10 + 1 LI Profile Optimization Hacks

1. Clean Up Your Profile & Banner Photo??

"You have to look good, to feel good!"

How to Create a "High-Quality Professional Photo" from an iPhone:

?? Snap a Photo of Yourself Looking Business Professional from Shoulders Up

This is NOT a Selfie. No one to help out? Utilize the self timer feature.

?? Head to Canva & Upload Your New Favorite Headshot

?? Search LinkedIn Profile Photo Templates & Select a Profile Template

?? Remember to Keep Your Profile Clean & Clear of Distractions! I personally like to have a solid color behind my photo so I pull the focus, I did this by utilizing the Magic Studio in Canva and using the BG Remover.

?? Save & Upload Your New Headshot to Your LinkedIn Profile

Think of the Banner Photo as "Free Billboard" Space, it has the ability to:

?? Make a Powerhouse First Impression

?? Stand Out From the Stock Scenery

?? Project a Consistent Brand Image (Remember, you are your brand!)

?? Spark Conversation

How to Stand Out From the Stock Scenery & Utilize Your Banner Photo:

?? Log In to Canva and Search " LinkedIn Banner"

There are HUNDREDS of options to customize.

One thing I always kept in mind was to keep the design to the right side of the image, depending on if someone is viewing your profile on their desktop or their mobile device it may change what they can see of the banner.

?? Once You Select a Template from Canva , Customize It! I started with a template, however after playing around so much you would hardly be able to figure out which one! So don't feel that you have to stick to the design, it is simply there as a skeleton for you to build upon!

2.?? Keywords are KEY ?? - DJ Khaled (probably)

Optimize your profile, increase your discoverability & improve your ranking in search results with keywords.

What are my keywords?!

Copy & Paste the below prompts into Gemini AI to find the right keywords for your experience.

Prompt for Professionals with Defined Career Goals/Targeting a Specific Role:

Help me identify the most relevant keywords for my LinkedIn profile to get noticed for [Target Job Title] position in the [Industry] industry. My current experience level is [entry/mid-level/senior/executive level] and my top skills are [Skill 1], [Skill 2]. and [Skill 3].

Prompt for Professionals Open to a Broad Variety of Opportunities:

I have [Number] years of professional experience, most recently as a [Current Job Title]. I am interested in exploring new opportunities that utilize my transferable skills. My strengths lie in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. What are the top 5-7 keywords I should include in my LinkedIn profile to highlight my transferable kills and broaden my career options?

Are there any specific industries or role where these skills are highly sought after?

Now where to put the keywords...?

?? Headline - Prime Territory

?? About Section

?? Experience Section

?? Skills Section - Goldmine Opportunity Here (Use Hard Skills & Soft Skills)

?? Education Section

?? Accomplishments Section

?? Volunteer Experience Section

Pro Tip: Utilize Gemini AI to determine where your keywords may have the MAXIMUM impact. Use the prompt below after completing your keywords research.

With the information above, list where the keywords would be most valuable in my LinkedIn profile.

3. Hone Your Headline

Your headline is your digital power statement.

??The LinkedIn Headline: Prime Real Estate ??

Biggest Misconception - Your Headline Has To Be Your Job Title ??

A Catchy Headline:

?? Snags Attention

?? Make People Want to Know More

?? & Hopefully, Compels Them to Click and Explore the World You've Curated

If Carrie Bradshaw was on LinkedIn...

??Freelance Writer & Cosmopolite. Turning Cocktails & Conversations into Content. ??

If Spock was on LinkedIn...

Scientific Inquiry & Diplomatic Solutions: Utilizing Logic and Empathy to Bridge the Gap Between Species. Science Officer, USS Enterprise

If Rachel Green was on LinkedIn...

From Waitress to Ralph Lauren Exec ?? Proving You Can Have It All With Hard Work & A Supportive Group of Friends

4. Have some Fun with Featured

The Featured Section is a powerful tool & I think it's often underutilized.

If you don't currently have the Featured Section, here's how to add it:

? On Your Profile Page, Click "Add Profile Section"

? Scroll to "Recommended"

? Click on "Featured Section"

Don't sleep on the Featured ????

Why Use It?

?? Stand Out from the Crowd

?? Boost Credibility

?? Curate Your Own "Highlight Reel"

?? Increase Profile Views & Engagement

What To Feature?

?? Published Articles & Presentations

?? Awards & Recognitions

?? Personal Projects - Think YouTube Channel, TikTok, Blog, Etc.,

While I've used my Featured Section for Longer Article Form posts, you can highlight a post that you were proud of, a video you created, even a graphic! Get creative, you get to curate what people see first on your profile!

5. Customize Your URL ??

Add Professional Polish to Your Profile with a Custom URL

How to Customize Your URL:

? Go to Your Profile

? Look to the Right and Click the Pencil Next to "Public profile & URL"

? Click "Edit your custom URL"

? Customize to Your Name, Brand, Or Use Your Creativity

? Click "Save"

6. Just a Recommendation

Forget the References, Get the Receipts: Add Recommendations to Your Profile

Recommendations give you:

?? Social Proof & Credibility

?? Ability to Highlight Specific Achievements

?? Increased Profile Visibility

Profiles with recommendations rank higher in LinkedIn search results!

How to Add 'Recommendations':

? Go to Your Profile & Click "Add to Profile"

? Scroll down to "Recommended" and Click "Add Recommendations"

? In "Search for People" Type the Person that Would Write You a STELLAR & GLOWING Recommendation

7. Expanding Your Network

Lurk on LinkedIn, No More! Become a Thought Leader via Industry Groups.

Industry Groups let you:

? Level Up - Gain valuable industry insights & stay up to date on the latest trends, best practices and new tools!

? Expand Your Network - Connect with a community of potential collaborators, mentors, clients, or event future employers.

Some of the Hidden Gem Industry Groups I'm In:

?? Girls On the Run

?? Recruitment Consultants and Staffing Professionals

?? Artificial Intelligence

?? Richmond Connections

?? Half Marathon Runners

?? National Career Development Association

Notice that I've joined some groups outside of just my professional bubble, connecting with those that have similar interests outside of my 9-5, like Half Marathoners!

8. Vocalize Your Volunteer Work

Update Your Profile to Reflect Your Volunteer Experience.

Reasons I ?? LOVE ?? this section:

?? Show You Are Well-Rounded & NOT A Robot

?? Highlights Your Transferable Skills

?? Builds Out Your Network Across Industries

?? Gives Someone Reaching Out To You an Easy Conversation Starter

Don't see where you can add "Volunteer Experience"?

? Go to Your Profile & Click "Add Profile Section"

? Scroll to "Additional" & Select "Add Volunteer Experience"

9. ENGAGE

Become a connector, not a collector.

Engage with your network!

?? Like

?? Comment

?? Share

?? CONNECT

Your connections do not matter, if you are not connecting past that first accepted invitation.

Utilizing the network you are curating for yourself is a long term game.

Let's sweep the cobwebs out of the comment section and start engaging with those in your network. And expanding your network as you do so!

10. Everyone has the ability to be a Content Creator, it's about the effort.

?? CONTENT IS KING ??

But what should I post about...?!

Start simple.

Create a Poll, Ask a Question, Start a Conversation.

Highlight a Recent Accomplishment.

Share a Book You Finished with Your Thoughts.

Reflect on a Professional Milestone.

Write How Others Can Learn From Your Journey.

+1 Bonus Hack

Turn on "Creator Mode"

Benefits of "Creator Mode":

?? Increases Your Reach & Visibility

?? Access to Valuable Analytics (My Favorite Aspect!)

?? Opens Up Advanced Tools like LinkedIn Lives & Newsletters

?? Your Profile Will Prioritize Your Activity & Featured Section

How to Turn :Creator Mode" On:

? Go to Your Profile and Click On "Resources"

? "Creator Mode" is the first Line - Switch to "On"

I do NOT recommend "Creator Mode" to everyone, however for those looking to grow their personal brand and committed to LinkedIn, it's a great asset.