8 Steps to Boost Your LinkedIn Game…

By: Dan Chadney

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Did you know there are over 1 billion LinkedIn users?

400 million of them are active every month. But only about 10 million (1%) post content regularly. In contrast, around 60% of users on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter post content. (Check out more social media stats on Sprout Social)

That’s a huge opportunity just waiting to be tapped! Whether you’re an e-commerce brand owner, a coach, an artist, a creator, or a solopreneur, LinkedIn is a relatively untapped platform to showcase your expertise and grow your business.

Step 1: Your Profile Picture

First impressions matter! Professional doesn’t have to mean stuffy. It’s 2024, and the rules have changed. Your profile picture isn’t about the perfect suit, it’s about authenticity and relatability. A high-quality, approachable picture can create trust and show your true brand.

So, next time you glance at your profile picture, ask yourself, does this reflect the professional I want the world to see? If it’s anything less than a resounding YES, it’s time for a reshoot to ensure it aligns with how you want to be perceived by your LinkedIn network.

Step 2: Your Banner (Background Image)

Your profile background is more than just a decorative element. Utilizing a background image is your personal billboard that captures attention as soon as someone views your profile. Here’s why it’s crucial:

  • First Impressions Matter: Your banner is key to making a good first impression

  • Brand Representation: It should reflect your brand’s identity

  • Highlights Key Information: Use it to emphasize important details

  • Visual Appeal: Keep it simple, clear, and readable

Use a tool like Canva to create a professional banner without breaking the bank.

Step 3: Your LinkedIn Headline

In this age of instant gratification, people want to know who you are in a heartbeat.

Your headline isn’t just a job title.

It’s your digital business card. Your SEO magnet. Incorporate relevant keywords to align with desired roles or industries.

So, be clear. Be specific. Add a spark of personality.

Experiment with it. LinkedIn headlines are crucial first impressions for profile viewers.

For example, your headline could read: “Creating Unique Handmade Home Decor | 5-Star Shopify Seller | Passionate Artisan.”

Step 4: Your Featured Section

Your Featured section isn’t a place to flaunt your viral hits. It’s valuable digital real estate for guiding your audience toward meaningful action.

Make purposeful choices. Use on-brand images.

And here’s a pro tip – skip the descriptions. You want to reduce friction when people show interest in what you offer.

Treat this section as you would a storefront in the busiest part of the city.

Step 5: Your About Section

Your About section is your canvas to build a compelling personal brand. Personal branding is crucial here; it helps you craft a standout profile that effectively conveys your unique identity and professional value.

  • Paint a captivating professional narrative

  • Start from the beginning

  • Share your challenges

  • Celebrate your milestones

  • Invite your audience to take action

  • Include testimonials

Remember, good stories sell.

Step 6: Your Experience Section

LinkedIn’s Experience section isn’t about listing companies you’ve worked with; it’s about showcasing strategic job titles that highlight the real value you bring to each role. Understanding and utilizing LinkedIn SEO is crucial for optimizing your profile to enhance visibility in LinkedIn’s search results.

  • Detail your work experience and the results you achieved.

  • For every role, add bullet points or short descriptions.

  • Don’t forget to sprinkle in relevant keywords.

  • If you run your own business, display that first.

Step 7: Optimize Your Profile with Relevant Keywords

Enhance your profile’s visibility by incorporating industry-specific keywords.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords is crucial to increase your visibility in LinkedIn searches. By incorporating industry-specific keywords, you can enhance your profile’s visibility and make it more discoverable by recruiters, potential employers, and other professionals in your industry.

To optimize your profile with relevant keywords, follow these steps:

  1. Identify Your Industry-Specific Keywords: Research and identify the most relevant keywords related to your industry, job title, and skills. Think about what terms recruiters and peers might use to find someone with your expertise.

  2. Use Keywords in Your Headline: Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate for keywords. Incorporate your keywords here to make your profile more discoverable in searches. For example, instead of just “Marketing Manager,” try “Digital Marketing Manager | SEO Specialist | Content Strategist.”

  3. Incorporate Keywords in Your Summary: Your summary should tell your professional story while weaving in your keywords naturally. This provides context and relevance to your profile.

  4. Highlight Keywords in Your Experience Section: Use your keywords in the descriptions of your past roles to highlight your skills and achievements. This not only improves searchability but also demonstrates your expertise.

  5. Showcase Keywords in Your Skills Section: Ensure your skills section includes your relevant keywords. This helps LinkedIn’s algorithm understand your areas of expertise and boosts your profile in searches.

Enhance your profile’s visibility by incorporating industry-specific keywords.

Step 8: Maximize the Skills and Endorsements Section

Highlight your expertise by strategically selecting and endorsing skills.

The Skills and Endorsements section of your LinkedIn profile is a crucial aspect of showcasing your expertise and building credibility. By strategically selecting and endorsing skills, you can highlight your strengths and demonstrate your value to potential employers and connections.

To maximize the Skills and Endorsements section, follow these steps:

  1. Identify Your Key Skills: Pinpoint the skills that are most relevant to your industry, job title, and experience. These should be the skills that best represent your professional strengths.

  2. Prioritize Your Skills: Arrange your skills in order of importance. LinkedIn allows you to pin your top three skills, so make sure these are the ones that best showcase your expertise.

  3. Endorse Your Skills: Encourage your connections to endorse you for your skills. This can be done by endorsing their skills first, often prompting a reciprocal endorsement.

  4. Showcase Your Endorsements: Display your endorsements prominently on your profile. A high number of endorsements can significantly boost your credibility.

  5. Keep Your Skills Up-to-Date: Regularly review and update your skills section to ensure it reflects your current abilities and expertise. Remove outdated skills and add new ones as your career progresses.

Highlight your expertise by strategically selecting and endorsing skills.

Step 9: Join Groups and Build Your Network

Expand your reach by actively participating in relevant LinkedIn groups.

Joining and actively participating in relevant LinkedIn groups is a great way to expand your reach, build your network, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

To join and participate in LinkedIn groups, follow these steps:

  1. Identify Relevant Groups: Search for groups that align with your industry, job title, and professional interests. Look for active groups with regular discussions and a significant number of members.

  2. Join Groups: Once you’ve identified relevant groups, join them. This is a simple yet effective way to connect with like-minded professionals.

  3. Participate in Discussions: Engage in group discussions by commenting, sharing, and posting relevant content. This helps you stay visible and active within the group.

  4. Share Your Expertise: Post articles, share tips, and provide advice to showcase your knowledge. This positions you as a valuable resource and thought leader.

  5. Engage with Others: Respond to comments, answer questions, and provide feedback. Building relationships within these groups can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Expand your reach by actively participating in relevant LinkedIn groups.

Step 7: Publish Quality Content Consistently

Making a good LinkedIn profile isn’t a one-and-done deal.

  • To keep it pulsating with energy, you must publish quality content consistently. For many, 3-5 posts a week is enough.

  • Come up with a realistic content strategy

  • Mix formats

  • Keep your posts insightful and engaging

This isn’t about churning out posts, it’s about cementing your position as a thought leader in your field.

Step 8: Recommendations

Building a strong professional network on LinkedIn is the engine behind your credibility.

Whenever you nail a project or leave a client satisfied, don’t hesitate to ask for that recommendation.

This isn’t vanity; it’s strategic. Recommendations up your LinkedIn game, making your profile more searchable and undeniably convincing.

And there you have it. Eight powerful steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile.

It’s your turn now. Go ahead, make some noise.

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    Dan Chadney
    Author: Dan Chadney
    My name is Dan Chadney and before starting Indie Brand Builder, I spent 20 years as a visual designer. I've owned multiple successful businesses and I'd love to help you build yours! Check out my online business guides and learn how to make your business stand out