Having a descent looking profile on LinkedIn is not just a thing you should do, 

It is indeed a requirement if you want to maintain your reputation as a professional.

LinkedIn is not a social media platform like any other, it is a place where business people connect to exchange ideas and services.

So your profile is like an online resume that people will look to get a first impression of you. 

For example, if you are in the market for a new job or looking to do business with other people in sales or business development, they are going to check your LinkedIn profile before inviting you in.

So, like any other task you perform as a LinkedIn marketer, creating an excellent profile is necessary for your success.

So before you reach out to any of your prospective clients, make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized to attract positive results.

Here are the tips that you can use to create a profile that shows how professional you are in what you do.

10 Best Tips on How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile.

Now let’s dive into the top best approach you can use when it comes to creating a professional and optimized LinkedIn profile.

Tip #1: Define Your Goals.

Different people use LinkedIn for different reasons; 

Whether it is to find a job, recruit, sell something or you are trying to network with like-minded individuals.

Regardless of the case, you want to make sure that you have a clearly defined goal because it is going to affect all the other things you do later.

For example, if you are looking to sell a service or a product, you want to tailor your profile in such a way that it is custom-made for your ideal customers.

Remember that the prospect needs to trust you and the only way to build that trust is by creating a quality profile with a clear goal in mind.

Tip #2: Have a Clear profile Picture.

Having a selfie or a random picture from a while back on your profile is not going to cut it.

A good LinkedIn profile Picture has to be a professional headshot that is clear and has a nice background.

It’s your face that the potential clients are trying to look at, so keep it clean.

Tip #3: Headline.

The headline is the first line that people see after your profile picture whenever they search for your name.

What you need to write on your header is your role.

Whether it is an account executive, sales rep, intern or you are seeking a job, make it clear what you are so people have an idea of who they are talking to.

This makes it easy for them to find you.

If you want to be nice about it and avoid putting people off, you don’t need to use your current official job title.

For example, if you are in sales and you don’t want to call yourself a salesperson, a nicer name like ‘account executive’ can be your go-to.

If you want to go even further with it, you can say you are in a ‘strategic partnership team’ or ‘business development’

You can always switch it up as long as you are not deceiving people about things you do.

Your header can also describe how you help other people.

For example; your header could go like this, 

‘I help B2B sellers get more meetings and close deals with modern sales training’.

A simple formula for writing a header showing how you bring value is;

I help [x] accomplish [y] by doing [z].

Tip #4: Have at least 500 Connections.

The easiest way to get responses from your prospects is by making sure you have more connections.

The number of connections on LinkedIn doesn’t really matter. 

It only does when it comes to creating a good first impression when people go to your profile.

When you have less than 500 connections, the perception of you might be that you are not fit for them because you are not well connected.

To get to that number, you can start by adding the people within your network.

Like from school, friends, and family or from the extended network that you want to reach out to.

Just make sure you are able to meet the number of connections to reduce the chances that someone doesn’t reply to you.

Tip #5: Your Summary/About.

The details on who you are, what you are about, and how you can bring value to other people are all displayed as a summary in the about section of your profile.

Here you can mention all the companies or businesses you have worked with in the past plus what makes you unique in your field.

Remember; a summary is an extension of the headline so make sure to not contradict yourself.

Tip #6: Create a Custom URL.

At the top of your LinkedIn page you can press the button that says, ‘Edit public Profile & URL’, and you will be able to enter a specific name for your profile.

Editing your profile URL makes it easier for people to click whenever you send them a link to your page.

Otherwise, it is going to be just a bunch of random characters that can be easily ignored.

Tip #7: Experience.

This section literally represents your resume.

The places you’ve worked, the value you brought to the company, and the length of time you were there.

The formula for capturing this section can be as follows;

I help [x] accomplish [y] by doing [z]. 

This always works no matter the kind of experience you have.

Tip #8: Education and Volunteer Experience.

If you are looking for a job, this section is very important to fill out because it determines whether you are qualified for the position or not.

Education qualifications are important especially when reaching out for connections.

You never know if your potential recruiter went to the same school as you.

You never know whatever the random thing that will get you an interview, so it is important to include everything.

Education experience is as important as volunteer experience even if you are still a student or a fresh graduate.

Tip #9: Skills and Endorsements.

This section represents the thumbs-up that you get from other people.

Those endorsements enhance the legitimacy of your skills and the quality of your services.

It might not matter that much but it’s just one way of building credibility and the easiest way to get them is by first endorsing other people.

Tip #10: Recommendations.

This works exactly like endorsements.

So if you give a recommendation to another person, praising them for their skills on the projects you worked with together they will naturally return the favor.

It’s not a must that they do but if you write enough recommendations, you will get enough for your LinkedIn profile.

It doesn’t make that much of a difference but it’s good for your profile to stand out.

That is pretty much what you need to do to optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Whether you want to book a job interview, sell a product or offer a service the above profile tips will definitely get you started in the right direction.