When setting up a LinkedIn profile, there are mutliple things to consider to ensure your profile is optimized. First, you need to decide what keywords you want to be found under. To help you in this process, think about what prospective clients would search for to find you and put that in your Professional Headline on your profile.
Next, you need to optimize the main parts of your profile as follows:
Next, you need to optimize the main parts of your profile as follows:
- Profile Photo - make sure to use a professional headshot in your profile photo. People want to see your face, not a logo or a blank image.
- Last Name - Your name is your headline, so try to include a keyword. To do this, keep your first name as it is - mine is Lesa. For your last name field, include a keyword or keyprhase. Mine is "Seibert - Web Designer/Marketing Speaker". By doing this you are findable under your name and your expertise.
- Keywords - Keywords optimization techniques apply to LinkedIn as well. Make sure you include keywords throughout your profile, including your professional experience, specialties, job description and company title. Don't spam with keywords, but include them where they fit.
- Website Links - Make sure to put your company or blog name in for your website and not use My Website. To do this, when you are setting the link(s) to your website(s), DO NOT select and of the pre-defined options (Company Website, Blog, etc.) as that is what they put for the title. Instead, select Other at the bottom of the list and put in your own link title (Website & Software Design, Social Media Marketing, etc.) and then the link to that site.
- Recommendations - Make sure to get recommendations. When you reach out to clients or colleagues, ask them to use specific keywords in their recommendation (ex. website design, graphic design, etc.). Make sure to give recommendations to people you support.