10 Ways to Level Up Your LinkedIn Profile

1. Customize Your URL

Instead of using your default LinkedIn URL, take a few minutes to personalize it with your name. For example, use firstNameLastName or FirstName_LastName. A customized URL is cleaner and easier for potential connections to find and remember you.

2. Add Relevant Keywords

Take an inventory of the most important skills and experiences you want to convey, such as “Python developer” or “API design.” Weave these keywords naturally throughout your profile summary, experience descriptions, and other sections. This will help recruiters and clients more easily discover you in searches.

A good strategy would be create a word cloud of the job descriptions you want to apply for. Then see the keywords most used in this job descriptions and use them on your profile.

Word cloud reads articles and highlight the most frequent words used.

3. Publish Original Content

Give readers a taste of your thought leadership by writing and sharing blog posts, tutorials, or other articles related to your industry on LinkedIn. Publishing your expertise demonstrates you’re someone to follow and potentially work with. It also increases your visibility on the platform.

If you don’t have any original ideas, share your old interview experiences, learnings from your failures or repost any articles in your field you find interesting.

4. Highlight Soft Skills

In addition to technical abilities, emphasize transferable soft skills employers value like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Interpersonal strengths are just as important as technical when applying for roles.

5. Share Completion of Courses

Upgrade your knowledge and resume buzzwords by taking online courses in areas like Python development through LinkedIn Learning. Completing verified courses shows ongoing education and dedication to your craft.

6. Optimize Your Summary

Craft a impactful profile introduction that summarizes your unique value and niche. Leave the reader with a clear sense of who you are and the distinct capabilities you offer organizations.

7. Display Certifications

Any professional credentials, like programming certifications or data analytics badges from Coursera or Udacity, should have prominent placement. Certifications validate expertise worth highlighting.

8. Request Recommendations

Reach out to past managers, clients, and colleagues you’ve helped to request recommendations. Feedback from others substantially strengthens your online presence and credibility.

9. Tweak Using LinkedIn’s My Profile Eval Tool

Plug your profile into Resume Worded’s profile analyzer (https://resumeworded.com/linkedin-review/) to check if there are any sections scoring low that need optimization. Their recommendations can help you craft a more powerful profile.

10. Choose A Professional Header Image

Instead of the LinkedIn default, replace it with a crisp, eye-catching hero image that complements your intro and brands you as a serious industry player. A good header leaves a great first impression.

The sum of all these recommendations absolutely transformed my LinkedIn presence. My vastly expanded network now freely introduces me to relevant people, companies and opportunities. If you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, it’s time for your own LinkedIn makeover!

By fine-tuning your LinkedIn using these strategies, you raise your find-ability online and strengthen your competitive edge. An optimized profile is your digital resume - so take the time to represent yourself at your very best.