Personal branding is unavoidable. If someone wants to know more about you, they’ll likely start with a quick Google search. Within seconds, they’ll have an impression of you and your experience.
And here’s the thing: you’re already managing your personal brand, whether you realize it or not.
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Have you commented on a colleague’s post? Did you join Bluesky and write a bio? All of these are pieces of your (personal) brand footprint.
Now, let’s talk more about LinkedIn.
LinkedIn has become a key player for professionals and businesses, with over 1 billion users. Whether you’re hunting for a new role, reaching potential clients, or growing your business, optimizing your LinkedIn profile is no longer optional—it’s essential.
To help you make a good first impression before you even shake (virtual) hands, I’ve outlined the key areas you need to address in a LinkedIn profile audit.
Privacy & Security Settings
- Adjust privacy settings to ensure your profile is visible to the right audience. If you’re “open to work,” ensure recruiters can see it.
- Disable profile updates from being broadcast to your network while making edits.
Custom Profile URL
- Create a clean, professional custom URL in your settings to make your profile easier to find and share.
Profile Picture & Banner
- Use a high-resolution, professional photo (a straight-on shot works best).
- Customize your banner to reflect your brand, business, or industry interests.
- Pro Tip: Use Canva templates and always double-check that any text in your banner image is legible.
Headline
- Write a clear, compelling headline that highlights your role, expertise, and unique value.
- Incorporate relevant keywords to boost your visibility in searches.
About Section
- Craft a strong summary that showcases your skills, achievements, and personality.
- Use industry-specific keywords to make your profile more discoverable.
- If you’re feeling unsure of what to write, try using ChatGPT as a writing partner to find your voice.
Experience
- List your roles chronologically with concise descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements (3–4 bullet points per role work best).
- Add multimedia “featured” items to each entry—like presentations, videos, or articles—to highlight your work.
Interests & Groups
- Join groups that align with your professional interests and follow people, companies, or hashtags that inspire you.
- Pro Tip: Unsure where to start? Check what leaders in your field are following.
Education & Certifications
- Include your degrees, institutions, and relevant certifications or courses to show your commitment to learning.
Skills
- Choose skills that represent your expertise and align with your current goals.
- Rearrange, add, or remove skills as needed to stay relevant.
Recommendations
- Request authentic recommendations from colleagues, clients, or mentors.
- Make sure you’re requesting recommendations that help tell your story.
- Pro Tip: If needed, please ask for tweaks to make sure their message matches your brand.
Accomplishments
- Highlight awards, honors, and publications that reinforce your expertise.
Consistency & Updates
- Regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, skills, or experiences.
- Proofread for typos and make sure it’s consistent across your online presence.
What’s Next?
Once your LinkedIn profile is polished, it’s time to engage with your network:
- Connect with people who align with your professional goals. Use LinkedIn’s search, mutual connections, or groups to find them.
- Share original or curated content that showcases your thought leadership and expertise.
- Engage with your network by liking, commenting on, and sharing posts to stay visible.
Ready to elevate your LinkedIn presence? Check out my LinkedIn profile packages or send me a message. I’m happy to discuss what might work for you and your goals.
