Are you looking to increase your reach on Linkedin? Want to optimize your profile for maximum visibility? With the right strategies, you can get more eyes on your posts, and even start building a loyal following. Read on for our guide to optimizing your Linkedin profile and start getting noticed today!
14 steps to a better Linkedin profile
Now that you’ve reviewed the best practices for optimizing your Linkedin profile, it’s time to take action! Start by selecting a profile picture that projects professionalism and reflects your brand. Then, add a background photo to give your profile an extra layer of personalization.
Next, craft a headline that goes beyond just your job title and makes an impact. You can then turn your summary into a story and eliminate any buzzwords.
Don’t forget to grow your network, list relevant skills, and spotlight the services you offer. You should also spread the endorsement love and request recommendations from trusted industry peers.
Take a skills assessment and showcase your passion for learning to complete the 14 steps to a better Linkedin profile.
1. Choose the right profile picture for Linkedln.
Now that you’ve optimized your headline and summary, it’s time to choose the right profile picture for Linkedin. A professional profile picture is a great way to establish credibility, build trust, and make a great first impression on potential clients and employers.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and show off your personality in your profile photo-but also be sure to maintain a professional look. Use a headshot that is clear and well-lit, and make sure that you are dressed appropriately-avoid casual looks like t-shirts or hoodies.
The more confident and professional you look in your photo, the more likely people will be to take you seriously.
2. Add a background photo.
Now that you have chosen the perfect profile picture for your Linkedin account, it’s time to take it up a notch with a background photo. Adding a background photo allows you to add more personality and flair to your profile. It’s a great way to show off your interests, hobbies, or company brand.
If you don’t want to use an image of your own, consider utilizing free stock photos from sites like Unsplash or Pexels. Be sure to choose an image that is eye-catching but still professional.
Also, keep in mind the size of the image – make sure it’s the right size for your profile so that it doesn’t get distorted. Keep in mind that this background photo should be a reflection of your brand and goals.
Use this space to showcase who you are, what you do, and why people should connect with you!
3. Make your headline more than just a job title.
Now that you have chosen your profile picture and added a background photo, it’s time to focus on your headline. Your headline should be more than just your job title and should accurately reflect who you are as a professional.
According to research, titles between 40 and 49 characters perform best on Linkedin. Writing a direct and compelling call to action is key to making sure that your title stands out. Also, consider using images as visuals have been shown to increase engagement.
Once you have crafted your headline, don’t forget to include keywords that will help your profile show up in search results. With a few tweaks here and there, you are sure to craft a headline that will draw in the right kind of attention.
4. Turn your summary into your story.
Now that you’ve chosen the right profile picture and added a background photo, it’s time to turn your summary into your story. This section is where you can stand out from other users and make sure that your profile attracts the right audience.
Declare war on buzzwords by writing your summary in an engaging, conversational style. Use this section to highlight the expertise, skills, and experiences that make you unique. It’s also a great place to list the services you offer and demonstrate why these are the perfect fit for businesses seeking your skills.
By taking a skills assessment, you can also showcase your knowledge and progress in different areas.
Finally, don’t forget to request recommendations from people who have worked with or for you – this will help strengthen your profile even further.
5. Declare war on buzzwords.
When it comes to optimizing your Linkedin profile, one of the most important things to do is to declare war on buzzwords.
To make your profile stand out from the crowd, avoid using vague words and phrases that don’t offer any real insight into who you are and what you do. Instead, focus on clear, descriptive language that communicates your unique value proposition without being too generic or clichéd.
Also, be sure to use industry-specific terms that reflect the type of work you are doing. By taking this approach, you will be able to give a much more accurate representation of yourself and your capabilities, which will ultimately lead to more views on Linkedin.
6. Grow your network.
Once you have established a strong presence on Linkedin, it’s time to start growing your network. Reach out to people in your industry and build relationships with them. Join groups related to your interests and participate in the conversations.
Connect with influencers and other thought leaders in your field. These relationships will be invaluable as you continue to build your presence on the platform. Additionally, you can use Linkedin’s search feature to find contacts that are already in your network or potential leads that you can reach out to.
By actively growing your network, you will be able to maximize the potential of Linkedin as a powerful digital marketing tool.
7. List your relevant skills.
Now that you have a great profile picture, an attractive background photo and your headline is telling an interesting story, it’s time to list your relevant skills.
Your summary should demonstrate the expertise you can bring to the table, but listing your skills is an essential way of providing more tangible evidence to back up your claims. Make sure to list all the skills you possess that are relevant to the role you’re applying for, as well as any special certifications or qualifications you may have.
Endorsements from other people in your network can also help strengthen your profile and show potential employers that others recognize your value. Finally, taking a skills assessment can help give recruiters more insight into how experienced you are in certain areas.
8. Spotlight the services you offer.
Now that you’ve chosen a profile picture, added a background photo, crafted a headline and summary, and declared war on buzzwords, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the services you offer. You can use Linkedin to give your customers a clear picture of what you do and the skillset your employees provide.
By including the services you offer in your profile, you can give potential customers a better idea of what they can expect from working with you. Don’t forget to link to any relevant websites or portfolios that showcase your work.
Use Linkedin to demonstrate the value you can bring to customers and how they would benefit from choosing your services.
9. Spread the endorsement and love.
Now that you’ve optimized your profile picture, background photo, headline, summary, and buzzword-free copy, and grown your network, it’s time to move on to one of the most important elements of a successful Linkedin profile: endorsements.
Endorsements are an invaluable asset and can be a great way to showcase your skills and services. One way to get more endorsements is to actively endorse the skills of others in your network. This not only shows your appreciation for their talents but also increases the likelihood that they will return the favor.
Additionally, you can proactively manage your endorsements by removing ones that don’t reflect your current experience or skillset.
Finally, don’t forget to take a skills assessment and request recommendations from peers and colleagues. Doing so will demonstrate your commitment to learning and build trust with potential employers or customers.
10. Manage your endorsements more proactively.
Taking the time to actively manage your endorsements is an important part of creating a powerful Linkedin profile. It shows that you are taking ownership of your reputation and actively trying to build relationships.
Endorsements can be a great way to show potential employers or clients what you are capable of, so it’s important to make sure that you are getting the most out of them.
Ask your colleagues, mentors, or peers to endorse you for the skills they know you have and make sure to return the favor by endorsing them as well. This can help create a strong network and demonstrate that you are a trusted professional.
11. Take a skills assessment.
Now that you’ve made sure your profile looks top-notch, it’s time to take a skills assessment. This is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in a certain area. It’s also a great way to show off any skills or specializations you may have.
Taking a skills assessment will not only help you stand out, but also provide potential employers with a more concrete idea of what you can do. Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself and learn something new!
12. Request recommendations.
Once you have your profile looking great, it’s time to get some recommendations! Recommendations are a great way to show potential employers and connections that you have what it takes to be successful.
Reach out to your former colleagues and mentors, and ask them to write a few lines about the skills and experiences they witnessed you bring to the table. This will add credibility to your profile and make it stand out from the crowd.
13. Showcase your passion for learning.
By this point, you have all the tools to make your Linkedin profile stand out and be noticed. The last step to complete your profile is to showcase your passion for learning.
Showcasing your enthusiasm for learning in your profile is a great way to show potential employers that you are open to learning new skills and expanding your knowledge. You can list any courses or certifications you’ve undertaken, and you can include any other relevant qualifications that demonstrate your desire to learn.
This will help make you look more attractive as a potential employee or collaborator and enhance the perceived value of your skillset.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now completed your guide to optimizing your Linkedin profile for maximum visibility. We hope these steps help you to make meaningful connections, gain more views, and get noticed more easily by potential employers, partners, and customers.
Remember, your profile is your online resume and first impression- so make sure it’s polished and up-to-date. With the right strategy, you’ll be well on your way to seeing successful results from your digital marketing efforts!
