Self-promotion is perhaps one of the hardest things you have to do for your career or business. Thankfully, platforms like LinkedIn take a bit of the sting out of the process by creating an online repository of your curriculum vitae that you can edit and modify while being exposed to a network of other professionals. Below are 7 essential practices you can adopt in 2024 to ensure your LinkedIn presence is as professional and impactful as possible.
1. Optimize Your Profile Photo
When trying to connect with clients, employers, or potential business partners, providing them with a face to link to your name fulfills a basic human social need. Save the photos of your cat, dog, or child for your Facebook page. If you were using your company logo, the proper place for that is on your LinkedIn company page. Take a recent photo of yourself wearing attire suitable for your industry. Below are some good tips on making a great impression with an attractive headshot.
- Professional Setting
Ensure your photo is taken in a professional setting with good lighting. - Dress Code
Wear attire that is appropriate for your industry. If you’re in a corporate field, a suit or business casual attire is suitable. For creative industries, slightly more relaxed yet still professional clothing is acceptable. - Smile
A friendly, approachable smile can go a long way in making a positive first impression. - High-Quality Image
Use a high-resolution image to avoid pixelation.
This blog has some great tips on creating a social media headshot. Additionally, photographer Peter Hurley has a fantastic series on how to pose for a professional-looking headshot. Here is his first video on using your jawline: Peter Hurley – Jawline. Here is his second video on “squinching”: Peter Hurley – Squinching.
Addendum: Those in creative industries can dispense with the photograph and instead use a self-portrait as a way of showing off your talent.
2. Provide Detailed, Accurate Information
When filling out your profile, be as detailed as possible about your positions and education to give people a clear idea of your skills and accomplishments. At the same time, be honest. While it might be tempting in the short term to embellish how awesome you are, it will catch up to you. Here is a quick guide to writing job descriptions:
- Use Action Words
Start descriptions with strong action verbs to demonstrate your contributions and achievements. - Quantify Achievements
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%” or “Managed a team of 10 people”). - Highlight Key Skills
Make sure to highlight the skills that are most relevant to your desired career path. - Consistency
Ensure that your profile is consistent with your resume to avoid any discrepancies that could raise red flags to potential employers.
3. Customize Your URL
You’re a name, not a number. By default, LinkedIn assigns a long code as your profile URL. You can change that by clicking (from your profile page) “Edit” then “Edit Public Profile Settings.” In the left column, there will be a link to “Customize your public profile URL.” A custom URL not only makes your profile look cleaner and more professional, but it also makes it easier to share.
4. Set Your Profile to Public
Social media is about putting yourself out there and being found. LinkedIn is no different. Your LinkedIn profile is indexed by search engines as well. You can make this change (from your profile page) by clicking “Edit” then “Edit Public Profile Settings.” Select the radio button in the left column that says “Make my public profile visible to everyone.” This ensures that recruiters and potential connections can find you easily.
5. Play the Connection Game
Connect with past clients, employers, peers in your industry, people you’ve worked with, and even that boss from hell. They may know someone who may need your product/service or want to employ you. The game is to collect as many professional links relevant to your profession as possible — it’s not a popularity contest. Here are some strategies for expanding your network:
- Personalize Invitations
When sending connection requests, always personalize the message to explain why you want to connect. - Engage with Content
Like, comment, and share posts from your network to stay visible and engaged. - Follow Industry Leaders
Connect with and follow leaders in your industry to stay informed and expand your network. - Join LinkedIn Groups
Participate in industry-specific groups to meet like-minded professionals and engage in discussions.
6. Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations are testimonials that back up your skills and experience. Recommendations from your family and friends don’t count, so ask clients and employers to say a kind word. People are more apt to give you a recommendation if you give them one first. Here’s how to effectively request recommendations:
- Choose the Right Recommenders
Ask for recommendations from people who can speak to your professional abilities and achievements. - Be Specific
When requesting a recommendation, be specific about what you would like them to highlight. - Reciprocate
Offer to write a recommendation for them in return. Mutual support can strengthen professional relationships. - Follow Up
Don’t be afraid to follow up with a gentle reminder if you haven’t received a response.
7. Update Your Profile and Status Frequently
LinkedIn broadcasts changes in your profile to everyone you are linked to. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you are keeping current in your professional life. Here are some tips for keeping your profile active:
- Share Industry News
Post articles and updates relevant to your industry to showcase your expertise and engagement. - Announce Achievements
Share your professional milestones, such as completing a certification or speaking at a conference. - Post Regularly
Aim to post at least once a week to maintain visibility. - Engage with Your Network
Respond to comments on your posts and engage with content from others in your network.
Additional Tips for 2024
As LinkedIn continues to evolve, there are a few more advanced strategies you can use to stand out:
- Utilize LinkedIn’s Video Feature
Create short, professional videos to share insights, updates, or introductions. Video content is highly engaging and can help you stand out. - Leverage LinkedIn Stories
Use LinkedIn Stories to share behind-the-scenes looks at your workday or quick updates in a more casual format. - Optimize for Keywords
Use relevant keywords throughout your profile to improve your visibility in search results. Think about the terms recruiters or potential clients might use to find someone with your skills. - Showcase Your Work
Use the Featured section to highlight presentations, publications, or projects that showcase your expertise and accomplishments. - Engage with LinkedIn Learning
Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning courses to enhance your skills and display certifications on your profile.
By incorporating these best practices into your LinkedIn strategy in 2024, you can enhance your professional presence, expand your network, and create new opportunities for career growth and business success.