Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile
Why do you need to do this?
LinkedIn is a key channel for personal branding, so your LinkedIn profile is the launchpad to building a strong professional network. The channel is also the place to be if you wish to continue relationships of key people you meet at business meetings/networking events, allowing you to easily stay in touch. As well as being the touchstone for nurture and lead generation, a well optimised LinkedIn profile is on the same level as making a good first impression when you meet in person.
How do you optimise your profile?
Make sure you have a professional head and shoulders photograph of yourself. You are on the platform to do business, so ensure you appear to be there for that reason. Therefore, a picture with your partner, favourite pet or vehicle doesn’t cut it! It should be a current photograph too - as if you meet a contact in person and you look nothing like your photo, it could end up being a little like a bad first date!
Also use Canva.com to create a background image as why miss the opportunity to promote your business. If you have staff on LinkedIn create an image for all of them to use as their background as it’s a little like giving them all a company vehicle with no costs attached.
Treat your LinkedIn profile as an online resume and ensure you complete every section:
The About section – I split this into two sections: My background and what I do now. Include an email and phone number at the bottom of this section.
Experience – show at least the last two positions you held.
Education
Licences and Certifications
Skills and Endorsements – You can have 50 of these, so put in as many as you can.
Recommendations – request these from customers/people you know.
Use keywords in your headline – think of the words you would use if you were looking for your goods or services.
Join groups which could be within your industry/where your target market is/services you have an interest in.
For details visit: www.linkedin.com
