Setting up your LinkedIn Profile
So you’ve set up a LinkedIn profile. What’s next? Here’s my quick summary of what to think about on your profile.
I’m not going to go into detail with how to do each section – as this constantly changes. If you can’t work out for yourself, a quick google will find up to date instructions.
Target Your Profile
Don’t try to appeal to everyone.
Identify who your ideal client is and when you are considering all the steps below, ask how you can appeal to them.
10 Steps to setting up your LinkedIn Profile
1. Profile Photo
Always have a photo. If you don’t want it available outside of your network, you can set it that only contacts see it in privacy settings.
Tips for taking your own LinkedIn selfie:
- take it in a clearly work environment or outside – I favour this over a domestic setting
- make sure the background is a good distance away from you (3m+)
- background should contrast with your hair colour – if you have dark hair, you’re going to merge with a black background, and blonds will blend with a white one
- look to camera, then turn your face to 1 o’clock, so you are not looking absolutely straight on to the camera
- make sure you then turn your eyes to the camera lens
- give a great bit smile, and take a photo. Then gradually relax your smile, and take photos as you drop your smile to a neutral expression. That way you’ll have 5-10 photos of different levels of smiling, and you can find one that looks professional and not too forced
2. Personalise Your LinkedIn URL
Customise your LinkedIn URL. You could opt for a URL that incorporates your name or company name.
3. Add your key job roles
Make sure you connect each listing to the right company page, so their logo appears
4. Craft a Professional Headline
This concise statement should summarise your expertise and professional identity. However, it has to be about not ‘what you do’. You are not a camera person. Or a sound designer. Or an animator.
Ask yourself:
- How do you bring value to your clients?
- What problem do you solve for them?
- How has your work transformed your clients’ business?
Some examples:
I help business and marketing director grow their business through video content
I create scroll-stopping animated content that attracts customers
I design striking environments people love to live and work in
5. Choose a professional background photo
This is a billboard for your business. If someone’s landed on your profile, let them see what you do.
6. Personal Summary
Your personal summary is the narrative backbone of your profile. This section should convey your skills, aspirations, and unique value proposition. Again, make sure it is focused on the value you bring to your customer, and the niche you service.
Also, think of it in terms of the people you are looking for: “I’m looking to connect with marketing directors who are looking to grow their business…”
7. Contact Information
I don’t have my email visible – and certainly not my birthday! However, you could add a link to a booking page on your links or in the featured section.
8. How you do what you do – and why you do it
Add a presentation that explains what you do in your featured section. Also think about the why you do it. See here.
9. Set your privacy settings
Go through LinkedIn’s privacy settings to control the visibility of your information. Tailor your settings to strike a balance between showcasing your professional journey and maintaining personal boundaries.
10. Throttle your notifications
Be sure to go through the notifications and turn them on and off, so you don’t get bothered by every single like or connection request.