Are you new to LinkedIn or looking to jump start your account?

With an ever-evolving digital landscape, understanding how to use LinkedIn effectively in 2024 is crucial.

In this guide, I will dive deep into how to build a standout LinkedIn profile, that ensures potential employers and prospective clients notice you.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your profile, these tips will help you get the most of LinkedIn.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Standout LinkedIn Profile In 2024

A standout LinkedIn profile can be your ticket to numerous career advancements. Think of Linkedin as your online professional identity, and you want it to represent you in the best light possible.

Here's how to ensure your profile shines:

1. Profile & Cover Photo:

• Your profile photo is the first impression you make on LinkedIn.  Choose a professional, clear, and recent photograph of yourself.  If possible, get a professional photo shoot done. 
• Many local studios offer this service, but if that's not an option, a good quality photo taken with a smartphone will work.  Find a well-lit spot, preferably near a window, and have a friend take a photo of you from the shoulders up.  Dress appropriately for your industry and avoid any distracting accessories or backgrounds.
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2. Editing Your Photos on LinkedIn:

• LinkedIn offers an in-built tool to edit your profile photo. You can crop, zoom, adjust brightness, contrast, and even apply filters.  To edit, click on the 'Edit' icon at the top of the LinkedIn page. While LinkedIn does provide filters, it's best to keep photos conservative to maintain a professional look.

1. Using Frames:

• LinkedIn gives you an option to add frames to your profile picture. These frames can indicate if you're hiring or if you're open to work. However, as of this recording, I'd recommend not using the 'open to work' frame as it might affect perceptions. More on this later.

2. Optimize Your Headline:

• The headline is one of the most critical parts of your LinkedIn profile. It instantly communicates to potential employers or connections who you are and what you bring to the table.  An effective headline will contain industry-specific keywords tailored to your desired position or field.  For instance, rather than just mentioning "Pursue Networking CEO" you could specify "I am refining LinkedIn into an opportunity rich entrepreneirual platform."  Such a headline is richer in mission, sparks curiosity, and gives a clearer picture of my specialization.  A pro-tip: avoid using phrases like "actively seeking" or "open to new opportunities." It's a known fact that many professionals are always on the lookout for new roles, so there's no need to state the obvious. 

3. Background Photo:

• Your background photo is an excellent opportunity to make your profile pop. While LinkedIn provides a default image, it's best to customize it to reflect your profession or personality. You can choose from LinkedIn's image library or use free graphic design tools to craft something unique that showcases your character.  This area is a great way to promote your product or service visually: we are visual creates and images speak thousands of words. Use the space!

4. About Section:

• Right after your headline, the "About" section is the most vital part of your LinkedIn profile. Surprisingly, many overlook this section, which is a missed opportunity. Consider this your opportunity to deliver a professional summary.  You can extends the narrative of your headline and provides a snapshot of who you are, your experiences, and the value you can offer. Here's a suggested structure:

• Opening Hook: Begin with a powerful sentence that encapsulates your passion, motivation, and drive. This should be captivating enough to draw readers in.

• Professional Achievements or Strengths: Follow up with a few paragraphs discussing your significant achievements, strengths, and insights. This can be three to four paragraphs long, with each paragraph containing one to three sentences.

• Expertise Section: This can be at the bottom of your summary and is a great place to insert industry-specific keywords and phrases. Think of this as the "competency" section on your resume. It helps your profile appear in searches.

• Call-To-Action: Let people know what call to action you are looking for.  Do you want them to check out your website? Sign up for a newsletter? Just message you? State what action you are looking them to take. 

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5. When crafting the "About" section, ensure it's easy to read.

• Use bullet points, section headings, and even a few emojis to add some flair.  However, avoid making it too gimmicky or long-winded; the goal is to remain professional.

6. Featured Section:

• LinkedIn provides a "Featured" section where you can showcase your most significant accomplishments, projects, or any other content that you're particularly proud of.  This section can include links, media, posts, and articles. While you can feature multiple items, it's best to limit it to one, two, or three to ensure clarity and focus.  If you've been in the professional world for a decade or more, try to feature some content here. However, if you're just starting out or don't have relevant content yet, it's okay to initially leave this section empty for now. 

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7. Optimizing the Experience Section:

• This section might be further down on your LinkedIn profile, but it's crucial.  While it can resemble your resume, it shouldn't be an exact copy. The "Experience" section on LinkedIn allows you to go into more detail since you aren't constrained by the typical one or two-page limit of a resume.  It's an opportunity to make your descriptions more personal and relatable.  While bullet points can work, consider using paragraphs for a more narrative feel. Each position description can consist of one or two paragraphs with two to three sentences each. 

• Adding & Editing Experience: Your LinkedIn profile allows you to edit or modify any of the experience entries you've added. This flexibility is great for to creatively explain roles or promote products and services.  To edit an entry, simply click on the edit icon next to the position. You can then modify the title, description, or even the duration of your tenure. It's crucial to keep this section updated, as it reflects your current professional status and growth.

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8. Education and Licenses Section:

• This section enables you to showcase your academic achievements and any licenses or certifications you might have. Even if you don't possess a degree, you can still list colleges you attended or your high school education. Moreover, regardless of whether you have a formal degree, it's beneficial to utilize the "Licenses and Certifications" sub-section. It displays your qualifications and your ongoing commitment to professional development. For those who have been out of college for a significant time, say 5-10 years, you can choose to omit your high school education.  When adding educational details, it's essential not only to mention the institution and the degree but also to provide a brief description of your academic journey, highlighting any significant projects, accomplishments, or experiences.

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Top Tips to Get Noticed on LinkedIn in 2024

LinkedIn, as a professional platform, offers a myriad of ways to make your profile stand out.

Here are some general tips to ensure you get noticed:

1. Adding Certifications:

• LinkedIn provides a dedicated section for you to list certifications. To do this, input the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, expiration date (if applicable), credential ID, and any associated URLs. Displaying your certifications can significantly enhance your profile's credibility.

2. Join Relevant Communities:

• Engaging in communities related to your field is a great way to connect with like-minded professionals. Consider joining groups on LinkedIn or even external communities like Facebook groups that cater to your industry or role. Engaging in these groups can enhance your visibility and establish you as an authority in your domain.

3. Volunteer Experience:

• Including volunteer work on your profile isn't mandatory, but it can provide a significant advantage. Employers often value individuals who give back to their communities. If your volunteer experiences relate to your field and involve applying your professional skills, it's even better. To add this, click on the "Add" button in the volunteer section, input the organization's name, your role, the cause (if applicable), and the duration. It's beneficial to include a description, similar to how you would in the experience section.

Advanced LinkedIn Techniques for Maximum Exposure

1. Detailed Skill Listing:

• On LinkedIn, you have the option to list specific skills. Aim to list skills that genuinely reflect your expertise and the roles you're targeting. The more specific, the better. For instance, instead of just "management", you might list "project management" or "team leadership". Remember, the top three skills you list are given prominence, so choose those that you value the most or want endorsements for. To edit your skills, click on the "Edit" icon in the skills section. Adjust the order based on your preference and ensure that your most crucial skills are on top.

2. Giving and Receiving Recommendations & Endorsements:

• Recommendations and endorsement play a pivotal role in reinforcing your professional reputation on LinkedIn.  Start by offering genuine recommendations and endorsements to colleagues, former bosses, or team members.  In many cases, they'll reciprocate.  When requesting a recommendation, provide them with some pointers or topics to touch upon, making it easier for them. For instance, you might ask them to highlight a particular project you collaborated on or specific skills you showcased.
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3. Leveraging Premium Tools:

• LinkedIn offers premium tools like LinkedIn SalesNavigator that can significantly enhance your prospecting and targeting capabilities. SalesNavigator allows for advanced search filters, provides insights into your prospects, and offers extended network access, making it a powerful tool for sales professionals and entrepreneurs.  Also check out our private membership platform. 

4. Content Creation for Organic Growth:

• One of the best ways to grow your network and enhance visibility on LinkedIn is by creating and sharing valuable content. Whether it's industry insights, professional experiences, or thought leadership articles, consistently posting content can establish you as an authority in your field and attract organic followers and connections. Engaging with comments and sharing content from others also boosts your profile's reach and engagement.

Congratulations! You've now equipped yourself with essential tips and advanced techniques to optimize your LinkedIn profile and enhance your online presence.

Remember, LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how well (and consistent) you use it.

Stay active, engage with your network, and continuously refine your profile as your career progresses. The digital world is ever-evolving, and staying ahead means being proactive and adaptable. Now go out there, make those connections, and unlock the full potential of developing your own LinkedIn network!