maintaining absolute professionalism. The balance between creative flair and strategic messaging is spot-on, making this banner a perfect example for anyone looking to break away from the usual corporate look.

6. Jasmin Alić (Personal Branding)

Jasmin's approach is brilliant - combining a dual photo setup with concrete numbers ("250,000+ personal brands grow with me") to tell a compelling story. The media logos add another layer of credibility without overwhelming the design.

What really catches our eye is how the colour scheme manages to feel both approachable and professional. The way he's used white space ensures that despite having multiple elements, the banner never feels cluttered.

7. Livi Arnold (Marketing)

Livi's banner is a masterclass in how to add personality to your professional brand. The tagline "Social media made simple & SOMETIMES SASSY!" perfectly captures her brand voice, while the clean typography keeps everything looking polished.

We love how she's integrated her professional credentials while maintaining that approachable vibe. The banner proves you don't need fancy graphics or complicated designs to make an impact - sometimes clear messaging and authentic personality are all you need.

8. Matt Lakajev (Sales Expert)

Matt's banner is a perfect example of how to showcase your product while maintaining personal branding. The clear value proposition jumps right out at you, and the way he's integrated his headshot with the product preview is seamless.

What's particularly clever here is how he's used the banner to demonstrate both what he does and how he does it. The strong call-to-action feels natural rather than pushy, and the clean design ensures nothing distracts from the main message.

9. Justin van Zon (LinkedIn Ghostwriter)

Justin's banner uses conversation bubbles to instantly connect with a common pain point many professionals face. The "I'm spending too much time on my content..." message is something his target audience thinks about daily.

The friendly photo combined with impressive metrics creates an perfect balance between approachability and expertise. It's a brilliant example of how to use your banner to start a conversation with potential clients.

10. Andrew Cove (Digital Marketing)

Sometimes less really is more, and Andrew's banner proves it. The clean, minimal approach combined with strategic brand elements creates a banner that's both professional and memorable. His credentials are clearly displayed without overwhelming the design.

What we particularly appreciate is how he's balanced personal and company branding. It's a perfect example for anyone looking to represent both their individual expertise and their company's brand.

11. Nick Broekema (Content Design)

Nick's banner is a brilliant example of how to communicate your specialty clearly and effectively. The focus on content design is immediate and unmistakable, with typography that perfectly demonstrates his expertise.

The way he's integrated his professional photo with the text creates a seamless flow, while the minimal colour palette ensures nothing distracts from his core message. This is how you create a banner that attracts exactly the right kind of connections.

12. Tasleem Ahmad Fateh (Robinhood Agency)

Want to see how to make a bold statement? Tasleem's banner shows exactly how it's done. The sound wave visual element is striking and memorable, while the high-contrast design ensures it stands out in any feed.

What's particularly clever is how the minimal text allows the visual element to do the heavy lifting. His professional headshot complements rather than competes with the design, creating a banner that's both unique and professional.

Technical Requirements for Your Banner

When creating your LinkedIn banner, keep these specifications in mind:

• Dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels

• File size: Under 8MB

• Format: PNG or JPG

• Safe zone: Keep key elements away from the left side (profile picture area)

• Mobile optimisation: Test how it looks on different devices

  
  

Common Banner Mistakes to Avoid

Before you start designing, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Using low-resolution images that appear pixelated

• Placing important text where the profile picture will cover it

• Overcrowding the space with too many elements

• Mismatched branding between banner and profile photo

• Generic stock photos that say nothing about you

  
  

Creating Your Own Banner

Ready to design your own standout banner? You've got three main options:

1. Use Our Templates: We've created 12 free professional templates you can customise (download link here)

2. DIY Design: Use tools like Canva or Figma with our technical specifications

3. Professional Help: Work with a design team (like DesignGuru) to create something unique

   
   

Free LinkedIn Banner Templates

We're offering 12 professionally designed templates that you can easily customise for your profile. Each template:

• Follows LinkedIn's exact specifications

• Works on both desktop and mobile

• Includes properly positioned safe zones

• Comes with customisable text and colours

[Download Your Free Templates Here]

Need Something More Custom?

If you're looking for a unique banner that perfectly represents your brand, DesignGuru's subscription service includes LinkedIn banner design along with all your other design needs. Book a quick chat to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Your LinkedIn banner is often the first impression you make on potential clients or employers. It's worth taking the time to get it right. Whether you use our templates or create something completely custom, focus on clearly communicating who you are and what value you bring.

Remember: The best LinkedIn banners aren't just pretty - they're strategic tools that help tell your professional story.

Want to explore more design inspiration? Check out our work or get in touch to discuss your design needs.