Did you know it takes less than 9 seconds to WOW someone with your first impression?

Did you know that 70-80% of people are researching – via Google – who you are, why you’re different and if they they can trust you?

LinkedIn is one of the highest-ranked sites when someone Googles your name.

Do people see that your profile is up-to-date? Does the information showcase who you are and how you can help your clients?

firstimpressionLinkedIn

TAKE ACTION NOW TO ENSURE YOUR PROFILE STANDS OUT:

1) Have a professional photograph of yourself.

Don’t crop people out of photos. No pictures featuring dogs, babies, skydiving, weddings or parties.

LinkedIn is a business network, it’s not Facebook.

2) Rewrite your headline to ensure people know RIGHT away what you do.

Don’t simply just include your role at the organization, include your unique value proposition or how your company helps to solve problems.

LinkedInHeadshot

3) Craft a killer summary.

You have 2,000 characters to showcase what makes you….YOU. What are your professional passions? What are your amazing accomplishments? This is the opportunity for you to toot your own horn without sounding like a self-serving jerk 🙂

It’s perfectly acceptable to highlight all your professional “wins” and it’s great social proof when people provide you with testimonials too!

4) NEW! Add a profile cover photo

Launched in June 2014, LinkedIn launched an opportunity for you to stand out even further with a professional cover photo.

Like Facebook, Google and Twitter, you can now include a background image that helps to tell your “story”. You know that a picture says 1,000 words, so help convey your message emotionally through an image.

The image could be tailored to who you are as a person, or better yet, what your organization represents.

LinkedInCoverPhoto

It’s automatically available for premium accounts. People with basic profiles, can get on the waiting list by clicking here.

Don’t have any clue how to create an image for yourself? There are templates and graphic designers are always a wonderful investment. There are also free sites like PicMonkey and Canva that can help you create and re-size images.

And if you REALLY want to kick things up a notch, consider adding multimedia elements to your profile. Presentations, videos, images and more.

Remember: LinkedIn is your business card, your resume and your online Rolodex. Create a killer first impression that will WOW the heck out of your prospective clients and leave your competitors in the dust. 

P.S. If you’re looking for the easiest & fastes way to learn how to create a strong presence, connect with quality people and convert business, click here

 

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About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.