4 Easy Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile [guest post]

Let’s face it, the amount of time you waste on Facebook could be put to much better use. But, if you must spend your time on one social network, it might as well be LinkedIn. The social network for business professionals definitely has the most potential for improving your future career and accomplishing your business goals.

Your profile should say everything it can about who you are as a business professional. This is especially true because it tends to be displayed pretty high on Google’s search results for your name.

You should want to keep your profile as up to date because shows that you’re productive and on top of things; and, have it shin the brightest and most positive light on you as possible.

Here are four quick, easy ways you can improve your LinkedIn profile.

1. Write a killer headline

The goal of any piece of writing is always to get the reader to read the next sentence. The same goes for LinkedIn profile. If your headline is lackluster and boring, you have a much, much lesser chance of standing out.

Your headline should say who you are, who your audience is or whom you’re trying to impress, and how you can help them. Say it quickly and in a creative manner.

Go ahead: be original. I dare you.

2. Add a highly personal summary

Once you’ve captured the attention of visitors on your profile with your headline, match it with an equally awesome summary.

Your summary should be very personalized. Just think: would you want to read bullet points that sound like every other person’s resume? No.

You should discuss who you are, what you like to do, what you strive to do, and any goals that you may have. Give readers a reason to like you.

Also, try and match the tone of your headline to your summary. For example, if you were witty at the beginning, be witty throughout.

3. Provoke action and response

So, assuming you’ve done what I’ve instructed and created two interesting bits of writing that really sell who you are, you’re next step is to get your visitors to do something. What that is, is up to you.

If you’re a graphic designer and have an online portfolio website, lead them there. Or, if you provide SEO service, lead them to your company’s website and give them a further taste of what you can do. You can always give contact information too.

You’re trying to sell yourself (you wouldn’t be on LinkedIn if you weren’t), so always give your readers somewhere to go next.

4. Triple-check everything

Probably the worst thing you could do is have an incomplete profile full of errors

Check for grammar. Check for spelling. Make it look like you belong in the business world. Typos are a big turn-off for hiring recruiters. 

Check your facts. Oh, you’re the only person with a nine-digit telephone number? Not impressive. Make sure your contact information and outgoing links are in full working order.

About the guest author: August Drilling works on behalf of FortePromo, which sells promotional items, and is a blogger, social media enthusiast, and Apple fanatic.