LinkedIn optimisation: The art of being seen on the platform.

Intro

This weeks focus is a great segway from last week's topic 'Understanding your own experience & beyond' because your LinkedIn profile is where you showcase your experience for everyone to see.

This is not a one off quick fix, your profile and activity needs nurturing. LinkedIn will always prioritise and highlight people who are active and contribute to the platform so keep that in mind.

I spend a vast amount of my time on LinkedIn everyday, without it I would not have a business, I would not be recognised as a 'Top Voice' in the coaching space and it has taken me many years to get it to this place, but today I pass on some of my tips to you, you lucky thing.

Why is LinkedIn so important these days?

Hey I hear you, why are we so dependant on a monopolised online platform? Something that if it didn't exist tomorrow where would our networks be then? This is something that I am thinking more and more about and will likely cover in a later edition to this newsletter series.

LinkedIn is where 90%+ of the corporate world have a personal profile and tend to log in at least twice a week. Almost every company has a profile on the platform too and it's a place where you can advertise, research, learn and contact people you have never met before (LinkedIn is a one stop shop to network and grow your reputation and or business).

LinkedIn is like any other social media platform, the more relevant and engaging content you post and having the right wording, hashtags and collaboration with other people who are known then the more you will be seen. Facts.

So now knowing all this, it's now time for you to become best friends with LinkedIn and all it's members.

What do I mean by LinkedIn optimisation?

Being seen in all the relevant places by as many people as possible through having the right tags, descriptions and wordings in and around your profile and the content that you share and engage with.

Yeah very similar to SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) you have the opportunity to have complete control of the content and wording on your profile. The more key words and relevant words that you have across your profile and the content you share and engage with them the more likely you will be seen for the relevant subjects and opportunities you are looking for.

There are a few different ways of saying and resaying the same thing across the platform which gives you the best opportunity of being found be recruiters/ HR/ hiring managers etc. Don't worry I will list out the ways in this article.

Before you do all that you need to understand your own experience and what you want to be known for and what potential opportunities you want people to consider you for (see previous editions of my newsletter for more info).

Tips to have an optimised LinkedIn profile:

Ok so now is the time when I get abit creative and add something the kids call 'screenshots' so that you can actually see what I mean.

• Choosing a relevant job title

Seems obvious right? Well no, you will be surprised with how may people have job titles which do not actually represent the role they do. It is important that you have the right job title as headhunters/ recruiters mainly search based on your job title that you program in. Your company does not own your LinkedIn profile so you don't need to run it by them but only choose something relevant.

If you have multiple job titles then you should add each of them separately on your profile so again you can be found by headhunters or generally anyone looking. It also makes it easier for people to understand your experience.

I would also recommend putting in a description, short and sweet, maybe a bullet point or 2 outlining a key achievement. This will again help you be found because the words you use we as recruiters sometimes look for that.

Example below:

• Having a catchy and relevant caption

As you can see from mine above I have tried to summarise the services that I offer so it is upfront and centre every time someone sees my profile. So again saying something and saying it again and again. Make it really easy for people to understand what you do and the services that you offer. I separated the different elements by choosing the lower case L 'l'. You could have emojis in here if you did it on your phone or use certain websites.

• Your banner is prime real estate, make the most of the space

If you have the space there you should use it to say something. It should either be a statement or a call to action. You want the people visiting your profile to really come away knowing more about you and your services/ skills and experiences and this is another way to do that. I use Canva for my content.

• If you are looking for a job then tell LinkedIn exactly what...

So where it says 'open to' you can be very precise as to what, where, when. This feature is handy for recruiters to have fast access to your preferences and is often used to help us headhunt as we can literally select people who are open to certain job titles. And I believe on Recruiters can see this so it's worth turning on.

• Turn on 'Creator mode'

One of the may great functions available on the LinkedIn platform that not many people know about. Basically if you provide a service like design, or cv writing or plumbing etc, then people can find you and potentially book you in and pay you money for your time/ work. It's another way of being found and I would highly recommend business owners or anyone out of work looking for cash who have a skillset or even anyone who can do a side hustle should use it.

• Last but not least: 'engagement'

You have to engage with and grow your network. LinkedIn boosts people add value to the platform, people who comment and like and share and then post their own relevant content.

If LinkedIn asks you to contribute to an article it means they have selected you as a potential expert in this field, you should get involved because you can get a LinkedIn topvoice like me :)

Reach out to me:

As always I am here to walk you through all these steps in a strategic and bespoke way to suit your situation.

Whether you are looking right now or want to know what your options are for when you do start to look. Whether you are looking for a promotion or a complete new career change then use the link below to schedule a free introductory call for us :)

Because everyone should have a Recruitment BFF.

https://calendly.com/dan-bff/30-minute-meeting