5 Tips to Upgrade Your LinkedIn

If you’re anything like the average busy professional, updating your LinkedIn profile on a regular basis is probably not a high priority. We get it! We are navigating a hectic world of appointments, emails, team meetings and more. However, if you are not carving out quality time each month to connect with other professionals on LinkedIn, you could miss a big opportunity from a sales perspective.

LinkedIn is arguably the most popular networking platform to build and cultivate a professional brand. Over the years, LinkedIn has risen in popularity as professionals have used the platform to build a personal brand and position themselves as experts in their field. Your LinkedIn page is the foundation of your professional expertise. A properly maintained LinkedIn page could open doors to new opportunities, sales and professional networks. Here are a few helpful (and quick!) tips to give your LinkedIn page an upgrade.

Update Your Headshot

Your LinkedIn headshot is your audience’s very first impression of you, so make it a good one! Be sure to include a recent photograph, not a headshot from ten years ago. You also want to fill the full circle with a close-up of your face. We do not recommend using a group photo in your LinkedIn profile. If you have a group photo you’d like to highlight, there is a background photo section for that. 

Update Your Headline

If you change jobs or positions within your company, LinkedIn will automatically update your headline to reflect that job position. Be sure to update your headline with a tagline that grabs attention and conveys meaning, so you can stand out from those in your field. 

The Secret Sauce to Your Summary 

Make your LinkedIn summary spot anything but boring! This is a place to shine and share your story with potential followers. The summary is not just a spot to list out your skills and past experience, but instead convey a story to your followers about why you do what you do. Some examples include sharing how you find meaning in your career or other personal anecdotes about why you go to work each day. 

Start Cultivating a Network

LinkedIn would be nothing without the connections users make on a daily basis. Take the time to start reaching out to other professionals and thought leaders in your field. If you aren’t sure where to get started, you can begin by following different influencers in your field. When these influencers post interesting or relevant content, share it on your page to start building your own following. Adding commentary to an influencer’s post can show you are passionate about your field while looking for new ways to learn and expand your skills.

Ask for Recommendations

When you apply for a new job, the person conducting the interview will usually ask for a list of references. Be proactive and start gathering recommendations through your LinkedIn profile. Take the time to seek out recommendations from colleagues who would best illustrate your professional skills. When you ask for a recommendation, be sure to personalize your request so that your colleague will take his or her time when writing a testimonial. 

Crafting a compelling and unique LinkedIn profile can take time and expertise. That’s where Pink Dog Digital comes in. Call us at (410) 696-3305 to see how we can help take your digital presence and professional brand to the next level.