Improve your LinkedIn profile with Lisa Christmas copywriting and social media management.

If you’re using LinkedIn to generate more business, or help you find a new job, make sure your profile is working hard for you.

Most important is uploading a decent headshot photo; LinkedIn is still a social networking platform and people buy from people. Don’t use a logo or avatar instead of your photo, even if you and your business are one and the same. You’ll also find it makes networking that much easier if you’re instantly recognisable to your connections.

Next, customise your public URL as the LinkedIn default will generally be a combination of name and numbers; this appears under your photo alongside ‘Contact info’. Once this is customised it will be much easier for you to be found in searches and for you to include it as a link in an email signature, covering letter, marketing materials, social media or a CV.

Make sure you have a great headline [or job title] and a compelling Summary that says who you are, your key achievements and successes, how you can add value to a business [as an employee or supplier] and include a relevant call to action [CTA]. The LinkedIn Summary section is your chance to stand out from the crowd.

Include lots of relevant skills for your contacts to endorse which show where you are highly skilled and valued – and don’t forget you can ask your contacts for Recommendations which will add credibility to your profile, particularly from higher level colleagues or customers.

Then add your Experience – current and previous roles – including relevant keywords which will help people find you, or someone with the skills and experience you have.

Once your profile is updated, spend time making trusted connections within LinkedIn as the bigger your network, the greater your visibility.

And finally, if you are using LinkedIn as a tool to find your next job, make sure all sections of your profile are complete; employers and recruiters are very suspicious of unexplained gaps and a serious lack of detail. And just like your CV, your LinkedIn profile should be well written and checked for spelling and grammar.

Lisa Christmas has over 22 years’ communications agency and copywriting experience. She has been providing freelance copywriting services since 2012, including writing personal LinkedIn profiles. You can contact Lisa via thebestofFleet if you need help putting the Wow factor into your LinkedIn profile.