As you probably know, when you’re using Social Media you’re either wasting time or investing time.

LinkedIn is the channel where you’re investing time to advance your career or gain opportunities, right?

Smart professionals have spent time focusing on keeping their professional presence up-to-date on the world’s largest network.

To make the most of your online presence (in the shortest time), make sure you have a strong first impression, and share quality updates that provide value to your target audience.

HOW TO MAKE A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION ON LINKEDIN

It’s essential that your LinkedIn presence is optimized so that people immediately see what you do, and how you can help them.

Start with a quality photo

Start with a professional photo that showcases you as a professional who is confident and competent. This means you need to have a clean and close up headshot that features you:

  • Dressed the way you would appear in a business meeting
  • Smiling

Almost everyone carries a smartphone in their pocket. If you cannot afford a professional headshot, simply find a clean background or wall that faces a window so the natural light illuminates your face.

Include a powerful headline

Next, be sure to have a strong headline that highlights what you do, and how you help your target audience. Don’t simply rely on showcasing your current title; it might not mean anything to anyone.

A formula for writing your headline may include:
(Your title) at (Company). Helping (target audience) achieve (objectives).

Remember you only 120 characters maximum to play with.

Shine online with an optimized Summary

Now it’s time to focus on your Summary. Focus on telling people your professional story.

  • Why did you choose this profession?
  • What are your accomplishments?
  • How do you help your target audience?
  • How can they reach you?

Once you have an up-to-date profile, then you’ll want to be sure you’re sharing relevant posts that help to educate your network. Every time you publish relevant information, you’re building trust and thought leadership.

Post quality content

Remember to engage in two-way conversations with people who comment or share your posts. Let them know you appreciate the time they’ve taken to read and engage with your article(s).

You only need to be updating your status a few times a week to stay top-of-mind with your network. More importantly, the quality content and connections you’re making will help to deepen trust and ultimately help you to achieve your objectives.

NEW IN 2019 – I’ve just launched an online training program that will take all the guesswork out of writing and optimizing your LinkedIn profile. You can check it out by visiting https://socialmediaeschool.thinkific.com/courses/write-linkedin-profile or by clicking here.

Posted in LinkedIn Tips

About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years in digital marketing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives elevate their LinkedIn profiles to attract clients and generate leads. Named a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2024, 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. Recognized as an expert in LinkedIn optimization, AI-driven marketing, and digital identity management, her clients include top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel and Franklin Templeton. Ready to elevate your LinkedIn profile and transform your marketing strategy? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca