Make the Most of Your LinkedIn: Tips for Optimising Your Profile and Growing Your Digital Network
Even before business went digital due to the Covid-19 pandemic, LinkedIn had emerged as an indispensable tool for professionals across all industries. A social media platform for the modern worker, LinkedIn is more than a job search site; whether you’re seeking new career opportunities, looking to grow your business, or aiming to expand your network, LinkedIn is the platform to leverage.
Just as a well-designed workspace fosters productivity and collaboration, an optimised LinkedIn profile will significantly enhance your professional presence, opening doors to new opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile.
Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile
Craft a Compelling Headline Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things people see, so make it count. Instead of just listing your job title, consider adding a bit more detail that highlights your expertise and what you bring to the table. For example, instead of “Marketing Manager,” you could say “Marketing Manager | Specialising in Digital Strategies and Brand Growth.”
Use a Professional Profile Picture A picture is worth a thousand words, and on LinkedIn, it's your first impression. Use a high-quality, professional-looking photo where you appear approachable and confident. Profiles with professional photos receive significantly more engagement than those without.
Engaging Summary Think of your summary as your elevator pitch. Use this space to tell your story – who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Highlight your achievements, skills, and what sets you apart. Keep it concise, engaging, and reflective of your professional persona.
Detailed Experience Section Don’t just list your job titles – describe your roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and include keywords relevant to your industry to improve your profile’s visibility in searches.
Profile Pro-Tip: Use figures and stats to highlight your expertise. Highlighting the actual ROI increase as +15% is much more engaging than “I increased quarterly return-on-investment year-on-year by a significant percentage”.
Showcase Your Skills LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, but focus on the ones most relevant to your career goals. Endorsements from colleagues and connections can boost the credibility of your skills, so don’t hesitate to endorse others as well.
Collect Recommendations Recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, and clients can add significant weight to your profile. They serve as testimonials to your abilities and character. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations – most people are happy to help.
What to Post: Industry-Related Content
Share Thought Leadership Articles: Position yourself as an industry expert by sharing insightful articles. Whether these are your own blog posts or commentary on curated content from reputable sources, make sure they provide value to your network – use your own voice and opinions rather than just rehashing what someone else has already said!
Highlight Achievements and Milestones Whether you’ve completed a significant project, received an award, or reached a career milestone, sharing and celebrating your career achievements on LinkedIn can help build your personal brand.
Engage with Multimedia Videos, infographics, and slide decks are a great way to share information in a more engaging format. Multimedia tends to attract more attention and can be a powerful way to communicate your message.
Ask Questions and Start Discussions Encourage engagement by turning to your LinkedIn network with thoughtful questions to start discussions on relevant topics. This not only increases your visibility, but also positions you as an active participant in your professional community.
Growing Your Network
Connect with Purpose If you spot a connection you’d like to make, always personalise your message. Mention how you know the person, or why you’re interested in connecting. Reference a recent article they were mentioned in or award their team won; a personalised request is more likely to be accepted and can start the relationship on a positive note.
Join Industry Groups LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with professionals in your industry. Participate in discussions, share insights, and network all from the comfort of your office.
Engage with Your Network Stay visible in your network by liking, connecting, and sharing your connections’ posts. Remember, you’re on LinkedIn to build relationships that can support your career goals for the long-term.
Utilise LinkedIn’s Networking Features: Take advantage of features like LinkedIn’s Alumni tool to connect with former classmates, or the “People You May Know” section to discover potential connections. Use the advanced search to find professionals in your industry or area of interest.
Advanced LinkedIn Features
LinkedIn Publisher LinkedIn’s publishing platform is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and reach a broader audience. This tool allows you to write and share long-form content – plus, you can include multimedia, links, Tweets, and more to ensure your content is the most engaging, readable, and shareable it can be.
LinkedIn Learning Invest in your professional development with LinkedIn Learning. Completing courses and displaying these on your profile can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and skill development.
Analytics Regularly review your profile’s analytics to understand who’s viewing your profile and how your posts are performing. This can help you tailor your content and networking strategy.
LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume – it’s a dynamic platform for building your professional brand, growing your network, and advancing your career. Make the most of what LinkedIn has to offer by optimising your profile, sharing valuable content, and engaging with your network. Simply implement these tips today, and watch your online presence grow your offline career opportunities!
LinkedIn is a great place to base your digital professional life, but if you need an offline home base for your business, look no further than Grafter. Get in touch with our Sales Team today to learn more about our luxury flexible workspaces.