When I work with a new private marketing coaching client to help them get better results from LinkedIn…whether I’m training, coaching or consulting…we usually start by looking at their LinkedIn profile branding.
Why?
Because your LinkedIn profile is like your mini-website, a landing page…it’s the foundation of everything you do on LinkedIn.
Here’s how to quickly and easily get started with your LinkedIn profile branding, beginning in the top left of your profile page:
1. Your LinkedIn Profile Photo
Visuals are everything on social media, so take a good look at your profile photo and ask yourself:
Does it reflect the brand image you want to portray?
Your profile photo counts more than you may know – you’re 14 times more likely to have your profile viewed if you include a photo, so make sure it shows your best brand image.
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many LinkedIn profile pictures don’t have a brand-appropriate outfit, focus on head and shoulders and a confident smile that engages and invites viewers to learn more about them.
2. Your LinkedIn Headline
Think of your headline as a mini-billboard. How can you use your keywords in a compelling way to invite viewers to take the next step with you?
Remember, your headline appears EVERYWHERE on LinkedIn…in search results, groups, messages, and when you publish…this means it’s one of the most powerful places on your LinkedIn profile to position your brand presence.
3. Your LinkedIn Publishing Posts
Used effectively, your posts distinguish your brand by positioning you as the expert and a thought leader in your field and make it easy for your Ideal Clients to take the next step with you.
4. Your LinkedIn Summary
If your headline is a mini-billboard, your LinkedIn Summary is a mini-sales page.
Your Summary is yet another chance (are you sensing a theme here?) to invite your LinkedIn profile viewers to take the next step with you and position yourself as a legitimate and credible expert and thought leader. In short, demonstrate that you are who you say you are.
BONUS TIPS
* For maximum impact, upload visuals that support your summary.
* If you want to make your profile more likely to appear in search results, make sure your summary is over 40 words, according to LinkedIn.
5. Your LinkedIn Skills/Endorsements
Listing your skills on your profile makes you 13 times more likely to be viewed on LinkedIn. Your skills are a visual overview of your professional brand – an easy, digestible way to show what you can do.
BONUS TIPS
* The skills LinkedIn serves up to your contacts to endorse you are based on your profile keywords…another reason to liberally sprinkle your keywords throughout your LinkedIn Profile at every relevant opportunity!
* If it’s possible with your browser version, move the Skills section so it’s below your Summary.
Why?
So those visuals draw your viewer’s eye down your profile and invite them to read more. The Skills section also gives a quick overview of what you offer your Ideal Client. Remember, the goal for your profile is to make it easy for them to say “YES!” to taking the next step with you.
6. Your LinkedIn Recommendations
Let your Ideal Clients sing your praises by asking for recommendations…this will help you to attract more of your Ideal Clients to you.
With these simple updates to your profile, you can set yourself apart and help brand YOU as the best choice for your Ideal Client.
If you’re interested in getting more details on how to get better results on LinkedIn, click here to schedule your complimentary LinkedIn Results strategy session with me to explore what your biggest challenge is on LinkedIn and what you can do to have a results breakthrough. I have a limited number of appointments available and request that only people who are serious about dramatically increasing their results on LinkedIn schedule a time to talk.
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© 2016 ChristineHueber.com
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