How to Optimise your LinkedIn Profile

As I share my LinkedIn profile optimisation tips with you in this article, please keep in mind this piece of advice: always write for your ideal client.

Way too many people make it all about themselves. Of course, LinkedIn as a platform directs you this way by asking you to share your thoughts, bio and work history. But the general principle to hold in mind is that nobody really cares about you unless it chimes with their own experience.

So consider each and every part of your profile from the vantage point of your ideal client.

Your LinkedIn header is the first portion of your profile that people see. Not only is it at the top when they view your profile, it also appears (in part) when people hover over your picture in the timeline. Let's break it down:

In terms of pure real estate, the banner claims the biggest space in your LinkedIn profile header. Therefore, it makes sense to give this due attention. Ensure that your LinkedIn banner includes:

• Your branding/logo - doesn't need to be fancy, but does help to establish your authority quickly
• The primary "thing" you do - it could be your course, your core service or something else relevant to you
• Some call to action - visit your website, book a call etc

As a rule of thumb try not to cram too much in and show only the most important information that people need to know what you're about. If you're not a designer, pay a designer to create your banner. It's worth it.

I am going to state the obvious and say that your LinkedIn profile picture should be an actual, up to date picture of you. Not a cartoon character or your favourite musician. To optimise your profile and prompt the best response from visitors, consider the following:

• Look directly at the camera - eye contact creates connection
• Smile!
• Get a professional headshot, if possible

Should you include the "open to work" banner on your LinkedIn picture? I personally choose not to do this. I help my clients build a "fully booked" business where availability is scarce. Being "open to work" can signal that you're waiting around for business, which is not the impression that I personally want to create for myself or my clients.

The headline is the one-liner that sits underneath your picture. This is your opportunity to quickly let people know what you do and who/how you help. Here are a few headline tips:

• Don't cram everything in - keep it simple
• Use emojis if you like - they can add impact, but don't overdo it
• Don't try to find the "perfect" headline - embrace iteration and change it as frequently as needed

Consider this additional question: what do you want to be KNOWN for? Some of the most successful creators on LinkedIn are known for offering something very specific to their audience. Dial into your core offering and lay it out here.

You can now place a single link in the header of your LinkedIn profile. As this is still a relatively new feature on the platform, you'll note that many users have yet to do it. But they're missing out!

Let's get into the head of your ideal client for a moment. They've glanced at your banner, read your headline and looked into your eyes: what's the next step you would like them to take?

Your link could point to your portfolio, your newsletter or a calendar booking link. You don't have to put a link on your profile, but it helps to get people away from the LinkedIn platform and into your own ecosystem in some way. This is a key component in building your business without reliance on any single platform.

Many people mistakenly use this space to talk all about themselves. And they often do in some weirdly formal third person voice.

Matthew studied design at university where he gained a 2:1 before embarking on his first role at an office supplies company and... 🥱

Here's my rule of thumb for how to write a LinkedIn bio that actually resonates with your ideal customer:

• Talk about yourself sparingly, in ideally just the first line
• Use the rest to press on your client's pain points and aspirations
• Demonstrate authority by sharing a client result
• Show empathy by sharing an anecdote or client story
• Finish on a call to action

Keep in mind too, that LinkedIn uses the content here (and elsewhere) in its search algorithm, so be sure to pepper in a few keywords and phrases that you'd like to be found for in search results. But as always, write for people, not algorithms. 

To me, the LinkedIn work experience section feels like a hangover from its previous life as an online resume site. Don't get me wrong, this section still has value if you're applying for jobs through the platform, but for freelancers and business owners it doesn't offer much insight.

Yes, it shows people what you've been up to, but remember our golden rule: your LinkedIn profile should be focused on your ideal client, not you.

Use this section to demonstrate how you've created value for others. Don't simply reel off your roles and responsibilities - link your skills and achievements directly to how you currently help your clients. This will create a much stronger impression and optimise your profile for search results.

And if your work experience is no longer relevant, delete it. I worked at McDonalds in 2001 but you won't find it on my LinkedIn CV.

I'm no LinkedIn guru but the platform has worked well for me over the past 18 months. Here are my key takeaways that you can use to leverage your profile and start building your business on LinkedIn:

• Do cold outreach - magic happens in conversation, and when you speak with people in the DMs they're more likely to see your posts in their feed (that's the algorithm at work again)
• Follow influencers, companies and groups in your niche. This tells the LinkedIn algo what you're all about
• Develop a daily practice of commenting, liking and sharing content on the platform so you create consistency in your business. If you want to know how to generate leads on LinkedIn, this is the way to go.
• Don't focus on or complain about what others are doing too much. Trends come and go, but your mission remains the same.
• Get out of your comfort zone and create varying types of content such as videos, slides and polls. The more you engage with the platform, the quicker you will figure out what works for you.

So these are my LinkedIn profile optimisation tips! If you put all this into practice, you will see more results from the platform without a tonne of extra effort. And if you're looking to take your freelancing to the next level, check out my course The Freelance Business Builder.