A Guide to LinkedIn Profile Optimization - Workology

A Guide to LinkedIn Profile Optimization - Workology A Guide to LinkedIn Profile Optimization by: Sophia L. Mendrez LinkedIn is a professional network with over 150 million members and it is still growing and opportunities within this professional social network are limitless. That is why members take time to put up a good-looking profile, business man or job hunters alike. An optimized or a well put together profile attracts visitors. It lets them know of your past and present successes, it reflects your credibility and authority. Think about a well-groomed person, doesnt he leave a good impression on others? Think of your profile as your professional online self. An optimized LinkedIn profile maximizes your visibility within this professional network. Here are some tips to get you started on LinkedIn profile optimization. 1.) Complete your LinkedIn Profile If you search for other tips for LinkedIn profile optimization, this always appear on the list. Aim 100% completeness for your profile (or less if by choice). Do not forget to fill in your professional headline, which is the description you find next to your name. It will describe your specialty and what you do and will be attached to you wherever you go. It will show up in comments, e-mails, and many more. 2.) Change your LinkedIn profile URL into your own name LinkedIn allows you to edit your profile URL, or some may call the vanity URL. Changing your profile URL to your name will help you get found easier and rank better in search engines. It is unavoidable that some of us may have similar names with others so my suggestion is you add an initial, company, state, abbreviation, etc but still dont forget to use your full name. 4.) Add Recommendations to your LinkedIn profile The power of recommendations on LinkedIn has already been tested and proven by many. Recommendations are one of the keys to make a LinkedIn profile stand out among others. It maximizes the visibility of your LinkedIn profile in searches. Do not forget and always remember to only ask for recommendation from someone you know, especially someone you have worked with or done business with. Asking for recommendations from a stranger is not a good move. You might leave a bad impression on the other members of the professional network. Remember that these recommendations will enhance your trustworthiness and credibility not only online but offline as well. 5.) Join LinkedIn groups, interact and make connections Do you have a mailing list of friends, colleagues, business partners? Then add them or invite them to use LinkedIn and add you in their network. LinkedIn makes it possible to add people you know and have worked with in the past or present. Join relevant groups and do not forget to interact, engage in conversations with members. Doing this, you will be able to increase the visibility and reach of not only your profile, but your business or company if you have one, among the other LinkedIn members. It can also give more exposure to your LinkedIn profile in the community. 5.) Create an Interesting Profile Summary- Profile summary is located just above experience in a profile. This summary can be taken from your about page taken from your company website, if you have any, or from somewhere else. Make sure that your profile summary is compelling and easy to read, enhances your trust and credibility. A good profile summary can lead to new business opportunities, profitable partnerships, new jobs, and so much more! These are only some ways on how you can improve and optimize your LinkedIn. There are so more other ways on how to create a compelling profile that attracts not only prospects but search engines as well. And if you are interested in more tips on LinkedIn profile optimization and other ways to improve your LinkedIn profile, check out the Linked Strategies blog at http://www.linkedstrategies.com/blog/