How to Stand Out On LinkedIn

Introduction

LinkedIn is a great place to create connections with new contacts and invest in your personal brand. Many of us can apply more skills and tactics to develop our LinkedIn profiles like a pro. Neglecting your brand can lead to many missed opportunities from a marketing standpoint. If you haven't checked your profile page recently, you might need to revamp it after reading this blog. Here are a few tips and considerations you can use on your profile to make it stand out from the rest.

Customize your profile URL

If you haven't already, generate your profile on LinkedIn and hit the customize your public profile URL action. Do you know having a custom LinkedIn URL helps with SEO on Google? This action will also help you be discovered organically. When changing your URL, keep in mind:

• Custom URLs can have 5-30 letters or numbers

• It's best to use a variation of your name or professional brand as your URL since you will be sharing your profile with people; therefore, you need to be easily discoverable.

• You can alter your URL up to five times within six months. Once you have changed your URL for the fifth time, you won't be able to change it for another six months.

Professional Photo

Having a high-quality profile photo is essential when it comes to social networking. In more cases, connections will correlate your image to the quality of your work. Enquire a professional photographer to capture a headshot. A great photo would make a positive impact on your brand. Don't be afraid of showing a little personality too!

But DO NOT:

• Use a group photo

• Crop yourself from a group photo

• Use a selfie

• Use filters on your photos

• Use an amateur image for your profile picture

Fully Complete Your Profile

On your LinkedIn profile, there is a helpful button titled "Complete My Profile." Clicking it leads you to the incomplete fields of your profile. No matter how tedious, FILL OUT EVERY SINGLE DESCRIPTION BOX. Sections include profile summary, skills, expertise, voluntary work, and even licenses and certifications.

Writing a Headline

Your headline is one of the first sections people view on your profile. Every time you change jobs on companies, LinkedIn will default your headline to your updated titles. Although this is adequate, creating a compelling and unique headline is an excellent way to stand out from everyday users.

Update Your Experience Section

Begin updating your LinkedIn experience therefore, it highlights your role and current responsibilities. Making your description more "meatier" by showcasing your work can show your worth in the professional world.

What Not To Include in Your Profile

When creating a LinkedIn profile, it's essential for your profile to not read precisely like everyone else. Here are some terms you should avoid in your profile.

• Specialized

• Experience

• Leadership

• Skilled

• Motivated

• Expert

• Successful

Telling your work story on LinkedIn can make people connect with you. It pays off to show your worth when you have a complete profile. Creating an engaging profile can also increase your visibility online, showcasing your background to online users.

Engage With Connections

Building connections by sending invitations is one great way to grow your network. Increase your brand's visibility, but you should take the extra step and take your engagement to another level by increasing your LinkedIn engagement.

Connect with a Personal Message

LinkedIn has a standard message that goes out to connection prospects when sending an invitation, alerting them that you want to connect. Sending a personalized note can genuinely make you stand out. Some personal message ideas could be:

• You all work in the same industry, and you want to discuss the new trends in the industry.

• Possibly you have met them before and want to reintroduce yourself.

• You simply came across their page and seemed like a great person to connect with.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to connecting, but there is a greater probability for others to communicate with you if you add a personal note with your invitation.

Post Relevant Content

Creating content for your feed will show your connections that you are an active user and a thought leader in your specific industry. Posts can boost your engagement, allowing others to like, comment, and share your content.

Stay Active on LinkedIn

Send Recommendations. Take the time to create a well-thought-out recommendation for people you have enjoyed collaborating with. A recommendation is the best thing you can give a connection, and most times, they will also return the favor. It's a win-win for both of you.

Introductions. Make introductions to newly connected contacts. You never know what they can offer you and vice versa.

Endorse Others. Endorsing your connections for the skills and expertise they possess can be a great way to continue building a LinkedIn relationship.

Networking is King. Joining and getting involved in group discussions is an excellent way to stay updated on hot topics in your industry. Offering advice to posting a discussion to get others chatting can lead many people to your profile and ultimately connect with you.

Conclusion

LinkedIn is a fantastic place to connect and build your brand. Using LinkedIn to generate leads is one way to make your brand, but if your profile isn't up to professional standard, it's a lost cause. Reflect on your profile and grow your brand in your industry today! If you would like to learn more about our service, LinkedIn Lead Generation, or LinkedIn in general, contact us. We would love to hear from you!