Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile to Attract Your Perfect Clients

As a marketing expert, I often help my clients optimize their LinkedIn profiles to ensure they make the best possible impression. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking, personal branding, and showcasing professional wins. Use this guide to maximize your LinkedIn profile and start getting the right people reaching out to connect.

Want to listen to this topic instead of reading it? Download my podcast episode, which is all about optimizing your LinkedIn profile.

“How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile” on Apple Podcasts

“LinkedIn Profile Step by Step” on YouTube

Starting at the Top: The LinkedIn Banner

One of the first areas we focus on is the LinkedIn banner. This is the large image at the top of your profile, which is often underutilized. Many people either leave it blank or use a generic template provided by LinkedIn. However, creating a customized banner using tools like Canva can make a significant impact. Canva even offers templates specifically for LinkedIn banners, making it easy to create a visually appealing and personalized banner.

For your banner, I recommend using your brand colors and a professional photo. If you don’t have professional images, a high-quality photo and some design elements in Canva can work just as well. This space should communicate who you are and what you do at a glance. For example, include your title, services, and a few recommendation quotes, providing a snapshot of your professional brand.

A quick tip: the ideal LinkedIn banner dimensions are 1,584 pixels by 396 pixels. Ensure that key information is on the right side of the banner because your profile picture will cover part of the bottom left corner.

Writing a Compelling Headline

Next, we turn our attention to the headline. Your LinkedIn headline is crucial as it appears in various places on the platform, such as when you comment on posts. The first 10 words should clearly describe who you are and what you do. Avoid simply stating your job title and company name. Use this space to tell a story about your professional identity.

For example, your headline could read: "Fractional CMO leading multi-generational businesses with tiny marketing departments toward a stronger brand voice, better-aligned team, and higher-paying clients." This headline not only states your role but also highlights the value you provide and the types of clients you serve.

Perfecting the About Section

The About section is your chance to connect personally with your audience. I recommend writing in the first person and breaking up the text into short paragraphs to make it more readable. Using bullet points and emojis helps emphasize key points and makes the content visually appealing.

We should structure your About section to address your target client’s needs and challenges before introducing yourself. Describe who they are, what keeps them up at night, and how you can help them. This approach shifts the focus from being purely about you to how you can serve your clients, making it more engaging for potential connections.

Utilizing the Featured Section

The Featured section is a valuable space to highlight your most important posts, articles, recommendations, and links. This section has evolved, allowing for a variety of content types. Include at least three items that showcase your expertise and value.

For instance, include a post promoting a recent project, a recommendation from a client, a link to a video, and a one-sheet about your services. These curated items act as a mini-portfolio, offering visitors a quick insight into your work and achievements.

Keeping the Activity Fresh

The Activity section displays your recent posts and comments. To give the impression that you are active on LinkedIn, regularly engage with content. Commenting on others’ posts and sharing your own updates keep this section up-to-date. Inactive profiles can deter potential connections who might assume you’re not engaged on the platform.

Optimizing the Experience Section

For the Experience section, focus on relevant roles that highlight your professional journey. While it might be tempting to include every job you’ve ever had, prioritize positions that relate to your current career goals. This means focusing on your marketing roles and omitting unrelated jobs.

Leveraging Recommendations and Endorsements

Recommendations and endorsements provide social proof of your skills and expertise. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from clients and colleagues. LinkedIn makes this easy with a feature that allows you to request recommendations directly, and you can follow up with an email. When someone leaves you a recommendation, reciprocate by recommending them as well.

Endorsements can also boost your profile. You can list up to 50 skills, and endorsements from your network can help validate these skills. Regularly update this section to ensure it reflects your current abilities and expertise.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is an ongoing process. Regular updates and tweaks can keep your profile fresh and engaging. Remember, your LinkedIn profile is like a website away from your website; it needs to be treated with the same level of care and attention.

By focusing on these key areas, you can transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for networking and personal branding. Whether you are new to LinkedIn or looking to refresh your profile, these tips can help you make a lasting impression on your connections, future employers, and potential clients.

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