Setting up a great LinkedIn profile starts with thinking of the platform as a personal branding tool rather than a mere online resume. Creating the perfect LinkedIn profile requires every single element to be on-brand. To achieve that, follow the tried-and-tested LinkedIn profile guide below:
Step 1: Choose a Good LinkedIn Profile Photo
Any guide to LinkedIn profile creation tells you to choose your profile photo wisely. Remember, this is the first impression you’ll make to people you really want to impress. Don’t use a candid shot, no matter how good you think you look in them. Instead, use a professional headshot.
Step 2: Create a Custom LinkedIn Background Banner for Your Profile
Using a custom background image is crucial in terms of how to make a LinkedIn profile stand out. Nowadays, you can easily make professional-looking header images using free tools like Canva. There are also designers on freelance platforms like UpWork to help you out for a minimal sum.
Either way, make the most out of this space by adding a call to action like “Hit Connect!” or “Schedule a call now.” The results of such a simple tweak will surprise you!
Your background banner is one of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile.
Step 3: Develop an Aye-Catching Headline for Your LinkedIn Profile
Creating a profile on LinkedIn requires some creativity if you want attention. This is especially true in crafting your headline. In this section, you have only 120 characters to boast about your capabilities and set yourself apart from others like you. So, make sure you use it wisely.
Step 4: Write a Compelling LinkedIn Summary
How to manage LinkedIn summary is tricky. You have only 2,600 characters to explain who you are, why you’re good at what you do, and what makes you unique in your field. A good trick is to start with a provocative paragraph composed of short, compelling sentences before it gets cut off by the “See More” button (about 320 characters on desktop). Additionally, include a call to action towards the end to boost conversions.
Step 5: Work on Miscellaneous Sections
It’s a good LinkedIn profile practice to complete even the optional sections. Doing so allows your profile to appear in more search results, which leads to more professional opportunities. So, provide answers wherever you can, even if you don’t think it’s that important.
Step 6: Write and Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations are perhaps the most crucial LinkedIn profile enhancement strategies. Today, social proof is a huge part of building up your credibility. Thus, ask colleagues and bosses for recommendations that speak to particular skills. Also, write them for others in your industry to further improve your profile’s exposure.
Step 7: Join Relevant LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Groups can play a huge role in how to boost your LinkedIn network. Join groups that are relevant to your industry and participate in them. You don’t need to take part in a lot of groups. Find the ones that will best allow you to lend your expertise and add value to conversations.
Step 8: Volunteering
Add a volunteer experience to LinkedIn profile.
Step 9: Insert Essential Keywords to Sections of Your LinkedIn Account
Keyword research is an incredibly powerful LinkedIn profile strategy. Find job postings for positions you’re interested in and observe for commonly used terms. If you want to expand your professional network, think of industry jargon your target audiences search for. Use those keywords across your profile, especially in the summary and experience sections.
Whether you’re looking to gain more attention from recruiters, widen your professional network, or gain business connections, these steps will help you set up a LinkedIn Profile that will allow you to achieve your goals. With a better LinkedIn profile, you can improve your professional network as well as your personal brand.
