LinkedIn allows very limited formatting such as using CAPS for things you want to stand out and special keyboard symbols.
Create your profile in a word document and then copy and paste it into your LinkedIn Profile. Add symbols for things you want to stand out such as <│ ▌► ◄ ♦ • ★☆>.
Once you have your profile uploaded into LinkedIn, be sure to view it and make sure it looks the way you want and has no errors in it.
When you are making more than one or two changes to your profile, you do not want to notify your network of every change you make. The setting is located on the right side of the page.
Keep it simple, clutter free & professional. Don't add acronyms or credentials to it. Always use your personal name, not your company name.
Use a simple headshot, preferably of professional quality with a plain white background. Do not use a logo, full body shot or a picture of you with anyone else. Make sure that you look professional, are looking at the camera and are smiling.
You have 120 characters so be sure to use your keywords (make sure you choose compelling words). Talk about the value you bring to your clients. This is the most important field in your profile.
Add a custom background to help your profile standout. The image should represent you and be 1400 X 425 pixels in size.
LinkedIn will let you put up to three websites in your profile. Do not use their generic labels such as “My Company” or “My Blog.” Always click “Other” and change the words to describe what you offer. You can have multiple links that go to specific pages on the same website.
Be sure to add your Twitter handle to your page. This will allow people to connect with you on Twitter also.
You can change the URL for your LinkedIn Profile to what is called a Vanity URL. If possible choose your name before someone else uses it. If your name is not available, try utilizing a middle initial or another designation after it.
You have a total of 2,000 characters in this section. Share who you are, what you do, who should connect with you and how you can help them. Be interesting, show a little of your personality and always end with a call to action. Tell them what to do next. It is important that this is written in first person and is NOT a boring bio.
This is another great place to use your keywords, both in the title you hold at the company as well as in the description of what you do. The title is a very important section for search optimization (how people will find you on LinkedIn). Include the keywords and phrases you think others would be searching for when looking for someone who provides what it is you offer. You have 100 characters in the title and 2,000 in the description. Only list years do not include months. The more you have in here, the more connection opportunities you will create for yourself.
For every position include the following:
Include information about your past experience. Include all relevant experience that you have had since college (4-5 positions is enough). Only list years do not include months. You don’t have to fill out as many details as your current experience but be sure to at least have a paragraph description for each one. Include the keywords and phrases you think others would be searching for when looking for someone who provides what it is you offer. You have 100 characters in the title and 2,000 in the description.
You add the Volunteer Experience section to your profile by clicking on the "Add volunteering experience" box in your profile. You can so the same thing to fill out a list of Causes you care about.
Click the Education box to list all of your education including: college, business and/or professional training and technical training. Highlight all accomplishments, awards, special projects and credentials that will enhance your credibility by adding the Honors & Awards section.
In this section, discuss things that you enjoy. This is the place where you can show your human side. You can include both personal and professional interests. You have 1,000 characters.
You can add the Organizations box, which can include industry, professional, social and non-profit organizations. Include the full spelling of each and separate them with a comma.
Use LinkedIn’s multimedia feature to add video to your profile. You can add videos below your summary section as well as below each position in your experience section. Having a video in your profile can really separate you from your competitors. Your video can be a welcome video, a video talking about what you offer or a video testimonial.
In addition to adding video, you can also add images, documents and presentations. If you have a Slideshare presentation, you can add it (along with videos) below your summary section as well as below each position in your experience section.
Click on the "Add skills" box to begin adding your skills. Here you can add a list of your skills. Have keywords in mind here and list the skills you have that people may be searching for. Keep in mind that these are the skills people will be endorsing you for so select skills you want to be known and endorsed for.
In this section you can discuss who you want to connect with, how they can connect with you and anything else you want to share. Include all of the contact information that you are comfortable sharing.
It is important that you get some recommendations on your LinkedIn Profile. Simply ask people that you know for a recommendation. Getting recommendations from your clients is always best.
When asking someone for a LinkedIn recommendation, DO NOT use the default message. Instead, customize both the subject line and the message. Make it easy for the person you are requesting a recommendation from by providing a sample.
Try to get at least 5-10 recommendations on your profile.
Note: one of the best ways to get recommendations is to give them!
You can join a total of 50 groups. Take advantage of that and find 50 groups that you can join. Look for groups that are in your geographically area, your industry, and groups where your ideal clients may be. You may also want to join groups on subjects that you want to learn more about. For example if you want to learn more about Social Media Marketing, join my LinkedIn group to get regular tips, strategies and updates on social media. You can find it here: http://SMMLinkedInGroup.com
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