12 Ways Stand Out in the Crowd on LinkedIn

Getting noticed on LinkedIn may seem intimidating. After all, there are over 800 million users worldwide, with over 180 million in the US. However, only about one percent of monthly users bother sharing content every week. That means that you have a lot of opportunities. Let’s find ways to get you noticed on LinkedIn that may work for you and your brand.

1. Optimize Your Profile with an Eye Toward the Future – Your profile should be focused on your objectives rather than what is presently happening if you're searching for new possibilities. If you're seeking clients, make sure your profile states that and describes what you do, whom you serve, how you operate, and why.?
2. Upload an Amazing Profile Picture and Background – On LinkedIn, your profile picture and your cover banner are major branding images. Make sure what you upload looks good and is the right size. Your profile picture should be a good headshot that shows your face and conveys authenticity, and competency.?
3. Craft a Focused Headline and "About" Section – The first thing your audience sees after your picture is your headline and About Section. Ensure that this is written in a way that attracts your ideal audience and is keyword-rich. But don't overdo the keywords.
4. Include Only Relevant Background Information – When you fill out everything offered for your profile on LinkedIn, remember that this is also content and should be thought of as such to attract your ideal audience. Don’t include things that don’t matter to them.
5. Add Your Certifications, Degrees, and Education Information – Don’t forget to add anything that makes you look more professional. Your skills, certifications, and other things like speaking engagements should be uploaded to share that with your audience.
6. Use Video Content More Than Other Formats – It might not stay that way forever, but right now, video is more popular as content than any other form. Short videos, less than 3 minutes are best. Use all types of content on your LinkedIn profile and feed, but try to make it more video-focused for better results.
7. Create a Memorable and Personalized LinkedIn URL – On LinkedIn, you can personalize your URL. This makes it look better when you share it with people. Plus, it’s another opportunity to use a keyword or your name to become more memorable.
8. Ask the Right People for Recommendations – After your profile is complete, ask people for recommendations. For example, if you listed a job, invite people who can vouch for you on that job to give you a recommendation and endorse the skills you claim to possess. Recommendations and Endorsements are your social proof. Don't miss this important element.
9. Publish New Content regularly – Try to publish something new on your feed each day, but no less than two to three times a week. Remember, most people are posting less than weekly on LinkedIn, and that means you’ll stand out more. But limit it to once a day, for now, so you don’t overwhelm people.
10. Mind Your Keywords - LinkedIn has a powerful search function. Using keywords in your profile and posts increases your chances of being found by seekers. Use industry or niche relevant keywords for best results.
11. #Hashtags works – When using hashtags in your post will make it available to people outside your network but have a particular interest in your content. Research the hashtags before using them. Ensure someone is already following the hashtag and your content is valuable to that audience.
12. Blog it out - Sometimes you have more to say and posts in the newsfeed aren't the most effective place. Using the LinkedIn Publishing platform for publishing articles or newsletters is a great way to have more control over your message, have more fidelity in publishing, and use keywords. But don't forget to include links back to LinkedIn in the articles so you get traffic back to your profile when people read them.

If you want to get the most out of LinkedIn, follow these ideas to make your profile stand out and then publish enough material to guarantee that your profile is always up-to-date. When people see you as someone they want to know, someone who is genuine, open, and active on LinkedIn, they will appreciate it a lot more.

#branding #socialmedia #linkedin #personalbranding #msnenab

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Nena B. Abdul-Wakeel is a Social Media Success Coach and LinkedIn Consultant.?She is the founder of the?Social Media Success Network?and owner of?Walk Boldly, LLC, a professional training and development company.

To learn more about elevating your LinkedIn profile, check out the free "Power Profile Quick Reference Guide". It provides some quick tips and guidance on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile.

You are also invited to connect or follow?Nena B. Abdul-Wakeel?on LinkedIn and join her community “The Social Media Success Hotspot” on Facebook.