By Brenda Della Casa
When it comes to professional advancement, thought leadership, and strong partnerships, there is no question that LinkedIn is the most powerful platform on the web.
With over 1 billion users in over 200 countries and territories, it’s more than a social networking site; It’s a community that’s been set up to help you establish your personal brand, make meaningful connections, and build a better business. Unfortunately, more than 90% of users aren’t using the platform correctly (and there’s a good chance you’re one of them).
If you’re ready to take a professional leap in the coming year, read on; I am about to share ten easy ways to build a powerful profile.
1 | Write a captivating headline.
Think of your headline as your 50 character elevator pitch; it should be clear, interesting, informative and make the person want to know more.
Headline tips:
- Look at industry game-changers who are in the position you want and take note of how they pitch themselves.
- Use at least two strong industry keywords.
- Do not try to be cute, clever or funny — this can backfire.
- Write out several options and ask trusted colleagues and mentors for feedback.
- Be very clear about what your main skills and talents are.
2 | Use a professional photo.
A professional headshot is best but some good lighting and an iPhone can work too. Here are a few tips:
- Look clean and polished, modern and fresh, but you want to avoid looking too “trendy”, unless that’s specifically required for your industry. If it is, be sure you change the photo as needed.
- No loud prints, distracting accessories, heavy, bright makeup, or wrinkled shirts/blazers.
- Make sure the photo is properly lit. Dark photos look dirty, distracting, and even creepy. No webcam photos!
- Use a clean and clear background.
- Your head should take up approximately 60% to 65% of the frame.
- Make sure your photo looks like you.
- Look professional, friendly, and relaxed.
- Smart casual clothing in soft colors like blue, white, and pink work best. Solid fabrics are better than prints, and it is best to avoid casual clothing unless that’s an industry requirement.
3 | Craft a compelling summary
Write a concise-yet- impactful summary that provides an interesting snapshot of your career and gives a glimpse into your personality.
Your summary should:
- Be between 300-500 words.
- Highlight your key skills, achievements and quantifiable results.
- Communicates your professional aspirations.
- Tell a story.
4 | Utilize the Featured Section:
Leverage the Featured section to showcase specific projects, articles, or media that enhance your profile. This could include:
- Presentations
- Publications
- Awards
- Videos of your speaking/panels
- Links to Podcasts
- Volunteer work
5 | Capitalize on recommendations.
The point of the LinkedIn platform is to network and learn about potential employees, colleagues, partners, and customers. In this reputation-driven professional world, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. When you have recommendations from respected individuals who share what they appreciate about your skill set, work ethic, and personality, your brand gets a significant boost.
Recommendation tips:
- Aim to have at least 11 recommendations on your profile and try and have at least one new one every six months.
- Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues, clients and managers to write a recommendation for you. Make it easy by having a template/example of what you’re looking for.
- Pay it forward! Write recommendations for colleagues, clients, and partners you have enjoyed working with. They will likely reciprocate.
- If someone gives you a compliment on work well done, thank them and tell them that you are building your LinkedIn profile and ask if they’d be willing to place it there (not always easy, but common enough that it is not seen as inappropriate).
6 | Update often.
There are few things more tedious than having to spend hours updating your CV whether in word or online. The best way to keep your profile fresh and relevant is to take a few minutes every month to give your platform an update.
Update tips:
- Add any new skills you have acquired.
- Add new achievements.
- Add links to projects you have been involved with, articles you have written or any new achievements.
7 | Endorsements matter.
Endorsements are those skills that show up next to images of people in your network at the top of your profile and they can bring value to your profile in ways you have likely never considered. A 2016 LinkedIn study showed that candidates who were endorsed with five or more skills were viewed and messaged more than those who were not (17 and 31 times, respectively).
Endorsement tips:
- Endorse at least two people every time you log on and have the option.
- Rearrange your endorsements by going to: Me, View Profile, Featured Skills and Endorsements, and then rearrange.
8 | Use video to showcase your skills.
Video is the most powerful (and most shared) content on the web, so it makes sense for you to use it to boost your personal brand and highlight your strengths. Upload public speaking clips, panel discussion highlights, or events that you helped coordinate and/or plan.
Video tips:
- Keep videos under 1:30.
- Make sure the video is shot well. Can you see everything clearly? Is the audio clear and tolerable?
9 | Publish more content.
Blogs are a great way to share your insight and to position yourself as an expert and thought leader. They also showcase your profile to a wider audience and can help with optimization as Google picks them, making them searchable. The posts you write and the third-party you share will be seen by your second and third-level networks.
Blog tips:
- Keep your blog posts between 300 and 500 words.
- Do some research to come up with an attractive headline (read: place a keyword in there).
- Do not simply repost old blogs from another website. You want to change a few things, including the headline so that Google doesn’t see it as copied content.
10 | Engage with others
LinkedIn is a social network, not a PR newswire, so get social!
- Comment on and share posts from your network.
- Engage with others’ content to demonstrate your interest in industry discussions (they will often reciprocate).
- Don’t be afraid to send a note of admiration or congratulations to someone.
- Spamming someone’s inbox with multiple product pitches can be annoying and never be the person who treats LinkedIn like a dating app