Four tips to revitalise your Linkedin potential
You don't often hear people complaining that their Linkedin profile reaches too many people do you?! Or that business is growing too quickly and easily... But wouldn’t both be lovely problems to have?
If you’re reading our blog (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?!), you may already be aware that Linkedin recently reported 722 million users on their platform.
Linkedin is a platform for professionals looking to keep their finger on their industry's pulse. You can use it to advertise jobs, read articles related to your industry and your values, and stay connected with staff and peers. You can find resources and courses relevant to your field, or contribute to an ever-expanding index of articles educating people about elements of your work they may not have even considered. For a lot of people, it has been the key way to reach out professionally during the pandemic.
If you work in professional services, your relationship with your client is paramount. As such, it’s probably best to focus on personal pages over company pages. This way, clients are drawn to individuals within the business.
So, we’ve put together a quick guide to building a successful Linkedin profile in four easy steps, to maximise your client-reaching potential online. Use the checklist to run through your profile and see how you're stacking up. With a few small but significant updates, you can turn your profile into a valuable patch of real estate for your professional service.
What’s in a headline?
Regardless of what industry we’re in, we all know how hard it can be to find the right person for the job. Why would you make that even more difficult for your clients with a bland and nondescript headline that gives the Linkedin population little insight to your professional interests and specialties?
On Linkedin, your headline is displayed alongside your name and display picture. As such, your headline should provide a neat overview of who you are and what you do. That doesn’t mean you should slap your job title there with no further information.
Prospective clients are looking for a punchy headline that describes what you can do for them. Something like ‘Experienced financial adviser looking to help divorcees manage their money’ will ensure you are connecting with clients looking for your exact area of expertise, whilst also assuring a prospective client of your willingness to help.
You want to attract clients that are looking for the kind of help you are uniquely placed to provide, and your headline is the perfect opportunity to describe the service you can offer.
Utilise your network
Everyone loves a good success story. More specifically, if they are browsing for professional services on Linkedin, they are looking for your success stories. They want to know how you’ve helped people like them, and how previous success can translate into a positive result for them.
No need to overdo it here. An example or two of happy customers and how you helped them will do. If you’re comfortable, ask them for an endorsement. Nothing is going to make you more appealing to a future client than the shining review of a happy customer.
In the absence of this, ask your colleagues to endorse you. Are you the MS Office whiz in the office? Or maybe you’re the ultimate project planner. Utilise your network to vouch for your skills, and clients can see you are well-respected by peers, and have the necessary skills to provide an outstanding service.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Do you have a blank header image? Congratulations, your Linkedin profile is boring! Humans may only remember 20% of what they read, but they remember 80% of what they see. Your Linkedin header image is a visual communication tool that is likely untapped.
Your header image is a fantastic way to highlight certain elements of your business or professional identity. The required specifications for a fully optimised header image (according to Linkedin) are:
- JPG, PNG, or GIF file
- 1584 (W) x 396 (H) pixels
- Under 8MB
Keep this in mind to make sure your header image isn’t blurry or stretched when you add it to your profile. You do need an image, but you want to make sure it looks clear, instead of hastily added and unprofessional.
Are you introducing a new product or service? Chuck it in your header image to attract attention to it! Do you have a success story you want to brag about that you can represent visually? Do you proudly support a local cause? You know the drill.
The opportunities really are endless. Think about what elements of your professional identity you want to let prospective clients know about. What will make them come to you over a competitor? Probably not a blank Linkedin header image, that’s for sure.
But who are you really?
Don’t forget - your Linkedin profile is a way to show who you are in the professional world. Inject some of your personality into your profile. If you volunteer at your local footy club - let people know that! You never know, you might have a footy-mad potential client hanging around the corner who is looking for that kind of community spirit in their newly contracted professional.
All in all, there’s no right or wrong way to use Linkedin. Well, okay, there might be some wrong ways. Making sure your profile is relevant to your current work profile isn’t one of them.
Ensure potential clients aren’t glossing over you in their search for a new professional by having a bright, shiny, and up-to-date Linkedin profile that shows exactly who you are and what you can offer.
Use this quick checklist to give your profile a makeover and start putting your best foot forward
Tip #1 Don't bury the lead
You know the drill. Communicate your point clearly and concisely right up front.
Tip #2 It's all about your "about"
Never got around to writing anything of interest in your "about" section? It's time.
Tip #3 Look good
Your profile that is; Both your profile image and cover image should be clear, sharp images. They should align with your service and industry, while still showcasing something about your personality.
Tip #4 Show me the benefits
Don't tell me you sell shoe polish. Tell me you'll make my shoes last 3 times longer.
Tip #5 Be human
Don't tell me you're a results-focused professional. Tell me stories and use natural language.
Tip #6 Use your recommendations effectively
You are biased. Other people saying you are good is more convincing than you saying it.
Tip #7 Tales of the unexpected
Are you the dullest person in the world? Didn't think so...
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