Bling is not better on LinkedIn: Why you should keep your bullet-bling to a minimum. ✓◘ ♫ ■ ♥ ☎ ✍♜ ♝ ♞ ♟⚾

In the cluttered cacophony of Social Media, if you’re looking dominate your niche, some people will use any means necessary to stand out and capture attention.

Since you only have a few seconds to make a first impression, some people use the following bullets in their header or within the body/text of their copy on LinkedIn:

★ ☛ ► ☼ ◊ ♦ ✓◘ ♫ ■ ♥ ☎ ✍ ♛ ♜ ♝ ♞ ♟⚾  and ⚰ (a coffin?! Really?)

Whenever I see these kinds of bullets, I cringe.

I recently informally polled several professionals within my own personal network (including hiring managers, human resources professionals and recruiters), and they all concurred that they found these bullets to be “cheesy”, “cutsie”, and “unprofessional”.

I realize that while many people skim content, using simple bullets (such as ●) can help to simplify long text. Unfortunately, when you use “cute” bullets, you are actually DETRACTING from the quality of your content.

Your professional story should be well written in a way that resonates with the reader. If your content is written properly, it doesn’t need these fancy bells and whistles. You can optimize visuals in other ways – including a background image, and/or adding visuals or videos to the multimedia section. These strategies can enhance your profile (when used properly and it aligns with your brand).

If you are determined, and use any of these icons, please do so sparingly. I suggest using them near your call-to-action (usually located at the end of your profile). I also suggest you refrain from using them in your headline or using them prominently throughout your profile.

While it’s okay to infuse some of your personal brand on the world’s largest professional network, you need to remember that LinkedIn is where people are INVESTING time (not wasting time).

Save the bling and the emojis for Snapchat.

Agree? Disagree? What are your thoughts?

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Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, Professor of Social Media, Corporate Trainer, Principal of PUNCH!media and author of the book “CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT.”

Leslie was called a “Social Media Guru” by CBC Radio and was featured on CTV’s “The Social” discussing how to manage your digital identity. Leslie has been working in digital marketing since 1997, and founded PUNCH!media in 2009.

PUNCH!media clients include Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Investment Planning Counsel, and RBC.

Whether it’s through LinkedIn training or profile optimization, PUNCH!media’s goal is to empower executives with a powerful online presence so they can brand their business properly and convert higher-paying clients.

For free LinkedIn time management tips, visit www.punchmedia.ca