A few simple edits can transform your LinkedIn profile

Too many professionals or organizations set up a LinkedIn account that falls far short of what it could be. A few changes can make a major difference.

To start off, make sure you have a nice, professional-looking photo for a profile pic. So often, you see people on LinkedIn sporting that nondescript default picture – a gray image of Mr. or Ms. Nobody. That’s not much of a first impression. Others may have an actual photo, but it’s not especially businesslike. Of those, some are flat-out low quality; others are glamor shots that are way over the top and unsuitable for a business-oriented platform. 

Pick a profile photo that fits your career path. A person in marketing may have a different photo than someone in construction or manufacturing. The key is to have a photo that allows your intended viewers to see themselves either working with you or having you as part of their team. 

Second, ditch the impersonal URL full of numerals for a customized “vanity” URL. LinkedIn lets you change your page’s address. Go to your profile page and click your profile picture. That should take you to a public profile settings page. In the upper right-hand column is a heading that says “Edit your custom URL.” Just click the little pencil icon and give yourself a better web address.

Third, upload a nice banner photo for your profile page, something that reflects the persona you’re trying to convey. Go to your profile page (you’ll have to do that on your computer -- it won’t work from a mobile device). If you’re logged in, you’ll see the little pencil icon again. Click it and upload a picture. Dimensions of 1,200 pixels wide by 628 pixels tall will be perfect. To find business photos you can use without attribution, go to pixabay.com. There’s a lot to choose from on that site.

Also, on your profile page: Make sure your page’s “headline” contains keywords that you want people to see. If you’re a real estate agent, don’t have a headline like, “A highly motivated professional who wants to serve you.” Use something like this, instead: “A proven real estate professional selling residential homes throughout Jacksonville, FL | PM me to learn more.” Use this as a marketing tool. That’s why it’s there. (Note: If you don’t customize your headline, it simply defaults to your current position.) 

Pay special attention to your LinkedIn summary. Don’t leave it blank. This is a prime opportunity to tell the business world who you are and why you matter. It shouldn’t be a restatement of your résumé. Explain why your skills and experience make you a valuable asset to a company. Make it shine. If you need help, contact Z Corp PR & Digital. We’ll write you a first-rate summary and spruce up your entire profile.

These are just a few things you can do to turn a bland, forgettable LinkedIn profile into one that grabs more attention. A small investment of time can make all the difference.