LinkedIn Refresh: Tips to Help Your Profile Standout
Establishing a professional online presence is important for businesses of all sizes. With over 900 million users worldwide, LinkedIn offers an opportunity to connect with potential clients, networking partners, and industry peers.
I was surprised to learn that many of my clients and networking partners hadn’t updated their LinkedIn profiles in years. Part of the reason is a misunderstanding that LinkedIn is only for people looking for jobs; however, this is not true! In addition to recruiting and connecting with potential clients, networking partners, and industry peers, LinkedIn is also a resource used by companies looking to add new Board Members.
Creating a professional LinkedIn profile is more than just filling out every section – it’s about crafting a narrative that speaks to your audience and highlights your unique talents.
As a small business owner or solo professional, optimizing your LinkedIn profile can impact your brand’s visibility and credibility. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance your existing profile, I recommend the following tips to help your LinkedIn profile stand out:
1. Use a Professional Profile Picture. First impressions are important. Choose a high-quality, professional profile picture that is 400 x 400 pixels and accurately represents you and your brand. Your profile picture should only feature you; using a photo with another person cropped out or partially visible is not considered professional. For example, a photo of you at a family wedding with the person beside you cropped out, but their arm is still visible, is not an ideal choice for a professional profile picture.
2. Add a Banner That Represents Your Brand. Adding a LinkedIn banner is another example of how you can make your profile stand out. It can be customized to showcase your company’s products, services, upcoming events, recent awards, or a call to action; the possibilities are endless. A banner for your profile can easily be created in Canva (there are many templates to choose from), or you can hire someone to design one for you.
3. Complete Your Profile. Your LinkedIn profile showcases your professional life. Fill out each section, including your header, summary, experience, education, skills, and contact information. A complete profile makes it easier for people to learn about your professional background and understand your professional skills, experience, and achievements. It also lays a strong foundation for networking, building relationships, and showcasing expertise.
Pro Tip: You can edit your LinkedIn profile without notifying all your contacts. Click here for detailed instructions from LinkedIn.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a standout LinkedIn profile that helps you connect with others, showcase your expertise, and grow your business.
Things That Bring Me Joy: Audible
Audible is an online audiobook and podcast service that allows users to purchase and stream audiobooks. And let me tell you, it brings me so much joy!
Audible allows me to listen to books and podcasts at any time. I can listen while on a walk, in the car, or on my Google Home while I’m working on a puzzle.
Do you enjoy listening to books and podcasts? Do you have any favorites? Hit reply; I’d love to hear.