15 Ways to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile
Is your LinkedIn profile gathering digital dust, with few views, minimal connection requests and little engagement? If so, it’s not adding much value to you or your business. Here are 15 simple tips to optimise your LinkedIn profile and enhance your networking potential:
Complete All Sections of Your Profile
It might seem like common sense, but many profiles leave important sections incomplete. Each part of your profile offers an opportunity for someone to discover you and your expertise – make sure to utilise every section.
Use Keywords Throughout Your Profile
Incorporate relevant keywords in your headline, summary and skills section to help make your profile easier to find. LinkedIn searches pay special attention to keywords, so be sure to include ones that reflect your industry and expertise.
Include a Recent, Professional Photo
You’re ten times more likely to get profile views if you have a professional photo. Make sure it represents you well – avoid casual selfies or social snaps. You want to look approachable and professional.
Customise Your Profile URL
By default, LinkedIn assigns a long URL with numbers to your profile. You can change this to a personalised URL featuring your name, making it easier to find, remember and share—perfect for adding to your business card.
Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations add significant value. LinkedIn recommendations cannot be faked; they must come from someone else’s account, which makes them a powerful endorsement.
Fill in the Skills Section
The skills section allows you to showcase your expertise. LinkedIn offers pre-set skills, but you can also add custom ones, such as “Business Development Specialist” rather than just “Business Development.” Focus on skills that align closely with your profession.
Get Endorsements for Your Skills
While not as powerful as full recommendations, endorsements still help your visibility. The more endorsements you receive for specific skills, the more likely your profile will appear in searches for those areas.
Post Long-Form Content
Publishing articles on LinkedIn can greatly increase your visibility and help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Regularly post valuable content to boost engagement and credibility.
Create a Company Page
Your business deserves its own LinkedIn page. Use it to showcase your products, services, company culture and news. A well-managed company page can position your business as an expert in its industry.
Add a Branded Background Image
LinkedIn now allows users to upload a background image, giving your profile a more personalised and polished appearance. Make sure your background reflects your personal brand or business.
Customise Your Links
Rather than using the generic ‘company website’ anchor text, customise your profile links. Changing the text to reflect your company name or blog title is better for SEO and more engaging for visitors.
Reorder Your Profile Sections
LinkedIn provides a standard layout for profile sections, but you can rearrange them to highlight the areas that matter most. For example, if your projects are particularly impressive, move them higher on the page.
Upload Projects and Showcase Media
Add links to projects you’ve worked on, along with images, videos or other media. This makes your profile more dynamic and engaging, giving potential clients or employers a better sense of your work.
Join and Participate in Groups
LinkedIn groups can be a great way to engage with like-minded professionals. Find groups relevant to your industry or interests, and don’t just join—actively participate to build connections and establish your expertise.
Keep Your Profile Active
Finally, don’t let your LinkedIn profile sit idle. Regular updates not only keep your profile fresh and engaging but also signal to others that you are active and invested in networking.
Optimising your LinkedIn profile can greatly enhance your visibility and networking opportunities. What tips have worked best for you? For further advice on making the most of LinkedIn, contact our social media marketing specialists on 01604 654545 or email hello@thelasthurdle.co.uk.
