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How to Create the Perfect LinkedIn Profile
How to Create the Perfect LinkedIn Profile
1. Your Name. This is your first impression so keep it simple and clutter free. Don’t add any acronyms and credentials to it. Keep it clear and concise. And ALWAYS use your personal name, not the name of your company.
2. Picture. Have a simple headshot, preferably of professional quality with a plain white background. Do NOT have a logo, full body shot or picture or you with anyone else. Make sure it is an attractive picture and that you are SMILING.
3. Professional Headline. This is the most important field in your profile. You have 120 characters here so be sure to use your keywords and make sure you choose compelling words. Talk about the value you bring to your clients.
4. Web sites. LinkedIn will let you put up to three website in your profile. Do not use their generic labels such as “My Company” or “My Blog.” Always click “Other” and change the words to describe what you offer. You can even have multiple links to the same website.
5. Twitter. If you tweet! Be sure to add your Twitter handle to your page. This will allow people who connect with you on LinkedIn to easily follow you on Twitter also.
6. Public Profile. You can change the URL for your LinkedIn Profile to what is called a vanity URL. Whenever possible choose your name before someone else gets it. If your name is not available, think of a way to still have your name in it by including a middle initial or a designation after it.
7. Summary. You have a total of 2,000 characters here; try to use them all and share with people who you are, and what you do. It is important that this is written in first person and not have it as a boring bio. Talk about who you are, who should connect with you and how you can help them. Be interesting, show a little of your personality and always end with a call to action. Let them know exactly what they should do next.
8. Experience. This is another great place to use your keywords, both in the title you held at the company as well as in the description of what you did. You have 100 characters in the title and 2,000 in
the description. Only list years do not include months. Include all relevant experience that you have had since college (4-5 positions is enough). The more you have in here the more connection opportunities you will create for yourself.
For every position include the following:
• What your company does
• What you do in the company
• Who your customers are
• What services you offer
9. Current Title (in Experience). This is a very important section for search optimization (how people will find you on LinkedIn). Include the keywords and phrases you think others would be searching for when looking for someone who provides what it is you offer.
10. Past Experience. Include information about your past experience. You don’t have to fill out as many details as your current experience but be sure to at least have a paragraph description for each one. Include the keywords and phrases you think others would be searching for when looking for someone who provides what it is you offer.
11. Volunteer Experience. Add volunteer experience to your profile by selecting to add the volunteer experience section to your profile. You will also have the option of filling out a list causes you care about and adding a list of organizations you support.
12. Education. List all education you have had. Include college, business training, technical training and any professional training you’ve had. Include all accomplishments, awards, special projects and credentials that will enhance your credibility.
13. Interests. Discuss in this section things that you enjoy, this is the place where you can show your human side. You can include both personal and professional interests. You have 1,000 characters in this section.
14. Groups and Associations. List all of the groups and associations that you belong to. These can be industry, professional social and non-profit organizations. Include full spelling of them and separate each one with a comma.
Sources: TopDog Social Media, Social Media Hat.
Julie Van Ameyde is the owner of Simply Social Media. She puts her combined knowledge of social media platforms and best practices as a veteran business owner to work for clients in a myriad of vertical markets, including law, medicine, finance, technology, manufacturing, retail and service-based organizations. In addition, she contributes considerable time and energy to civic outreach programs, as well as community and charity groups. Contact Julie at: 248-667-8718 or julie@simplysocialmediallc.com www.simplysocialmediallc.com
Simply Social Media is located in Northville, Michigan a suburb of Detroit and Ann Arbor Michigan
