When people Google your name, your LinkedIn profile page is one of the first results they see. Make it good.
Your LinkedIn profile is a place for you to build your professional brand, share your achievements and skills, educate with your content, and connect with clients, prospects and joint venture partners.
People come across your profile in a variety of ways. They might be searching for a supplier in your profession or industry, remembering you from a conference or a networking meeting, or checking on you after (or during) your cold call with them .
No matter how or why they end up on your LinkedIn page, your LinkedIn profile needs to capture – and keep – their attention.
So what makes a profile stand out? How do you get more recommendations? What features can help you enhance your profile?
Here are 10 ideas to get you started with improving your LinkedIn profile:
1. Choose the Right Profile Picture
People on LinkedIn connect with and buy from people they think they can trust. No photo. No trust. Photo of tiny you on a camel in front of the pyramids. No trust. A drawing or cartoon of your face (unless you’re the artist). No trust. Close-up, high-quality, professional headshot picture of you smiling. TRUST.
2. Add a Background Photo
The LinkedIn background photo banner is the wide image that goes to the top of your profile. It’s usually also the first thing that people notice. In it, try to include any (not all) of the following: Your solution or USP (Unique Selling Proposition). What makes you different? Why should prospects connect with you? Professional picture of yourself at work (e.g. if you’re a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, public speaker, architect, artist…)
3. Use the Right Profile Keywords
No one is looking for a “Client Happiness Coach”! And “Networking Expert” is searched mainly for networking technology and not people networking. Make sure you’re searchable for your major skill sets, but don’t overload on keywords. Also, make every word count. Avoid words you have used in your headline.
4. Create a Great Headline
Your headline is not your profession, it’s what you do. Actually… it’s what you do for THEM. Start thinking: Keywords, Target Audience, and your USP. The purpose of your headline is to “force” your prospects to visit your profile and learn more about what you do.
5. Use the “About” Section to Attract Clients
Your About description should be less about you than it is about THEM. This is where your “I help…” statement comes in. Use your About section to explain WHAT YOU DO to help your clients. Include your main message and call to action up top, address your clients’ pain points, and then talk about how you deliver transformative results. Bullet points, white space and MAYBE a few well-placed emojis are your friends.
6. Put Your Offer Front and Center
Use every opportunity to showcase your slogan, special offer, superpower or lead magnet(s) link(s). Use those on your background photo, contact info (instead of general URLs – use URLs that lead straight to your Lead Magnets), About section…
7. Spotlight the Services You Offer
Maybe you’re a freelance writer, software developer, or marketing guru. Maybe you have specialized certifications or training that sets you apart from the crowd. Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to highlight these services and let people know that you’re more than just your job – you are a talented, interesting, and knowledgeable individual that can bring tons of value to them.
8. Request Recommendations
ONLY show recommendations from your current and ex satisfied clients. No colleagues, teachers, family members or friends. The best way to get more recommendations is to just ask and explain them – the more specific a recommendation is, the better!
9. Share Media and Marketing Content
The marketing content you produce for your business can add an extra dimension to your own profile as well. Sharing videos, case studies, white papers and other content helps you show what your work is all about.
10. Post New Content
The more you share and comment, the more you establish your expertise and thought-leadership credentials on LinkedIn. If you don’t publish a regular blog on your website – consider starting one on LinkedIn. Otherwise – repurpose your existing blog posts on LinkedIn. Check daily for comments and be ready to respond.
Now It’s YOUR Turn
For five minutes… come up with as many ideas as you can… what can YOU do improve your LinkedIn profile?
Let's Brainstorm
Please share your ideas (all of them or just one) in the comment box below… and let’s get WOWing.
Live fully, stay awesome,
Nisandeh Neta
Top Commenters – last 30 Days
Let's Brainstorm
Please share your ideas (all of them or just one) in the comment box below… and let’s get WOWing.
Live fully, stay awesome,
Nisandeh Neta
94 comments
It seems all the above. Was never our priority so I am not sure!
160 comments
I did some things well already with the picture and header and about me...
but my posting is inconsistently and I don't interact with groups. However people say that I'm active on LinkedIn. It's not really my medium, but I try to be more consistent once I have my new program ready.
201 comments
Hi Naomi,
I can totally relate, Also my posting on linked in is not regularly.
I also read that you will be constant when your new program is ready.
May you could, in the meantime, use one of Nisandeh's ideas, by just commenting and or sharing on other peoples post that is relevant for your business.
477 comments
Gather a group of people around you, responding immediately to each other's topics you publish. This makes you stand out faster on LinkedIn.
Research with a call what your followers find interesting to hear from you.
See what your customers have on their LinkedIn profile. It states what they respond to and what interests them. How cool is that?
69 comments
Make sure your experience is relevant for what you do RIGHT NOW (like in your 'old CV').
What you did 15 years ago is not as interesting as what you do right now.
Don't throw all your skills or products at the readers, but focus on where you make a difference.
I still have to follow up on these points 😱
328 comments
Great list and idea’s Nisandeh!
Always remember using LinkedIn:
+ LinkedIn is an OLD System (Very slow Algoritme)
+ LinkedIn is THE Biggest Business Search Engine
+ More than 800 Million members in the world,
9,2(!!!) million in the NL from Which 8,2 Million Active (more than 30 min Daily on the platfrom)
+ 94% of all Marketing Content Creators use LinkedIn to Share their Message
This have said, here Are some practical idea’s and Tips for you:
1: Be consistent in everything you do on LinkedIn
2: Always make a good impression with your LPP (4 LinkedIn Profile Pillars = Headline, Info, Experience, Recommendations)
3: Listen to your ideal clients! Act on what they want and what they need.
4: Create free products that you can give to your Network via LinkedIn (There Are more than 12 spots on Your Profiel to Share these Products)
5: Your Profile Pictures on LinkedIn is Your business card. Get a professional photo.
6: Invest 30 minutes every day to network on LinkedIn.
7: Be honest and integer when you position yourself as the #1 expert on LinkedIn. Integrity above all! LinkedIn is not a beauty pageant or popularity poll.
8: Make a list of the benefits of working with you on Your Profile (info section)
9: Be professional. Don't gossip on LinkedIn
10: Create a clear message that everyone immediately understands.
For instance:
Make a difference, Every day, Every Hour! (Maak Het Verschil, Iedere Dag, Ieder Uur!)
======
11: Create a support team around you. Don't do everything alone. There are only 24 hours in a day.
12: Become the #1 Expert by Becoming the Biggest Giver on Your LinkedIn Time line
13: Create a long-term vision and Mission and Share it on Your Profile
14: Stand out! Don't be boring! (even if you are laughed at…) with Your Content
15: Focus on Education Based Marketing
16: Use color in your posts and photos and avoid “Arty” and “vage” pictures
17: Set your goals, sharpen your goals and share them with your network on LinkedIn.
18: Make a really good Networking pitch: I Help, I Believe, I Promise.
19: Be flexible. That's so important! Business is moving! LinkedIn is moving! Move Along!
20: Repeat your message continuously. Make the difference every day because we are entrepreneurs!
======
21: Overdeliver and overpromiss: Always give more than is expected
22: Give value to your network every day. Make sure you are worthy of their attention.
23: Stay on the frontline. You are the initiator and Leader. You're the one who is constantly leading the way even though it's never been done before… Remember how Steve Jobs was working at Apple……."CrazyOnes…".
24: Get recognized and VISIBLE on your timeline. Be the Joy Bringer. Radiate enthusiasm and energy. Be positive!
25: Take advantage of LinkedIn's content sharing capabilities (via posts, videos, and blogs!)
26: Be consistent with your daily posts and pictures you use.
27: Get to know your target audience on LinkedIn
28: Use recommendation and add them on LinkedIn.
29: Give, give, give, give…. One of the most important tips: Keep giving no matter what you get in return.
30: Always keep on creating NEW free products with a call to action so you can grow your Mailing List every day
========
31: Be the Master Networker. Make sure you set aside 30 minutes a day to go through your timeline. Time to network!
32: Make sure you give lots of free valuable and relevant content every day.
33: Combine marketing strategies. Make sure you share your LinkedIn article on multiple social media channels.
34: Mastermind with like-minded people. Make sure you meet live at least once a month
35: As an Expert, always give your honest opinion regardless of whether you make friends with it or not.
36: Start a Business Blog on LinkedIn
37: Follow your own course and believe in your own expertise. There is only one expert like you.
38: LinkedIn is just an online platform. Meet Live with your LinkedIn connections on a regular basis.
39: Follow Up Your Profile Visitors Daily
40: LinkedIn is a Conversation Channel, not a Sales Channel
======
41: Keep learning. Keep developing yourself and investing in yourself. You first learn and then you earn.
42: Be professional in everything you Say on LinkedIn. Be the Expert.
43: Share your successes with your community On LinkedIn
44: Get involved in your community. Be the engaged leader on Your Time line
45: Think Global, Act Local!
46: Help as many people as you can!
47: Only ask satisfied and HAPPY Clients for a recommendation. (No ex-colleagues, ex-employer or family and/or friends)
48: Make sure your branding is visible everywhere. On banners, blogs, posts and photos.
49: Print out this list and implement them one by one!
50: These Tips Only Work If You Implement Them Daily!
And let me know below which of these 50 tips you like the most! Love to hear your comments and want to make some great friends here! 🙂
67 comments
This is one of my favorite topics. I am specialized in Linkedin for Business strategies. The most common things are already mentioned by Nisandeh so I will try to add some valuable tips here.
👉 Look at your profile from the perspective of a potential customer. What can he/she learn about the benefits of working with you? Are you communicating your value proposition via background picture, professional headline, info section etc
👉 Are you easy accessible? In other words are your website, e-mail and phone number mentioned in the contact details and infor section?
👉 Add some articles to your profile, building thought leadership and claim your expert position.
👉 Via creator modus you might be able to create a LinkedIn news letter. I wrote an article with the exact work instructions. This feature will help you to demonstrate expertise and communicate more directly with your target audience.
👉 Don't forget your settings! If you are in a highly competitive market you may not want to disclose your network. Make sure you have a fully public profile and are not using incogito mode.
👉 Also you can create a customized profile url, which is easier to communicate.
👉 You can see the 500+ connections mentioned on a lot of profiles. This means LinkedIn wants to stimulate you to grow your network as well.
👉 Make sure to add and complete a company profile. When people want to work with you thay are also interested in your company.
👉 Are you aware of the Social Selling Index? You can check it out on http://www.linkedin.com/sales/ssi. You get a maximum of 100 point score on 4 levers; personal branding, network, content and relationships. Working more with Linkedin and using all features will drive the numer. This is not a goal by itself but it will develop the right behavior fitting a strategy to add value, give and attract customers based on trust and likability.
👉 Follow up and manage all content that you have posted! Ask questions in the comments and follow up with new connections starting dialogues via DM.
👉 Have a strategy and execute it!
Good luck and have fun.
112 comments
Work to do! Fill in the blank spots and update several items. Entered yesterday a LinkedIn challenge with Franck Fielemon. Likely that in three weeks time I can come up with some extra tips.
67 comments
Good luck @Dunja!
175 comments
1. LinkedIn has other purposes than Instagram, Fb or other social media channels (at least for me). Before you update your profile, write down what you want to achieve on LinkedIn and who you want to reach/contact.
2. In the 'about' section, also tell about your ambitions: who you want to help in the future, with who you want to join forces etc.
3. Write in the Experiences how the different jobs changed your professional life.
16 comments
Great tips to update and sharpen my LinkedIn profile Nisandeh, thanks!
111 comments
I have to be honest - I don't have a LinkedIn profile and I am not on any social media as I know it is not good for my mental health, which I need to take care of. It took me years to find my balance and having to deal with social media is a very challenging aspect for me.
However, I know how crucial, powerful and important that channel can be and after reading these ideas I am inclined to think of delegating this issue to my VA with guidance by me to represent my brand without having to be tempted into falling into this rabbit hole which is dangerous for me.