Tips to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile

Optimize Linkedin ProfileAre you using LinkedIn much?

It’s one of the best social media networks for reaching business owners.

One of the reasons people aren’t more active on LinkedIn is because they are confused about how to find and interact with people.

Use LinkedIn Groups to Attract People to your Profile

It’s simple. You can find people in LinkedIn Groups. Looks for groups where you can find your ideal clients. After you have been active in the group for awhile, look for people to connect with.

The challenge that people sometimes face is that when people review their profile, it is lacking.

Your LinkedIn profile should be complete and it should be interesting. People will make a decision to connect with you on LinkedIn simply by looking at your profile.

So, what can you do to improve your LinkedIn profile?

Here are 8 tips to improve your profile:

  • Create a compelling headline
  • Include your contact information in multiple places
  • Add your past experience (you can be selective)
  • Add a summary section and move it to the top of the page
  • Add up to 50 skills that you people to endorse you on
  • Solicit recommendations
  • Join LinkedIn Groups
  • Offer advice on why people should contact you

The summary section is your opportunity to explain who you are and what you do. It’s like your 30 second elevator speech.

Everything you do to improve your LinkedIn profile will help you to connect with more people.

Be Proactive in Optimizing your LinkedIn Profile

And by the way, be proactive in working on yourself. Look for activities you can do that you can add to your profile.

Improve Linkedin ProfileFor example, if you take on a volunteer role in a non-profit organization, you can add that to your LinkedIn profile to show you are a well-rounded person.

And by the way, when you submit a request to connect with someone on LinkedIn, be sure to write a short, personal message to them.

Take a look at your LinkedIn profile from the viewpoint of an observer. What’s missing? Make a list of things to improve.

Spend time looking at other people’s profiles.

Ask someone to critique your LinkedIn profile and give you some feedback.

Take these simple steps and then raise your activity level on LinkedIn.

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing and Social Media Trainer