12 tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile For Success

If you want to be a hugely successful digital somebody, you NEED a strong LinkedIn profile. And that doesn't mean lots of connections and "likes". Whilst it gives the ego a boost, we all know those are just vanity metrics.

To make it easier or you, I've pulled together 12 easy to follow tips to help yourself stand out. Read them, follow them, and apply them every day to your LinkedIn activity and I guarantee you'll reap the rewards.

1. Fill in every section - and be thorough! 

Firstly, you need to fill in every section of your profile. Goes without saying really, that having large gaping holes in your digital CV (aka LinkedIn) leaves chunks of information out for those who may be interested in, professionally, learning a little more about you.

At a minimum, your profile should include:

* Your industry and location

* Current occupation

* Past two positions

* Your education

* At least three skills

2. Don't settle for the URL you're given, define your own!

The automated URL for your initial LinkedIn profile will be a culmination of random letters.

But it doesn't have to be! Your name is probably the best bet. Or as close to it as you can get.

TOP SEO TIP: It'll also help hugely with Search engine rankings should someone Google your name (eek!).

3. Include a professional profile picture. No smarmy selfies or group night out shots!

Rumour has it that just having a profile picture means someone is 14 times more likely to click on your profile.

Whilst we don't all have the benefit of an in-house photography team (Thanks Pic PR!), we all most likely know someone with portrait mode on an iPhone (other phones are available... I think). So smarten yourself up, find a brightly lit area and strike a (sensible) pose.

Smiley, happy pictures are encouraged, however. We want to appear as approachable as possible!

4. Get others to shout about how amazing you are at what you do

Written Recommendations are, effectively, a pre-populated reviews for prospective employers and potential clients. Whether you're searching for a new role or attracting prospective clients, hearing other people say how awesome you are is way more effective than reading about how good you think you may be.

Embrace that and encourage anyone you've met within a professional capacity to review you via LinkedIn.

5. Include your skills... and get endorsements

And if you can't get people to act on the point above, at least ensure they boost your skills a little.

Defining the skills you're good at and getting people to '+1' them is a quick-fire way of letting others know your skillset. Use it to your advantage where you can.

And if you're struggling to get people to endorse you, endorse them first! Likelihood is they'll return the favour. ;)

6. SEO yourself!

SEO is the bread and butter of getting found on the internet. And Google is super-savvy to all the old back hat tactics in days of old.

Now, the main focus is RELEVANCY.

So, do this exercise and apply it to your profile and watch the rankings soar:

1. Make a list of 10 - 12 words that are relevant to your industry and you think people would use to find your profile. E.g. Finance Manager, Financial Advise, SAGE expert, Marketing category manager... whatever they may be.

2. Work through your profile and add them within the copy; your headline, your summary, experience, etc...

Congratulations - you've just create a keyword list and optimised your profile for others to easily find you.

7. Include projects and links

Starred in a YouTube explainer video recently? Got some excellent PR coverage that you want to shout about? Written a wonderfully compelling article?

Here is the place to do it!

Share any article links to external sources here and boost your presence in no time by showing your industry expertise to others.

10. Join groups... and contribute!

Not only do you have to join a group, you actually have to provide regular, valuable insights and commentary within it too. A bit like joining a gym, people seem to think you can just become a member and you automatically are improving yourself by just being there.

No... it doesn't work like that I'm afraid.

However, providing regular contributions to industry-relevant groups will help you stand out amongst your peers, achieving that all-important "thought-leadership" status.

And (top tip...) it's great for the old algorithm too. With results showing that those actively contributing are infinitely more likely to get shown within LinkedIn search results too.

Double incentive!

11. Build your profile, then build your network

Once you've nailed your profile and are happy with how others will see it (first impressions count, right?), now's the time to get connecting!

If reaching out, just ensure you personalise your message, rather than sticking with the lame one LinkedIn suggests (sorry LinkedIn!).

12. Display your awards and certifications

Bragging is only that if you don't have the evidence to back it up, right? That's what awards are for!

The ‘showcase section’ allows you to display your industry awards, achievements or certifications that you hold. Add any accolade you wouldn't be ashamed to share with your grandma and let your trophies do the talking.

And that's all, folks!