7 Things to Stop Doing on LinkedIn

When in planning mode it is good to review where you are, what you are doing, what is working, and what isn’t. A useful activity is to divide a page into 3 and add headings:

1.    Stop

2.    Start

3.    Continue

This article is dedicated to reviewing what to stop when it comes to LinkedIn. Before deciding what to start, look at what isn’t working. What are you going to stop doing in 2021? Here is a list to get you thinking. Let's hope you never started doing some of these activities in the first place!

1. Stop letting LinkedIn create your headline

Adding a new role means that your headline could be updated in an instant, unless you untick the box. Having things like Director, Owner or Consultant doesn't give the viewer any idea what you do, what problems you solve and for whom, and isn’t what they are searching for. 

Your headline is one of the most important fields influencing search results. Think about your ideal client / viewer and what words they would be searching for to find you as the solution to their problems. Capture attention and encourage them to read on.

2. Stop using the wrong type of photo

With seconds to capture attention and make an impression, your photo helps people recognise and connect to you. But if the image has the wrong tone, is blurry, distant, shows a group or worse, you don’t have a photo, you could be impacting your brand.

Avoid sunglasses, kids, pets, strapless tops, glamour images, car and bathroom selfies, old photos, and wedding snaps. It isn’t essential for photos to be professional, but they do represent your professional brand. Photographers happen to know how to capture you at your best.

3. Stop including taglines in your name field

Extra info clutters up your name and looks a bit spammy. Titles, phone numbers and bold claims belong in different sections. Post nominals can work here, but keep them relevant.

4. Stop playing small – position yourself in the About

Intrigue your reader in the first few lines of the About section, and encourage them to read more. This section is your opportunity to connect with the reader through sharing your story, where you have been, your vision and how you plan to get there. Write in your voice, in the first person to establish connection and add credibility through sharing your achievements. Don’t forget to tell the viewer what to do next.

My 7 step framework for this section is included on my LinkedIn Profile Blueprint. Get your copy here.

5. Stop connecting without reason

Avoid being a voiceless collector of connections. Sending the default connection message is lazy, and isn't what we do in person. Connect to people you want to be in conversation with, by starting with an introduction. Tip – make it about them! 

6. Stop copying

Before copying someone else's actions, think about your own brand, relationships and objectives. Not all LinkedIn activity is good activity. Perception and first impressions come from what others see.

It is important to start with the end in mind by having clarity on who your ideal clients are and how you wish to be seen by them. Ensure that you behave the same way online as you do offline as consistency builds trust.

7. Stop abusing LinkedIn and your network

Accepting your connection request isn’t an invitation to receive your salesly messages. 

Just because someone connects to you, doesn't mean they have opted-in to your marketing list. Before using automation and marketing tactics check the user agreement and guidelines to ensure you don’t accidentally breach them. There are repercussions beyond annoying your connections. Respect your connections by building relationships.

What do you plan to stop doing in 2021?

NEED HELP?

LinkedIn has become an essential part of modern business marketing. It is important to keep your LinkedIn presence up to date. If you are unsure how to build your presence, seek expert help or book a LinkedIn Review to get a head start.

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Jo Saunders is an international LinkedIn expert, marketing strategist and social media educator who has been helping people connect since the early 90s.

Known as the LinkedIn Demystifier, Jo Saunders guides graduates, professionals and organisations through the complexities of LinkedIn and social marketing tools to energise their brand, establish credibility and earn influence through the power of Connectfluence.

She is the co-author of 'Get Good or Get Off - A guide to getting it right on social media', video series the #ConnectionCouch and was named #2 LinkedIn Expert in Asia Pacific for 2018.

• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/josaunders
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JoSaunders
• Web: www.wildfiresocialmarketing.com