How to Create an All-Star LinkedIn Profile [INFOGRAPHIC]

Having a LinkedIn profile is no longer enough, especially if no one is seeing it. Or worse, people are seeing your profile but it does a poor job of representing you and what you do.

Your LinkedIn profile is an essential part of your personal brand and having a great one is a MUST if you plan to do any form of LinkedIn marketing.

According to LinkedIn, your profile may already show up with All-Star status. Sadly, that means nothing at all. It could simple mean you’ve added the various sections into your profile, perhaps with little to nothing in those sections, yet it still shows all-star status giving you a false sense of your professional presence.

To me an all-star profile means that you…

• Are easily found when someone searches for what you do and
• Your profile intrigues people, makes them want to connect and learn more about you

In this article, I am going to show you exactly how to have true all-star status with a comprehensive step-by-step LinkedIn profile infographic so you can visually make sense of what it takes to truly have an all-star profile.

In following the steps laid out in this article and infographic, you will be able to create a professional, search-optimized LinkedIn profile, while also turning your profile into a lead generation magnet.

In fact, doing this is so vital that I recommend that you don’t start actively using LinkedIn as a lead generation tool until you have done this.

Google Search Results

What is the first thing a prospective client will do when they want to know more about you?

They will Google your name.

Did you know that your LinkedIn profile will show up very high in the search results (often in the top spot) and usually before your website?

Personal branding has become a hot topic and at the end of the day your personal brand is what shows up on Google and on your social media sites.

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You only get one chance to make a great first impression with a professional looking LinkedIn…
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Remember, LinkedIn is not Twitter or Facebook and the impression you give must be a professional one. It must speak to what you do and your credibility.

LinkedIn Marketing: Attract Your Ideal Clients with Your LinkedIn Profile

When re-writing your LinkedIn profile, it’s essential that you know who your ideal clients are so that you can create a client-focused profile.

A big misconception people have when writing their LinkedIn profile is that it should be all about them, like a resume or professional CV. When in fact, your profile should speak directly to your ideal clients. People are much more interested in what you can do for them, than they are about you. Remember they are thinking: WIIFM (what’s in it for me).

Make sure that within your profile you identify exactly who your ideal clients are, as well as the specific problems/challenges they face and how you can solve them.

Choosing Keywords for Your LinkedIn Profile

If you want to get found on LinkedIn when people searching for what you offer (rather than searching for you in particular), then you need to think about the keywords they may use in their search on LinkedIn.

On LinkedIn people tend to look for people, rather than things or information like they would on Google. For example, on Google someone may search for “How to write a great LinkedIn profile” or “LinkedIn marketing ideas” whereas on LinkedIn they may search for a “LinkedIn expert” or “LinkedIn profile writer” or “LinkedIn marketing consultant”.

So, when you are adding keywords throughout your profile think specifically about the words and keyword phrases your ideal clients would be using on LinkedIn vs on Google.

How to Create an All-Star LinkedIn Profile [Infographic]

Feel free to share this LinkedIn profile infographic anywhere on the web as long as you reference the source and hyperlink it back to this blog post.

Below this infographic you will find more specific details on how to write a great LinkedIn profile. Be sure to read to the end if you are committed to build a powerful personal brand and LinkedIn presence.

This infographic was made with the graphic design software Venngage.

Now that you’ve gone through this complete LinkedIn marketing infographic, let me expand on some of the most important sections within your profile to ensure you understand exactly what is needed to have a professional presence that attracts your target audience.

Your LinkedIn Headline

Your headline is the MOST important part of your LinkedIn profile. You have 120 characters to make your ideal prospects and clients want to learn more about you.

Using one or two keywords, create a headline that will generate interest and encourage your connections to want to click on your profile to learn more about you.

It is not enough to show up in the search results as many other profiles will be also be listed.

You must also stand out and capture the attention of your ideal clients. This would include having a compelling statement to capture your readers’ attention and intrigue them enough to want to click on your profile and learn more about you.

Profile Photo

The first and most important thing you need to remember is that first impressions are everything, especially online. Personal branding starts with a professional headshot, you have only seconds to make a positive impression.

You need to ensure that your profile image will convey the impression that you want to make.

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LinkedIn profiles with a professional headshot get 14 times more profile views than those that…
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Here are some pointers for a better profile image:

• Look straight ahead at the camera
• Smile, show some teeth
• Have a clean, plain background
• Dress appropriately for your profession and audience
• Your picture should include only you

How to Write a Great LinkedIn Summary Section

Like your headline, you want the first two sentences of your Summary section to catch attention and make your ideal clients curious to learn more about you and click See more to read your entire summary section.

Keep these key concepts in mind while writing your summary section:

• client-focused – make sure you speak directly to your target audience and their specific problems
• write in first person, always write as if you are speaking directly to one person – because you are
• add keywords you want to be found for
• include rich media such as videos, PDF’s or SlideShare presentations

Here is my three-part formula that I use when writing a compelling and client-focused summary section for one of my clients.

1. Credibility section
2. Ideal clients—Problem—Solution
3. Call to action

In the first couple paragraphs share a little bit about: who you are, your story, why you do what you do, and your background. This is also an important place to also highlight your credibility.

Next, identify your ideal clients. Be specific about the types of clients you work with and then speak directly to them and their problems/challenges as well as the solutions you offer.

Finally, have a clear call to action—tell your viewers (leads, prospects) exactly what you want them to do next. Do you want them to call you or perhaps email you? Tell them exactly what they should do next.

Your Current Experience

An effective formula I’ve developed for writing your current work experience is similar to that of your summary, with a few key differences.

1. Credibility section
2. List your service/products
3. List of the type of clients you work with/help
4. Call to action

First, begin with a couple paragraphs that highlight your company and anything that positions showcases your businesses credibility in your industry.

Share the most compelling information about your company here. You can also provide information that highlights the benefits clients receive in working with you.

Next list all of the services you provide. This is another good spot for keyword optimization.

If you have well-known clients or brands you’ve worked with include a list of them, otherwise list the types of clients you work with.

For example, I might say, “I work with companies that want their employees to be seen as “Trusted Advisors” such as accounting firms, financial services companies (i.e. banks, insurance, financial advisors, leasing companies, mortgage companies), legal firms, media and advertising companies, B2B sales, event planning companies and SaaS companies.”

Lastly, in your current work experience description, include a call to action.

Past Experience

Your LinkedIn profile should include at least a few of your past positions, to give it a more complete look.

Your past experience section does not require detailed descriptions however to make your profile look complete and professional include at least one paragraph describing what you did and any accomplishments during that time.

Other Key LinkedIn Profile Sections to Complete

There are a number of other vital areas in your LinkedIn profile that you should update in order to ensure that your profile:

• looks professional and complete
• is keyword optimized
• further establishes your credibility and authority
• helps your ideal clients to know, like and trust you

Skills & Endorsements

While the Skills section does not have the same weight and credibility as the Recommendations section, it will increase your level of social proof and improve your search ranking.

Did you know that members that have listed their Skills on their profile receive up to 17 times more profiles views than those who don’t? In addition, it certainly enhances your social proof when you receive a number of endorsements for your skills.

Recommendations

Recommendations are a vital part of establishing trust and building your authority and credibility on your profile. This is the most important form of social proof on LinkedIn.

Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from people you have worked with and can speak to your expertise and results. Be sure to personalize your request and provide ideas of what you would like them to write about.

Education

Include all of your post-secondary education within the Education section to have a fully completed profile. If you did not attend college or university then it is fine to skip this section.

Accomplishments

While there are a number of different sections located under Accomplishments, these three can be very helpful in establishing further credibility.

1. Publications

Publications is an excellent section to showcase your authority on your topic.

In this section, include content or resources you have created which are of value to your ideal clients. These could include books, eBooks, reports, whitepapers, checklists or articles you have written.

2. Certifications

In this section include any certifications that you have obtained that are not relevant under the education section.

3. Honor & Awards

Adding any honors and awards you and your business have received is an excellent way to establish your authority and credibility.

Start LinkedIn Marketing & Lead Generation with a Great LinkedIn Profile

I hope you enjoyed this LinkedIn profile infographic and that it will be helpful to you in creating a complete and professional LinkedIn profile. Having a great profile is essential for your success with LinkedIn marketing (especially if you are using it for lead generation) and it will improve your overall personal brand and make a great online impression.

Whether you are a student, job seeker, business owner, sales person, professional or executive, LinkedIn is one of the first places people will go to learn more about you. Take control of your personal brand and enhance your credibility by using the tips shared in this LinkedIn profile infographic to create a professional presence.

Looking for a LinkedIn profile writer to make sure you have a profile that stands out and gets attention? We specialize in writing client focused, professional, rock-star LinkedIn profiles. Send us a message here.

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