In a Sea of Sameness, Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out

Before I start, and for context, my desk faces out of the window, and the other week David Surfleet and I were beavering away when a swan’s head just bobbed along above the hedgerow, casually walking up the pavement, no water in sight or nearby and definitely no wildlife centre. Our office is in the middle of an industrial area, sandwiched between B&Q, Amazon and Volker Rail.

I’m 44 years old, and I’m sure that over those years, I have encountered many swans but don’t remember them. However, I will always remember this one. Why? Because it stood out, it was different, and it was brave. Lorries fly past the front of our office, so for a magnificent creature like a swan to walk the pavement like a human being, this dude was braver than most.

The same principles apply to you. If you are reading this and looking to stand out from the crowd on LinkedIn, then this blog will help.

With 930 million members across 200+ countries and more and more people joining the platform, it can be hard to get noticed. But don’t worry—with a few creative changes, you can quickly turn your profile into an impressive showcase.

Be Authentic

Have a Good Profile Picture

Your profile picture is a small window into you as a person, and let’s face it, we all want to know a bit more about who we are connecting with. My advice with a profile picture is to try to capture who you are in a way that you want others to see. I like to laugh and joke, so I wanted a profile picture that captures my sense of humour but in a subtle way.

Most advice will tell you to upload a professional headshot or passport-type photo, which is fine, but it doesn’t help you stand out. At the risk of receiving the reader’s wrath, would you be more intrigued by a connection request from the guy on the left or the guy on the right?

Include a Backdrop Picture

Let’s talk about your background photo. ?? It’s the second visual element of your profile page, grabbing everyone’s attention and showcasing what really matters to you! It’s not just any old photo. It’s key to making your page stand out, captivating attention, and leaving a lasting impression.

Think of it as an opportunity to tell the world who you are and what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a vibrant work of art, or an adorable picture of your favourite pet, your background photo sets the stage for an amazing journey through your profile.

So, let your imagination run wild and choose a background photo that truly reflects your unique personality and interests. It’s your chance to show the world just how awesome you are and create a lasting impact on anyone who visits your page.

Remember, the right background photo is like the icing on the cake – it adds that extra touch of magic that makes your profile unforgettable. So go ahead, find that perfect picture that speaks volumes about you and let it do all the talking!

Create a Headline Beyond a Job Title

Your profile page is a blank canvas waiting for your awesomeness to shine through. Forget about boring job titles – it’s time to let your true colours fly! ??

Imagine your headline as a mini billboard, a chance to express your passion, purpose, and what sets you apart. So why not add a dash of personality and make it pop?

Not sure where to start? Take a peek at any superstar sales reps’ profile. They’ve mastered the art of social selling, and their headlines will inspire you. Trust me. They go way beyond job titles!

So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and show the world why you’re the one they need! Your headline is your secret weapon, so make it count.

Tell Your Story

This is the key to unlocking your profile’s full potential! When it comes to your LinkedIn summary, don’t you dare leave it blank! Trust me, you’ll miss out on a golden opportunity to shine.

Your summary is like your very own storytelling canvas! It’s where you get to showcase who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you’re a force to be reckoned with. So, forget the boring list of skills and job titles – let’s bring this bad boy to life!

Think of your summary as a chance to show the world why your skills matter and how they can positively impact the people you work with. Paint a vivid picture of your value, and don’t hold back!

Invest some time, get creative, and try a few drafts. And, don’t be shy about sharing your summary with your trusted friends, colleagues or network for feedback. After all, this is your own personal piece of content marketing gold!

Don’t be Afraid to Post!

We’ve all heard the saying, “Content is King”, and it’s true – content can do wonders for your profile. But so often, we hesitate. We worry that our content won’t be good enough or our posts will fall on deaf ears. Let me tell you this: don’t be afraid!

Content creation can be a lot of fun, but it can also feel intimidating. You want to make sure the content you’re creating is relevant and valuable for your audience. But don’t let that stop you from posting – dive right in and post something!

You’ll never know if your content is successful unless you try it! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s the only way you’ll learn and improve.

By taking action, you’re on your way to becoming an authority figure in your industry. Crafting content that resonates with your audience can open up opportunities like speaking engagements, collaborations, and more.

So don’t let fear hold you back from creating content!

Be Consistent

If you want to make an impact on LinkedIn, then consistency is key. Regarding postings and content creation, showing up often and regularly is the best way to get noticed. This means creating a posting schedule that works for you and sticking to it!

Posting daily can be daunting, but it’s a great way to establish yourself as an authority and increase your visibility on the platform. Plus, it lets you share fresh content and engage with your audience.

Consistency also means staying true to your brand voice and message. You want people to recognise who you are as soon as they see one of your posts – your content should be recognisable as yours.

So don’t be afraid to post regularly, and always keep your personal brand in mind. By staying consistent with your messaging, you will make a lasting impression on everyone who visits your page!

Network Your Way to the Top

Creating a personalised strategy for your target market is essential for standing out in a competitive business environment. It involves taking the time to understand your audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviours and crafting marketing campaigns that speak directly to them. By doing so, you can ensure that your message resonates with your target market and increases the likelihood of converting them into loyal customers.

Personalisation shows your customers that you value them and are willing to go the extra mile to meet their unique needs. It’s an opportunity to establish a strong connection with your customers and build a customer-centric brand. Investing in a personalised strategy is a smart move and can make a significant difference in the success of your business.

Get Involved in Groups and Comment on Conversations

Groups are a great way to stay connected with your industry and meet like-minded people. You can join groups related to your field of work or interests, build relationships, and participate in meaningful conversations.

Don’t just be a lurker – get involved! Participating in conversations will not only get you noticed, but it will also help you to build your personal brand. Reach out to others and initiate conversations; this is a great way to network and make valuable connections.

Commenting on relevant conversations is another great way to get involved in the community. You can post thoughtful replies that will demonstrate your knowledge and show how passionate you are about the topic at hand. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with others and build meaningful relationships.

So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and join conversations – you never know what valuable connections or opportunities may come of it. Get involved in groups and start commenting on conversations today!

In Conclusion

Your LinkedIn profile is a reflection of your personal brand and a great way to make yourself stand out from the crowd. By investing some time in crafting your summary, creating content that resonates with your audience, and staying consistent – you’ll be well on your way to becoming an authority figure in your industry.

Don’t forget to network your way to the top and get involved in conversations. You never know what opportunities may arise or who you might meet!

So go ahead and make your LinkedIn profile shine – you have everything you need to be successful. Good luck!

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