When was the last time you did a "health check" on your LinkedIn profile?
Most people set their LinkedIn profile and then leave it. Never reviewing it, never changing it (unless to add a new job).
henever you meet someone, they WILL do a Google search on you. This is why you should have a STRONG, INFORMATIVE, VIBRANT, COMPELLING AND CURRENT LinkedIn profile.
Here are 8 quick tips to help you "turbo charge" your LinkedIn profile.
1. SPELL CHECK - Typos look very unprofessional.
I can't tell you the amount of times I have seen spelling mistakes on LinkedIn - company names, job titles, and even in the user’s name!
TIP: LinkedIn doesn’t have a built-in spell checker. Proofread your work.
2. INCLUDE A PROFILE PHOTO
Your profile is 7 x more likely to be viewed if you include a Profile Photo.
The headshot should be clear, friendly and professional.
AVOID: Wedding photos, party photos or photos of you with your children or pets!
3. PUT THOUGHT INTO YOUR PROFILE HEADLINE
Add more than just your title (which will appear in the experience section). Don't just be an Accountant - Be a "Finance professional who is passionate about helping SME businesses grow" OR if you are Marketing Consultant be a "Marketing Strategist committed to building brand awareness".
4. PERSONALISE ALL YOUR MESSAGES
When you reach out to connect with someone, personalise the message and give reasons as to why you are connecting. This authenticates your motive.
"Hi Joe Bloggs - we have many shared connections and a mutual interest in digital marketing and building brands. I would welcome the opportunity to connect with you on LinkedIn." This sounds so much better than the automated message that LinkedIn sends.
TIP: You can personalise your messages if sent from your phone using the LinkedIn App.
5. CUSTOMISE YOUR LINKEDIN URL
Customise your LinkedIn URL, press the “Edit Profile” button. Click the gear symbol next to your URL, which will take you to a separate page where a “Your public profile URL” box will let you change the link. Try to get as close to your first and last name as possible. Avoid nicknames or usernames. This is handy for when you share your LinkedIn profile in email signatures, emails and documents (think marketing collateral or pitch documents)
6. POPULATE YOUR SUMMARY
Filling out the summary portion of your LinkedIn profile is crucial if you want to pop up in search results. The summary is the most important part of your LinkedIn profile. Include search terms and key words that are related to the job you’re doing or want to do. This will make you more likely to be found by recruiters and hiring managers who are searching LinkedIn for talent.
TIP: Make sure you include your Contact Details in the Summary Section - they will then appear on a smart phone / iPad when people view your profile “on the go”.
7. REQUEST RECOMMENDATIONS
It is important to have recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. However, be strategic about your recommendations. Request recommendations from people who are reputable and can vouch for your professionalism.
TIP: You have to be connected on LinkedIn before you can send a recommendation request via LinkedIn.
8. DO YOUR "LINKEDIN FOR BREAKFAST"
I have a little “LinkedIn for Breakfast” program which I share with my Masterclass attendees. Basically this 15 minute program (3/4 times per week) gets people active on LinkedIn and improves their visibility on the platform.
Engage with your network. Don’t complete your profile and then be silent.
LinkedIn makes it easy to keep your network up-to-date on what’s going on in your professional world through updates, photos, posts, and comments.
My "LinkedIn for Breakfast" routine - I scroll through my feed and do SOME of the following:
Connect with relevant people
Share an update with my network
Comment on someone’s post.
Engage with your networks activity
Publish a New Post