Do you have a bare-bones or an unoptimized LinkedIn profile?
Your LinkedIn profile is a digital resume that showcases your professional identity and achievements. It should make an impression, set you apart, and encourage readers to initiate a connection.
This blog outlines the steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile, showcase your experience, and showcase your professional brand in the best possible light.
Read on!
TL; DR—How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile
If you’re in a rush, here are some quick steps to optimizing your LinkedIn profile (which we’ll discuss later in the blog):
- Use a high-quality profile picture
- Complement with a background photo
- Create a killer headline
- Create a compelling summary
Still don’t know where to start?
At Crackerjack Marketing, we have an experienced team of experts in LinkedIn branding. We can help you create (or improve) your LinkedIn profile to differentiate your brand.
We will personalize every section of your LinkedIn profile, including your summary and headline. We will also help you showcase your skills and build authentic connections with your readers.
Don’t wait; contact us, and let’s work together to optimize your LinkedIn profile and increase its visibility!
How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Basics
Now, let’s start with the basics.
You can transform a dry and dull LinkedIn profile into a sharp, impactful profile in these 4 simple steps.
1. Use a High-Quality Profile Picture
Add a high-quality LinkedIn profile photo; you can upload or take a snap.
- Pick a high-resolution picture of you smiling on the camera with your chest in the frame.
- Don’t worry if your background is messy. You can use a free background remover like Remove BG and download the high-resolution (HD) version.
Example: Oprah Winfrey provides a great example of a profile photo that is perfectly cropped, inviting, yet professional.
2. Complement with a Background Photo
Add a background photo that complements your profile photo.
If you don’t want to design one from scratch:
- Head to Canva to create a LinkedIn banner using the 20000+ free and paid templates.
- Alternatively, use the Canva Magic Design AI tool to visualize your background using words.
Example: Jessica Gramc shows you can have a minimalistic background photo and still pop. She shows off her creativity by adding color while still making it functional by describing her services.
3. Create a Killer Headline
Your headline is the first impression, so make sure it’s valuable, concise, and unique.
- An excellent trick is to use this formula: Your headline = Your title + Value you provide. For example, Growth Strategist | Driving 40% engagement with data-driven campaigns.
Example: Karnika E. keeps his headline simple. He uses the abovementioned formula to showcase his title and unique value proposition.
To explore this further, you can read our blog on the best LinkedIn headlines for executives.
4. Create a Compelling Summary
Think of the ‘About’ section—the LinkedIn summary—as your pitch.
- Flex your skills, professional journey, accomplishments, and job experiences in about 2600 characters.
- Grab attention and inject personality to humanize your brand, showcase what you offer, and the value you bring to your customers or employers.
Example: Abbey Louie’s summary walks readers through who she is. She explains how she got into her current role and how her clients can benefit from her.
Now that you’ve polished your profile, don’t stop!
Learn how to showcase your standout skills and amplify your profile’s appeal.
How to Highlight Your Experience and Skills
Now that your profile basics are optimized, what’s next?
Check out the 5 best ways to achieve a LinkedIn makeover for maximum visibility and impact.
1. List 10 to 15 Skills
Although LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills, focus on including 10 to 15 relevant ones.
List the skills directly related to your career goals, the roles you’re targeting, and your professional experience. Remember, the skills section is crucial for prospects and LinkedIn algorithms.
2. Ask for Endorsements
To add credibility to your profile, seek endorsement from your clients and colleagues who can vouch for your skills and expertise. Endorsements from recognized leaders carry more weight, and you should reciprocate when appropriate.
3. Get Recommendations
Recommendations are often personal, unlike endorsements. So, reach out to your ex-clients, mentors, and colleagues to ask for recommendations.
Ideally, you should aim for 2 to 3 recommendations per role. Remember to personalize your request and mention the skill you want them to highlight.
4. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements
Go beyond listing the titles and companies you’ve worked with.
Instead, go to the ‘Experience’ section and highlight the responsibilities for each role and the impact you made with specific outcomes and numbers. Use bullet points for easy scannability and action verbs like ‘achieved’ and ‘led.’
5. Showcase Your Certificates, Awards, and Licenses
Head to the ‘Projects,’ ‘Certifications,’ and ‘Honors &Awards’ sections to validate your accomplishments and skills.
Display your certifications and relevant licenses to demonstrate your specialized skills. Add a brief explanation of why you were recognized.
A well-rounded profile isn’t just attractive; it should pave the way for better LinkedIn connections.
In the next section, we’ll share the top tips on how to expand your network.
How to Grow Your Network on Linkedin
Once you have successfully highlighted your experience and skills and your readers are glued to your profile, use these 3 tips to set you on the path to LinkedIn networking success:
1. Join and Engage in LinkedIn Groups
The cliche ‘your network is your net worth’ applies primarily to LinkedIn. Join groups that align with your profession, personal interests, or industry is a great way to expand your network and establish your presence.
Actively participate in discussions, share insights on your niche, and ask for advice on your professional challenges.
2. Network through LinkedIn Events
Your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be another dead social network.
Attend various LinkedIn events and industry webinars, then share relevant insights (and quotes) from the speakers on your profile.
Send a customized message to the speaker after the event and open new networking opportunities.
3. Send Customized Connection Requests
Don’t expect a high response rate if you shoot off a bunch of default ‘connect’ requests.
Instead, use the LinkedIn ‘search’ feature to narrow your prospects by job titles and companies. Then, personalize your message by explaining why you’re interested in connecting.
Personalized messages make you memorable and serve as a powerful introduction, allowing a more straightforward networking process.
Want to supercharge your LinkedIn networking?
Work with our team at Crackerjack Marketing to create strategic LinkedIn content that attracts (and engages) your specific audience. We’ll also position you as an industry expert and build credibility in your connections.
Reach out now, and let’s work together to propel your LinkedIn network.
Tips to Use LinkedIn Features Effectively
So, by now, we have already established that LinkedIn has massive potential. But how do you unlock it?
Check out these easy, actionable tips for attracting leads, building relationships, and growing your LinkedIn presence:
- Max Out Your LinkedIn Banner: Don’t leave your banner blank or add a meaningless photo. Instead, add a brief snapshot of your offer and a call to action. For example, add a lead magnet and tell your readers they can find it in your bio.
- Test and Refine: Conduct A/B tests on different LinkedIn sections—your headline, profile picture, or summary—and refine them to get the best results.
- Leverage the ‘Featured’ Section: In the ‘Featured’ section, showcase your best offers to your audience. For example, create a nicely branded Canva image and then add a relevant URL, such as a free discovery call or a signup page for your newsletter.
- Use Keywords in LinkedIn: Increase the chances of getting your job and client leads by using keywords in your headline, summary, and highlight your experience.
- Engage with Your Audience: Do not treat your LinkedIn profile as a static resume. Instead, keep it active and regularly engage with your network through likes, comments, shares, and posts.
- Consistently Update Your Profile: Update your LinkedIn profile based on new roles, achievements, and projects.
- Use LinkedIn Analytics: Monitor your LinkedIn engagement analytics, such as comments and profile views, to see what resonates with your network. Then, use this data to optimize your profile and adapt your posts to your audience’s responses.
- Custom LinkedIn URL: Instead of a long string of letters, you can use a personalized URL for your company’s or individual profile. This URL is neat and short; you can use it on your website, job applications, and other areas.
Avoid these Mistakes to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile Effectively
Check out the common pitfalls to avoid and create an impressive digital first impression:
- Ignoring the ‘About’ Section: Most people leave the ‘About’ section blank or use it as an extension of their career history.
- Unprofessional Profile Photo: Although essential, most brands never get their profile picture right. Keep inappropriate profile images, such as pictures in crowds, cartoons, generic animal pictures, and provocative clothing, of your LinkedIn profile.
- Overlooking the Headline: Ignoring your headline or using a vague headline doesn’t communicate your expertise and interests.
- Ignoring the ‘Featured’ Section: While the ‘Featured’ section provides an excellent way to showcase your prime offers and drive traffic to your site and email list, most people never include it.
- Incomplete Profile: Leaving out key sections on your LinkedIn profile makes it seem unprofessional and neglected.
- Not Updating Your Profile: Another common mistake is not regularly updating your profile to reflect your current skills and achievements.
- Poorly Written LinkedIn Summary: Using jargon and having grammatical errors in your LinkedIn summary doesn’t communicate your professional identity.
- Inconsistency in the Profile: Mismatched details and inconsistent branding on your profile can confuse your readers.
- Failing to Network and Engage: Most people use LinkedIn as a resume dump and fail to engage with their network, limiting their visibility and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still wondering how to optimize your LinkedIn profile?
We’ve got answers to the commonly asked questions in this area:
Should I Post Daily on LinkedIn?
The short answer is that it depends on your goals, industry, and time.
Posting daily can keep your profile active, increase your visibility, and build a relationship with your audience, but it can lead to burnout.
Most people aim for a 3 to 5 posting frequency. However, LinkedIn states that companies that post weekly get twice the engagement.
What is the Difference Between Public and Private Profiles?
Check out the main differences between public and private profiles:
- On public profiles, your LinkedIn profile information, like your name and headline, is visible to anyone on the platform, while private profiles don’t show any profile information.
- A public LinkedIn profile is discoverable in search engines for specific keywords and topics related to your profile, while private profiles don’t appear in search results.
How Can Founders Use LinkedIn To Strengthen Their Personal Brand?
Here are the top 5 ways founders can use LinkedIn to strengthen their brand:
- Share professional achievements to establish credibility and add value to your brand
- Demonstrate their authority in their industry by sharing insights, offer advice, and participate in discussions
- Connect with professionals and colleagues in the field and build a strong network
Should I Include My Contact Information on LinkedIn?
You should include your contact information so potential clients can quickly find you.
Complete the ‘Contact Info’ section on your LinkedIn. Include your email address, website, and phone number.
Conclusion—How to Improve My LinkedIn Profile
Follow the tips we’ve shared to optimize your profile and make it pop, including creating a catchy headline and a compelling summary.
Once you’ve polished your profile, highlight your experience. Finally, send personalized connection requests and join LinkedIn groups to grow your network.
Need help building a LinkedIn profile?
Crackerjack Marketing can help you optimize your profile to stand out in a competitive market and attract conversations with people who matter most.
We’re just a message away; contact us!
Do you have a bare-bones or an unoptimized LinkedIn profile?
Your LinkedIn profile is a digital resume that showcases your professional identity and achievements. It should make an impression, set you apart, and encourage readers to initiate a connection.
This blog outlines the steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile, showcase your experience, and showcase your professional brand in the best possible light.
Read on!
TL; DR—How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile
If you’re in a rush, here are some quick steps to optimizing your LinkedIn profile (which we’ll discuss later in the blog):
- Use a high-quality profile picture
- Complement with a background photo
- Create a killer headline
- Create a compelling summary
Still don’t know where to start?
At Crackerjack Marketing, we have an experienced team of experts in LinkedIn branding. We can help you create (or improve) your LinkedIn profile to differentiate your brand.
We will personalize every section of your LinkedIn profile, including your summary and headline. We will also help you showcase your skills and build authentic connections with your readers.
Don’t wait; contact us, and let’s work together to optimize your LinkedIn profile and increase its visibility!
How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Basics
Now, let’s start with the basics.
You can transform a dry and dull LinkedIn profile into a sharp, impactful profile in these 4 simple steps.
1. Use a High-Quality Profile Picture
Add a high-quality LinkedIn profile photo; you can upload or take a snap.
- Pick a high-resolution picture of you smiling on the camera with your chest in the frame.
- Don’t worry if your background is messy. You can use a free background remover like Remove BG and download the high-resolution (HD) version.
Example: Oprah Winfrey provides a great example of a profile photo that is perfectly cropped, inviting, yet professional.
2. Complement with a Background Photo
Add a background photo that complements your profile photo.
If you don’t want to design one from scratch:
- Head to Canva to create a LinkedIn banner using the 20000+ free and paid templates.
- Alternatively, use the Canva Magic Design AI tool to visualize your background using words.
Example: Jessica Gramc shows you can have a minimalistic background photo and still pop. She shows off her creativity by adding color while still making it functional by describing her services.
3. Create a Killer Headline
Your headline is the first impression, so make sure it’s valuable, concise, and unique.
- An excellent trick is to use this formula: Your headline = Your title + Value you provide. For example, Growth Strategist | Driving 40% engagement with data-driven campaigns.
Example: Karnika E. keeps his headline simple. He uses the abovementioned formula to showcase his title and unique value proposition.
To explore this further, you can read our blog on the best LinkedIn headlines for executives.
4. Create a Compelling Summary
Think of the ‘About’ section—the LinkedIn summary—as your pitch.
- Flex your skills, professional journey, accomplishments, and job experiences in about 2600 characters.
- Grab attention and inject personality to humanize your brand, showcase what you offer, and the value you bring to your customers or employers.
Example: Abbey Louie’s summary walks readers through who she is. She explains how she got into her current role and how her clients can benefit from her.
Now that you’ve polished your profile, don’t stop!
Learn how to showcase your standout skills and amplify your profile’s appeal.
How to Highlight Your Experience and Skills
Now that your profile basics are optimized, what’s next?
Check out the 5 best ways to achieve a LinkedIn makeover for maximum visibility and impact.
1. List 10 to 15 Skills
Although LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills, focus on including 10 to 15 relevant ones.
List the skills directly related to your career goals, the roles you’re targeting, and your professional experience. Remember, the skills section is crucial for prospects and LinkedIn algorithms.
2. Ask for Endorsements
To add credibility to your profile, seek endorsement from your clients and colleagues who can vouch for your skills and expertise. Endorsements from recognized leaders carry more weight, and you should reciprocate when appropriate.
3. Get Recommendations
Recommendations are often personal, unlike endorsements. So, reach out to your ex-clients, mentors, and colleagues to ask for recommendations.
Ideally, you should aim for 2 to 3 recommendations per role. Remember to personalize your request and mention the skill you want them to highlight.
4. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements
Go beyond listing the titles and companies you’ve worked with.
Instead, go to the ‘Experience’ section and highlight the responsibilities for each role and the impact you made with specific outcomes and numbers. Use bullet points for easy scannability and action verbs like ‘achieved’ and ‘led.’
5. Showcase Your Certificates, Awards, and Licenses
Head to the ‘Projects,’ ‘Certifications,’ and ‘Honors &Awards’ sections to validate your accomplishments and skills.
Display your certifications and relevant licenses to demonstrate your specialized skills. Add a brief explanation of why you were recognized.
A well-rounded profile isn’t just attractive; it should pave the way for better LinkedIn connections.
In the next section, we’ll share the top tips on how to expand your network.
How to Grow Your Network on Linkedin
Once you have successfully highlighted your experience and skills and your readers are glued to your profile, use these 3 tips to set you on the path to LinkedIn networking success:
1. Join and Engage in LinkedIn Groups
The cliche ‘your network is your net worth’ applies primarily to LinkedIn. Join groups that align with your profession, personal interests, or industry is a great way to expand your network and establish your presence.
Actively participate in discussions, share insights on your niche, and ask for advice on your professional challenges.
2. Network through LinkedIn Events
Your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be another dead social network.
Attend various LinkedIn events and industry webinars, then share relevant insights (and quotes) from the speakers on your profile.
Send a customized message to the speaker after the event and open new networking opportunities.
3. Send Customized Connection Requests
Don’t expect a high response rate if you shoot off a bunch of default ‘connect’ requests.
Instead, use the LinkedIn ‘search’ feature to narrow your prospects by job titles and companies. Then, personalize your message by explaining why you’re interested in connecting.
Personalized messages make you memorable and serve as a powerful introduction, allowing a more straightforward networking process.
Want to supercharge your LinkedIn networking?
Work with our team at Crackerjack Marketing to create strategic LinkedIn content that attracts (and engages) your specific audience. We’ll also position you as an industry expert and build credibility in your connections.
Reach out now, and let’s work together to propel your LinkedIn network.
Tips to Use LinkedIn Features Effectively
So, by now, we have already established that LinkedIn has massive potential. But how do you unlock it?
Check out these easy, actionable tips for attracting leads, building relationships, and growing your LinkedIn presence:
- Max Out Your LinkedIn Banner: Don’t leave your banner blank or add a meaningless photo. Instead, add a brief snapshot of your offer and a call to action. For example, add a lead magnet and tell your readers they can find it in your bio.
- Test and Refine: Conduct A/B tests on different LinkedIn sections—your headline, profile picture, or summary—and refine them to get the best results.
- Leverage the ‘Featured’ Section: In the ‘Featured’ section, showcase your best offers to your audience. For example, create a nicely branded Canva image and then add a relevant URL, such as a free discovery call or a signup page for your newsletter.
- Use Keywords in LinkedIn: Increase the chances of getting your job and client leads by using keywords in your headline, summary, and highlight your experience.
- Engage with Your Audience: Do not treat your LinkedIn profile as a static resume. Instead, keep it active and regularly engage with your network through likes, comments, shares, and posts.
- Consistently Update Your Profile: Update your LinkedIn profile based on new roles, achievements, and projects.
- Use LinkedIn Analytics: Monitor your LinkedIn engagement analytics, such as comments and profile views, to see what resonates with your network. Then, use this data to optimize your profile and adapt your posts to your audience’s responses.
- Custom LinkedIn URL: Instead of a long string of letters, you can use a personalized URL for your company’s or individual profile. This URL is neat and short; you can use it on your website, job applications, and other areas.
Avoid these Mistakes to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile Effectively
Check out the common pitfalls to avoid and create an impressive digital first impression:
- Ignoring the ‘About’ Section: Most people leave the ‘About’ section blank or use it as an extension of their career history.
- Unprofessional Profile Photo: Although essential, most brands never get their profile picture right. Keep inappropriate profile images, such as pictures in crowds, cartoons, generic animal pictures, and provocative clothing, of your LinkedIn profile.
- Overlooking the Headline: Ignoring your headline or using a vague headline doesn’t communicate your expertise and interests.
- Ignoring the ‘Featured’ Section: While the ‘Featured’ section provides an excellent way to showcase your prime offers and drive traffic to your site and email list, most people never include it.
- Incomplete Profile: Leaving out key sections on your LinkedIn profile makes it seem unprofessional and neglected.
- Not Updating Your Profile: Another common mistake is not regularly updating your profile to reflect your current skills and achievements.
- Poorly Written LinkedIn Summary: Using jargon and having grammatical errors in your LinkedIn summary doesn’t communicate your professional identity.
- Inconsistency in the Profile: Mismatched details and inconsistent branding on your profile can confuse your readers.
- Failing to Network and Engage: Most people use LinkedIn as a resume dump and fail to engage with their network, limiting their visibility and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still wondering how to optimize your LinkedIn profile?
We’ve got answers to the commonly asked questions in this area:
Should I Post Daily on LinkedIn?
The short answer is that it depends on your goals, industry, and time.
Posting daily can keep your profile active, increase your visibility, and build a relationship with your audience, but it can lead to burnout.
Most people aim for a 3 to 5 posting frequency. However, LinkedIn states that companies that post weekly get twice the engagement.
What is the Difference Between Public and Private Profiles?
Check out the main differences between public and private profiles:
- On public profiles, your LinkedIn profile information, like your name and headline, is visible to anyone on the platform, while private profiles don’t show any profile information.
- A public LinkedIn profile is discoverable in search engines for specific keywords and topics related to your profile, while private profiles don’t appear in search results.
How Can Founders Use LinkedIn To Strengthen Their Personal Brand?
Here are the top 5 ways founders can use LinkedIn to strengthen their brand:
- Share professional achievements to establish credibility and add value to your brand
- Demonstrate their authority in their industry by sharing insights, offer advice, and participate in discussions
- Connect with professionals and colleagues in the field and build a strong network
Should I Include My Contact Information on LinkedIn?
You should include your contact information so potential clients can quickly find you.
Complete the ‘Contact Info’ section on your LinkedIn. Include your email address, website, and phone number.
Conclusion—How to Improve My LinkedIn Profile
Follow the tips we’ve shared to optimize your profile and make it pop, including creating a catchy headline and a compelling summary.
Once you’ve polished your profile, highlight your experience. Finally, send personalized connection requests and join LinkedIn groups to grow your network.
Need help building a LinkedIn profile?
Crackerjack Marketing can help you optimize your profile to stand out in a competitive market and attract conversations with people who matter most.
We’re just a message away; contact us!
