LinkedIn Profile Dos and Don'ts
When you first start using LinkedIn, it can be hard to know where to begin. We recommend your profile. Here's a list of dos and don'ts to help you set it up right.
The dos
Complete your profile
A complete profile is essential for establishing credibility on LinkedIn. Make sure you've filled out all the necessary sections, including your headline, summary, experience, and skills. A complete profile also helps you appear in search results, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
Use a professional profile picture
Your profile picture is the first thing people see when they visit your profile, so make it count. Use a high-quality, professional photo that presents you in the best light. Avoid using low-resolution or poorly lit photos, as they can give the wrong impression.
Write a compelling headline
Your headline should clearly state your profession, industry, or area of expertise. This helps potential clients quickly understand what you do and how you can help them. Keep your headline concise and focused on the benefits you bring to your clients.
Showcase your expertise
Use your summary and experience sections to showcase your skills and expertise. Share your achievements, certifications, and any relevant education or training. This helps establish your credibility and builds trust with potential clients.
Engage with others
LinkedIn is a social platform, so engage with others by commenting on their posts, sharing relevant content, and participating in groups related to your industry. This helps you build relationships and stay top of mind with potential clients.
The Don'ts
Don't leave your profile incomplete
An incomplete profile can give the impression that you're not serious about your business or that you're not invested in your online presence. Make sure you've filled out all the necessary sections and that your profile is up-to-date.
Don't use a low-quality profile picture
A low-quality profile picture can give the wrong impression and turn people away. Avoid using photos that are poorly lit, low-resolution, or unprofessional.
Don't overuse jargon and technical terms
While it's important to showcase your expertise, avoid using jargon and technical terms that might confuse potential clients. Use language that's easy to understand and focuses on the benefits you bring to your clients.
Don't be too salesy
Your LinkedIn profile should focus on building relationships and establishing credibility, not making hard sales pitches. Avoid using language that's too promotional or salesy, as it can turn people away.
Don't ignore comments and messages
Respond to comments and messages promptly to show that you value people's time and input. Ignoring comments and messages can give the impression that you're not interested in building relationships or providing customer service.
By following these dos and don'ts, you can create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your expertise, builds relationships, and drives sales for your business. Remember to keep your profile up-to-date, engage with others, and focus on providing value to your potential clients.
About the Author
Charli is a co-founder and marketing director of thelime.one and a regular contributor to LinkedIn.
The author worked with AI assistance on this article. (We're a startup and we need to get our stuff out there!) We're working our way through the most popular pieces and rewriting fully with our human team.