Your LinkedIn Profile Is Talking: Is It Saying the Right Thing?

LinkedIn Isn’t a Chore—It’s Your Digital Reputation

Most people treat LinkedIn like a to-do list item—something they “have to” post on, optimize, or engage with. But here’s the reality: LinkedIn is shaping your reputation whether you’re active or not. Every comment, post, and interaction (or lack of one) is building your digital presence. The question is—are you letting it happen by accident, or are you being intentional?

I’ve been a LinkedIn member since 2006, and I’ve spent years helping leaders, founders, and brands build real influence on this platform. And what I’ve seen? The people who stand out aren’t following a magic formula. They’re just showing up with purpose, staying human, and playing the long game.

Here’s how you actually own your space on LinkedIn and stand out.

Your Profile = Your First Impression

Your profile isn’t a business card—it’s your reputation at scale.

If someone lands on your page and doesn’t instantly understand who you are and why you matter, they’re gone.

? Headline: Skip the job title. This is your hook. Make it clear, compelling, and human.

Example: Instead of “Marketing Director | Speaker | Consultant”, try “Helping businesses simplify their message and grow through clear, compelling marketing”—this tells people what you do and why it matters, and then add a few title items.?

? About Section: If your ‘About’ sounds like a corporate press release, rewrite it. Tell people why you do what you do.

Example: Instead of “Experienced executive with a background in SaaS and business development”, try something that actually connects:? "I believe sales isn’t about pushing products—it’s about solving problems. After 15 years in SaaS, I’ve learned that the best deals come from conversations, not cold pitches. My mission? Helping teams shift from selling to serving."

This works because it tells a story, builds credibility, and reinforces a core belief—without sounding like a résumé.

? Profile Photo & Banner: People connect with faces, not logos. And if your banner isn’t reinforcing your message, you’re wasting space.

Example: Instead of a generic city skyline or a stock image, use a banner that tells people what you stand for—like a clear value statement, a photo of you speaking, or a tagline that reinforces your expertise.

Profiles with strong summaries and high-quality images get 21x more views. Read your LinkedIn summary out loud. If it sounds robotic, fix it. If it doesn’t sound like something you’d say in a real conversation, rewrite it until it does. Make your profile a magnet—not a missed opportunity.

Content That Actually Feels Like You

The fastest way to get ignored? Post content that sounds like everyone else.

The fastest way to get noticed? Post content that sounds like YOU.

What works?

?? Stories that teach a lesson. Not just “here’s what happened,” but “here’s what I learned.”

?? Hot takes that spark conversation. Say what others are afraid to say—but back it up.

?? Behind-the-scenes moments. People don’t just want to see your wins—they want to see your process, failures, and growth.

Bonus Tip: Video is your secret weapon. Forget polished, overproduced nonsense. Grab your phone, hit record, and speak directly to your audience.

LinkedIn video views are up 36% year-over-year, and 75% of U.S. adults spend up to two hours a day watching short-form video. Post something this week that actually sounds like you—not a watered-down, corporate version of you.

Engagement = The Real Differentiator

If you’re just posting and running, you’re missing the point. LinkedIn isn’t a stage—it’s a conversation.

How to engage like a pro:

? Comment on 5-10 posts a day—but actually add value.

? DM people when their content resonates with you. Start real convos.

? Reply to every comment on your posts—because trust is built in the replies.

Stop lurking. Engage on 5 posts today with real, thoughtful comments. Watch what happens.

The Bottom Line: Presence Over Perfection

Owning your space on LinkedIn isn’t about being everywhere, doing everything, or chasing algorithms. It’s about being intentional, consistent, and real.

? Optimize your profile so people get who you are at a glance.

? Post content that makes people stop scrolling.

? Engage like you actually care.

That’s it. Do this consistently, and you won’t just get noticed—you’ll get remembered. Now, what’s one thing you’re shifting in your LinkedIn strategy this week? Drop it in the comments. Let’s talk.

A Quick Favor (If You’ve Got 30 Seconds ??)

I’ve been nominated for a Texas Creator Award—which means our mission of making LinkedIn more real, more human, and more valuable is getting the recognition it deserves.

If you’ve ever found value in what I share, I’d love your support.?

??? Click HERE to vote for me in the LinkedIn Articles and Posts Category.?

Thanks, famiLEE. Let’s keep making LinkedIn the most human place online. ??