Your LinkedIn profile isn’t performing? Here’s what’s holding you back!

Hey there!

Does your LinkedIn profile feel like it’s just sitting there, collecting digital dust? When was the last time you checked if it’s actually working for you? If your answer is “uhh… it’s been a while” - you’re not alone.

But no worries, we’ve got you covered.

Linkedist teamed up with Olga Kairien? , founder of Ambasadori? Akademija , Personal & Employee Branding Educator, to break down the biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn - and, more importantly, how to fix them so your profile finally starts delivering results.

Let’s dive in! ??

?? The Top 3 LinkedIn Mistakes Holding You Back

MISTAKE #1: Your profile isn’t optimized.

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital resume - it’s your personal brand, first impression, and credibility signal all in one. If your headline is vague, your About section is empty, and your Featured section is missing, you’re making it harder for people to find and trust you.

“Your LinkedIn profile is your first impression - a virtual handshake. If it’s incomplete, it becomes harder to find in search results, limiting opportunities to build valuable professional connections.” - Olga Kairien?

?? Quick Fix: Optimize your headline, refine your About section, and use the Featured section to showcase your best work. Keep your profile public to stay visible.

MISTAKE #2: No consistency in positioning.

Many professionals expect quick results from LinkedIn, but giving up too soon or posting randomly weakens your personal brand. If your messaging isn’t clear, your audience won’t know what to expect from you - or why they should follow you.

“A common mistake is expecting quick results. Many start actively but give up when they don’t see immediate success. If you haven’t clearly defined your personal brand - who you are, what value you provide, and what you want to achieve - your communication can become inconsistent, weakening your brand identity.” - Olga Kairien?

?? Quick Fix: Define your personal brand, post 2-3 times a week to build trust, and engage with your network on relevant topics.

MISTAKE #3: Fear of authentic communication.

Many professionals play it safe, sticking to generic, surface-level content instead of sharing their real opinions, experiences, or insights. But authenticity and value-driven content are what truly build a strong personal brand.

“Many professionals tend to align with others, avoiding expressing their own opinions, experiences, or insights. The result is generic, uninspiring content that fails to build real connections. However, authenticity and genuine concern for others are key to developing a strong personal brand.” - Olga Kairien?

?? Quick Fix: Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, lessons learned, and unique perspectives - these are what make you stand out. Engage in conversations and discussions, and remember that personal branding isn’t just about posting - it’s about being present.

?? And what about the future of personal branding?

With AI-generated content becoming more widespread, the way we build trust and credibility online is shifting.

As Olga Kairien? puts it:

"Authentic, experience-based insights will be the most valuable currency in personal branding. Professionals who position themselves as thought leaders - offering unique perspectives rather than repeating industry trends - will build stronger credibility and influence."

?? The key takeaway? As you build your brand, focus on being real. Be consistent. Share what you know. That’s what will truly set you apart.

To sum up,

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile, establishing clear positioning, and embracing authentic communication are the key areas that can transform your personal brand. As the LinkedIn landscape evolves, authenticity and value-driven content will remain at the core of building lasting connections and credibility.

Want to learn more?

If you’re ready to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level, check out our latest blog post - Personal Branding Cheat Sheet.