10 Tips for Creating an Impactful LinkedIn
Marketing yourself doesn’t always come naturally, but having a strong LinkedIn profile can leave a positive impression on your peers and potential employers. We’ve compiled ten tips to help you create an impactful LinkedIn profile.
1. Write an effective, succinct profile headline
Your profile headline should entice clicks. Go further than using your headline to list your current position and company. Instead, highlight your expertise or awards (read: brag a little), or showcase skills that would help your profile turn up in searches. Craft a headline that sets you apart.
2. Choose a custom URL
It’s much easier to publicize and share your profile with a custom URL (ideally, linkedin.com/yourname) than with the lengthy combination of numbers that LinkedIn automatically assigns when you sign up. Click “Edit public profile & URL” on the top right-hand side of your profile page, then on the next page specify the address you want to claim by clicking the edit pencil on the top right. Press save.
3. Keep your profile information updated
LinkedIn is a platform that can connect you with opportunities. In order for those opportunities to find you, your information needs to be comprehensive and current. At the very least, ensure that your location and industry are always accurate, and put a LinkedIn refresh on your annual, end-of-year to-do list.
4. Use a recent professional photo
A profile with a photo is 11 times more likely to be viewed. It shouldn’t be from a decade ago, and it also shouldn’t look like it belongs on a dating site. You should be the sole subject of the photo, and it should convey professionalism, whether taking the form of a traditional headshot or picture of you in the midst of your work, such as during a presentation or a big speech.
5. Brand your profile with a background photo that says something about you
Don’t present yourself through a boring and ordinary LinkedIn profile; put your best digital foot forward with a tasteful, thoughtfully-chosen profile background related to your field or just a clean design. This is an easy way to convey personality and brand your online presence.
6. Be intentional about your choice of keywords
Using the right keywords in your profile is the difference between being lost in the crowd and being found. Include words throughout your profile that people wanting to find someone with your resume might try in the search bar.
7. Build your network
An easy way to get started with building your LinkedIn network is to sync your profile with your email address book. This allows LinkedIn to suggest connections with other users. Also, get into the habit of following up email introductions, phone conversations and meetings with LinkedIn connection requests – it’s a natural way to keep your network growing and up-to-date.
8. Curate your endorsements
Other LinkedIn users will likely endorse you for aspects of your career with which they are familiar, but those endorsements may not accurately represent your focus. Choose which endorsements to show and which to hide using the “Edit” feature in the Skills section of your profile. Endorsements are intended to give a quick, visual representation of you; take it upon yourself to ensure the selections of others don’t dictate the impression created by your profile.
9. Request recommendations
Recommendations are personal testimonials written to illustrate others’ experience working with you. Take advantage of the handy drop-down menu in the Recommendations section of your profile that makes it easy to reach out to specific contacts for review requests. And don’t neglect to personalize your outreach.
10. Manage the recommendations shown on your profile
Not every LinkedIn recommendation you receive will be eloquently written or even relevant to your professional success. Fortunately, before any recommendation appears on your profile, LinkedIn lets you decide whether to incorporate, dismiss, or leave entries pending. Similar to endorsements, you can also manage recommendations that are already listed on your profile by clicking the section’s “Edit” icon and toggling between “Show” and “Hide” for each one. If appropriate, you can also request (modest) revisions for accuracy from the person who wrote the recommendation
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LAeRRICO & Partners offers support for refreshing your LinkedIn profile, refining your biography, and developing your personal brand. Reach out to learn more.
