Stop doing these design mistakes

Let’s face it:

When you scroll through LinkedIn, there’s a lot that looks the same.

White backgrounds, boxy layouts, small fonts.

And while there’s no harm in that, a great design can make your posts stand out.

Conveying clarity, connection, and maybe even a little personality.

Great design should stop the scroll, make your message clear, and help build connections with people who vibe with your brand.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. The magic of aspect ratios

🔴 Don’t post in a square format (1:1 ratio).
🟢 Do aim for a portrait size (4:5 ratio).

LinkedIn tends to favor taller images, which fill more screen space and increase your chances of being noticed.

Plus, they’re easier to view at a glance on mobile, where most people scroll.

Use this size: 1200px x 1500px

2. Create borders, even if they’re invisible

🔴 Don’t leave your design without guides or margins.
🟢 Do set 80px margins on all sides.

Margins help you keep a neat, professional look.

An 80px margin frames your content and prevents elements from feeling cramped.

White space acts like a pause, allowing people to breathe between elements and focus on your message.

3. Embrace contrast for readability

🔴 Don’t rely on low contrast between colors or elements.
🟢 Do aim for a contrast score of 7.

Higher contrast isn’t just visually striking; it’s also easier to read.

Online tools like the Coolors Contrast Checker can help you get it right.

4. Keep your palette simple

🔴 Don’t overload with too many colors.
🟢 Do stick with 2-3 complementary colors.

Simple, cohesive color schemes give your design a polished look.

If you’re stuck, pick one base color, an accent, and one neutral for balance.

Tools like Coolors or Adobe Color can help you find combinations that pop.

5. Prioritize readability with fonts

🔴 Don’t use hard-to-read fonts.
🟢 Do choose clear, readable fonts.

Your font choice should match your brand’s personality but keep it legible.

Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are easy on the eyes, especially at smaller sizes.

Pairing two fonts? Aim for contrast: one bold for headings, one clean for body text.

6. Align, align, align

🔴 Don’t overlook text alignment.
🟢 Do align your text consistently.

Left alignment is typically easier to read, especially on social platforms.

Consistent alignment makes your post look organized and well-thought-out, which goes a long way in visual appeal.

7. Make it personal

🔴 Don’t rely on generic stock photography.
🟢 Do use real, personal pictures.

Whether it’s you at an event, a candid workspace shot, or a picture relevant to your topic, personal images are more engaging.

People connect with faces, not stock photos.

Even on LinkedIn.

8. Let white space work for you

🔴 Don’t neglect white space.
🟢 Do master the art of empty space.

White space is a design tool that gives your content room to breathe.

It frames your message, drawing the eye exactly where you want it to go.

Think of it as the “pause” in design.

It gives readers a moment to take it all in.

Design is Communication

When it’s done right, design becomes a tool for communication.

Every element, from your margins to your fonts, plays a role in guiding people’s attention and telling a story that goes beyond words.

Try these design shifts, and see how they change the way your LinkedIn content resonates with your audience.

Because at the end of the day, design isn’t just about looking good.

It’s about being heard.

P.S. If you’re ready to take your personal brand to the next level, just reply with “READY” and let’s get started.