Up Your LinkedIn Game in 2021

Make this the year you take your professional online presence to the next level. An easy place to start is with your LinkedIn profile.

February 10, 2021

First, upload a professional photo. Profiles with a photo get 40 percent more in-mail response. But don’t make it a casual family photo. Think of what you’d have on a business card and choose the photo wisely. Professional headshots are worth the investment and most local photographers offer this service. You will be able to use these images for your business profiles, business cards, signs and more.

Write a descriptive headline that captures the heart of what you do. Then tell your story with a summary of work experience. The summary section on LinkedIn is the place to showcase your achievements and professional goals. Include your location, industry and education background.

Get recommendations for your skillset from people who know the quality of your work. A good recommendation can land you the job you are looking for and helps other professionals determine if you are a right fit for their company.

Share updates, such as current event articles as they pertain to your industry, professional accomplishments and professional development opportunities, often. People who share 2-5 times a day see an increase in profile views and engagement.

Are you taking advantage of LinkedIn groups? Groups are a valuable resource for career networking and professional branding. Unfortunately, most people on LinkedIn don’t take advantage of these valuable, free resources. Virtual networking events can open doors to new opportunities by allowing you to chat with professionals you might not approach in person.

Join a group related to your industry, your specific job and your location. Join a few and get in on the discussions to see what’s happening. Then weed out the ones that are full of spammers, stagnant or just not helpful. Stay with those that create conversation, add value or insight and allow you to share your expertise.

Then take a bold step and jump into the discussion. Once you’re engaged, it’s much easier to approach someone who is in your group, whether as a resource, potential customer or career step. As members of a shared group, you automatically have an “in.”

Now is the time to step your game up and take advantage of LinkedIn. With most meetings and events going virtual or hybrid, this is a great way to help spread your personal brand and business.