Originally posted on https://onlineprofilepros.com/2019/07/22/linkedin-profile/

 

So, you’ve been meaning to update your LinkedIn profile for quite a while but, despite your best intentions, you’ve been putting it off. That stuff takes serious time and enormous effort, right?

Well, actually…

Wrong!

What if we told you that we have some tried and tested ways for you to improve your LinkedIn profile in minutes?

Guess what? That’s exactly what we’re telling you and we’re only too happy to share.

LinkedIn Profile – Your Personal Branding Tool

With over 467 million members, LinkedIn isn’t just Facebook for business people. It’s the most powerful professional network in the world.

And, while your entire online presence is part of your online profile, LinkedIn may be the most important link in the chain.

Why?

Because your LinkedIn profile is your personal branding tool. It’s more important than a resume and it is the go-to place for business owners and recruiters.

Now, as we know, the professional world is ultra-competitive. Small things can make a big difference.

And, since we’re living in a world of constant distraction, standing out from the crowd has never been more important.

Today, human beings have a lower attention span than a goldfish. Research suggests that recruiters spend six seconds on average looking at a resume. A LinkedIn profile will get even less time than that.

So, how can you make your profile instantly stand out from the crowd?

We’re about to share 5 simple ways you can improve your LinkedIn profile in minutes.

But first, let’s talk a little about the power that LinkedIn has to propel your career forward.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile is So Important (We’re Talking Mega, Mega)

Your LinkedIn profile is your gateway into the world’s largest virtual professional world. Having a powerful presence on LinkedIn can take you from zero to hero in a very short space of time.

Why is this?

Here are some important things to consider:

• All the serious players in every industry imaginable have a LinkedIn profile. If your profile sucks, are you ever going to be taken seriously?
• When people search for you on LinkedIn, (and they will) you’re in full control of what impression you leave them with. As we all know, in life, as well as in the online world, first impressions last.
• LinkedIn shows up first in Google searches. If someone Googles your name, your LinkedIn profile will likely pop up.
• It’s all about connecting. On LinkedIn, people are constantly searching for services you may provide. If you don’t have an updated LinkedIn profile, your awesomeness might never be seen.

Convinced of your need to improve your profile yet? Great! Now, let’s take a look at how to update it.

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

1. Rewrite Your Headline

Your headline is one of the first things that people see when they visit your profile. But, did you know that LinkedIn automatically defaults that headline to your current position and company?

Most people leave it this way. But remember, you don’t want to be like most people. At least, not on your LinkedIn profile.

When rewriting it, you want to craft a compelling headline that includes the important keywords you want users to see.  You’re constructing your own personal brand, and you get to do it your way in your headline.

Jump at the opportunity to do that.

2. Your Photo

Before you even ask, the answer is YES! Of course, you need a photo!

But, not just any photo will do. You’re presenting yourself and your skills to the business world. It’s important that your photo positions you as the professional you want others to see.

For most of us, when we see a photograph of someone else, we make immediate judgments about that person. A photo can influence our opinion on how likable someone is, whether they seem competent and whether they’re friendly or nice to be around.

Here is some general advice about your photograph:

• Use a professional photo if at all possible. It really will speak a thousand words
• Use a current shot
• Smile!
• Ensure that your photo isn’t cropped awkwardly. There is nothing worse than seeing a photo with other people’s heads cut from the frame!
• It should be just you in your photo. No animals allowed unless you’re a vet!

3. Your Summary

If used correctly, the summary on your LinkedIn profile has awesome sway. This is where you get to inject your personality and really differentiate yourself from the crowd.

This is your opportunity to tell the story of you. Who are you? What is your experience? How do you plan to change the world?

A summary of 40 words or more will make it more likely to show up in a search. Now is not the time to be shy.

4. Your Connections

Sometimes, with your LinkedIn profile, you might find yourself torn between these two opposing ideas:

• You’re reluctant to connect with people you don’t know or don’t hold in high esteem
• The more connections you make, the more opportunities you are likely to have

How to solve this problem?

Exercise caution and be strategic. Make sure that you connect with people within your industry but, if a connection doesn’t sit well with you, don’t go there.

And, you can always use the power of groups to your advantage.

Groups allow you to reach out to people you’ve never met before but in the comfort of a safe setting. You’re not breaching etiquette and you’re not appearing desperate to connect either. A win-win!

5. Add Your Location

This takes seconds and yet, it comes with an enormous benefit.

According to LinkedIn, more than 30% of recruiters using the platform will use the advanced search option. In this, they will search based on location.

So, the more details you have provided, the more likely you are to be found by the right person.

Your LinkedIn Profile is Now Ready to Take Off

There you have it. 5 simple ways to improve your LinkedIn profile in minutes.

In the world we live in, we are faced with two choices: Stand out or fade into the background.

Choose to stand out.

And, make sure that when people land upon your LinkedIn profile, they have something really interesting to see.

We’re always here with help and advice. Should you need any, get in touch!