While your LinkedIn profile needs to be about you, even more importantly, it needs to be about the people you can help most. Getting clear on WHO you can help and WHY they should be attracted to you/your business is the starting point for all successful online comms. Thereafter, you need to speak to them in their own words to demonstrate you’re the person who can rock them back to sleep when they wake up in a panic again at 4am.
Writing a compelling LinkedIn profile involves several key elements. Here are some of the stuff you should include in an effective profile:
1. Headline: Your headline appears directly below your name and is a brief description of your what you do for your clients or customers. It should be concise yet engaging, capturing attention and showcasing your value proposition.
2. Profile Photo: Select a high-quality, professional-looking photo that presents you in a positive and approachable manner. My preference is that you’re either looking straight towards your profile visitor or into the middle of the page.
3. Summary: Your profile summary is a brief introduction that highlights how you can help your best customer or client. It should provide a compelling summary of what sets you apart.
4. Experience: List your work experience, starting with your current or most recent position. For each role, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and quantify results whenever possible.
5. Education: Include your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. Mention any academic honors or distinctions.
6. Skills: List your core skills and areas of expertise. Choose skills that are relevant to your profession and highlight your strengths. LinkedIn allows connections to endorse your skills, so it’s important to select skills that others can validate.
7. Recommendations: Request recommendations from clients or customers who will vouch for your value proposition claims. These testimonials add credibility and strengthen your profile.
8. Use Keywords: Incorporating relevant keywords in your profile can improve visibility in searches.
10. Proofread and Update: Before publishing your profile, proofread it carefully to check for errors and ensure clarity. Regularly update your profile to reflect any changes in your business offer.
Remember, getting clear on WHO you want to appeal to and WHY they should be attracted to you/your business is the starting point. Thereafter getting some great words around your value proposition and speaking to your best WHO is key. And don’t forget to keep your profile up to date and engage with the platform by sharing relevant content, participating in discussions, and connecting with professionals in your industry.
How well does your profile stack up?
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