LinkedIn is the world’s leading professional social media network (and for good reason). With over a billion users, it has become the go-to platform for building your career.
About three new members join every second. This platform helps you expand your professional network and position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
LinkedIn is built specifically for your professional life, unlike other social media channels. It’s where opportunities are discovered, connections are formed, and reputations are built.
Whether you’re job hunting, networking, or hiring, a strong LinkedIn presence is essential. It can also open doors you didn’t even know existed. Simply sharing your skills can do this as well.
I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of professionals throughout my career—these range from entry-level employees to seasoned leaders. I help them improve their LinkedIn profiles.
I’ve also worked with students at Duke University. I provided hands-on guidance to help them stand out to recruiters. They impressed hiring managers and captivated potential mentors.
I’ve advised professionals on the key steps to boost their visibility. I have also guided students on how to tell their unique stories.
My advice helps them make a lasting impression.
If you want to take your LinkedIn game to the next level, follow these proven strategies. They will help you turn your profile into one of your most powerful career tools.
10 steps to improve your LinkedIn profile successfully
There are 10 things every working professional should do to improve their LinkedIn profile. These tips can help you find your next job, grow your personal brand, and become a thought leader.
1. Update your profile information
Please make sure you add all of your basic info. Include your full name and job title at your company. Add your location and correct industry. Make sure your company is linked to its page.
There are some essential points to consider when updating your personal information:
- Add a custom background. The image should be at least 1400 x 425 pixels in size and not distracting.
- Include a professional photo. Take the time to get a professional picture taken by a photographer. Alternatively, you can go the casual route (that’s the debate). You should take it on a white background, but it is up to you.
- Your name should ONLY contain your name. Please avoid adding any extra titles, acronyms, or qualifications. Please keep your name clean and concise.
2. Personalize your public profile link
When customizing your LinkedIn profile link, aim to have your full name without anything else.
You can resort to a slight modification if you have a more common name (sorry, John Smith). If you can’t add your full name, consider adding your middle letter.
3. Add important websites
Add important websites (LinkedIn, unfortunately, limits you to three). Make sure you check off “other,” then add the Website title and link so people quickly understand the website title.
Using “Other” rather than “Company Website” or any other choice on the LinkedIn pick list is better.
4. Add or tweak your LinkedIn summary section
Improve your LinkedIn profile Summary section to capture your overall career. Highlight your current role at your company. Explain how you help others and your company’s clients.
This summary section is your elevator pitch in written form.
Remember, LinkedIn is not your resume, so always write in the first person. Consider your summary section as your career summary that communicates your value proposition to others.
5. Make sure you have company logos for each of your positions in your LinkedIn Experience section
Go through your Experience section and make sure you have logos for each of your old positions. Then, please go to “change company” and find the correct company to confirm that the company logo is set up.
If another company acquired your company, first find the acquiring company. Then, link it to that. Afterward, in Edit Display Name, change to XXX (acquired by XXX).
When you have company logos, it makes your profile stand out.
6. Add articles, blog posts, videos, or work samples to your LinkedIn profile
You can “add a link” to your profile under your Summary section and past positions in Experience.
Go to your Summary and add articles or blog posts you have written. You also want to add videos or samples of your career work.
This section lets you link to other websites and offer a portfolio of your work.
7. Update your LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements page
Don’t let your Skills section become outdated or irrelevant. Take a proactive approach by regularly reviewing and updating the skills you want to be recognized for.
Think strategically. Add skills that show your current strengths, align with your career goals, and position you for future opportunities.
For example, skills like “Team Leadership” can signal your capabilities if you’re leading a team. If you’re managing projects, skills like “Strategic Planning” or “Cross-Functional Collaboration” can show your abilities.
That’s why it’s crucial to update your list. A strong Skills section adds credibility to your profile and reinforces your personal brand.
8. Follow companies to keep up-to-date with your ecosystem
At the top of LinkedIn, find the black header. Go to the white search bar. Find some companies you want to follow.
There are four main categories of companies that you should follow:
- analysts
- partners
- competitors
- clients
Tracking these companies will keep your LinkedIn stream filled with engaging content. This ensures you stay updated with companies that are essential to your professional life.
9. Give and request LinkedIn recommendations to build credibility
One of LinkedIn’s most powerful but underused features is the Recommendations section. Writing genuine, thoughtful recommendations for colleagues, clients, or mentors is a great way to strengthen your relationships and show appreciation.
Not only does this build goodwill, but it often leads to people returning the favor with a recommendation for you.
Here’s an excellent template to help you write a fantastic LinkedIn recommendation.
Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations, especially from people who can speak to your skills, work ethic, or leadership.
A strong LinkedIn profile isn’t just about what you say about yourself; it’s also about what others say about you. These testimonials add a layer of social proof that resumes and bullet points can’t match.
Aim to collect a few standout recommendations that show your impact across different roles or projects.
When joined with a healthy network of meaningful connections, this can significantly boost your credibility. It helps you stand out whether you’re job hunting, attracting clients, or building your personal brand.
10. Update your LinkedIn status at least once a week
One of the pillars of social media success is how many people view your profile and share content consistently. Be sure to update your LinkedIn status daily.
Share at least one piece of content a week.
Share with your network something that provides value and interests you and others. You want to put a reminder on your calendar to share an article.
You should also think about publishing through LinkedIn.
Bringing it all together
You can dramatically improve your LinkedIn profile with 10 easy actions today. None of them requires hours of work. These simple updates can help you stand out. They can also help you grow your career.
Additionally, they elevate your personal brand in a competitive job market.
LinkedIn is more than just an online resume; it’s your digital reputation.
It’s where recruiters look, clients check, and colleagues connect. A polished, up-to-date profile shows that you’re intentional about your career and serious about your professional growth.
When you improve your LinkedIn presence and share valuable content, you do more than just get noticed.
You position yourself as a thought leader in your field. This makes it easier for your network to remember you. They can refer you and reach out with new opportunities.
It’s not about vanity. It’s about visibility.
Ready to use your profile to your advantage? These 10 tips will help you build credibility, attract attention, and unlock new doors.
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