Did you know that LinkedIn has over 100 million users? This business networking tool isn’t just a platform to upload an online CV, it’s a really powerful way to find new business and establish yourself as an expert by commenting on your industry sector Group forums. Here are some useful pointers to improve LinkedIn profile.
1. Is your profile 100% complete? If you haven’t populated all the sections, the visibility (and searchability) of your profile will be poor. The graph on the right hand side of the “Home” page shows how many times your profile has been found – or not! Here’s how can you improve the search results:
- Ensure Industry & Location are added;
- Add Current Role & Description PLUS 2 additional job roles;
- 50 Connections, minimum;
- Complete the Education section;
- Add at least 3 skills;
- Most importantly: upload a quality, preferably professionally taken photo (solo head shot – no group photos so we can play the “which one are you?” guessing game; avoid low-cut party frocks with your boobs hanging out. LinkedIn isn’t a dating site. Or are you the person that’s got glassy eyes holding a champagne flute?! Take another look at your photo – does it look professional. Be honest.) Did you know that profiles with a photo get 7 times more views.
2. Ask for Recommendations: As we all know, great recommendations (not Endorsements) can significantly build your credibility. Don’t be shy in asking for one if you have completed a great piece of work. Ask permission from your clients to use recommendations on other social media platforms. You could also incorporate one into your email signature.
3. Join Relevant Groups: Groups offer an opportunity for like-minded users to share news, ask questions and post opportunities. They’re filled with people who share an interest in a certain industry or topic. Groups can also be used as a knowledge base; users can ask a question and, within minutes, have experts providing answers or suggestions. Join in and start commenting and advising – become a known source of information and you become the expert.
4. Custom URL Links: Did you know that you can change the default “website” link to a customised one? Go to “Edit Profile” and “Edit Contact Information”. In “Websites” pull-down menu, select “Other” add in text to display and in URL. You can also customise your LinkedIn page URL. Changing these URLs will help with search engine results.
5. Company Page: LinkedIn recently rolled out a new company page layout. The page features are largely the same. The company page gives users an overview of your business, its services/products, employees, events, PR and its career opportunities – think of it as a free one-page brochure website.
6. Make the Most of the Headline: How many times have you seen “John Smith, Managing Director”? MD for who? Providing what? Your headline should not be your job title alone. Use it as a form of advertising strapline. Keep it concise, but communicate what you do, what you are looking for or key areas of expertise. Here’s mine: “Super-Secretary.com – Saving busy entrepreneurs from their To Do lists on a daily basis!
7. Fresh is Fab: Google and other search engines just love super fresh content. Keep posting relevant articles, videos, events you are attending, projects you are working on etc. Don’t forget to link back to your website or blog URL and share across your social media.
8. Silent Updates: If you don’t want your LinkedIn network to know you have updated certain parts of your profile, simply turn the “Activity Broadcast” setting to off.
9. The Boring Bit: Yup, proof read your profile. Better still, get someone else to check for pesky typos and readability. First impressions count. If you are seeking your next big career move, poor spelling and grammar can result in your profile being passed over by head hunters.
10. Be Proactive: So you now have a super shiny updated profile…hey congrats. Now is the time to get social, people! If folks don’t know you are on LinkedIn, they can’t connect. Find out if the people you interact with on Twitter have a profile – send them a DM (if they follow you) asking if it’s OK to connect. Don’t forget to add your LinkedIn profile link to your monthly newsletter. Ask people you meet at your next networking meeting if they are on LinkedIn – write this down on the back of their business card.
If you found this article useful and informative, please feel free to share with others…thank you.