25 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand On LinkedIn
In the dynamic landscape of the professional world, standing out is not just an option; it’s a necessity. Your professional journey is a story waiting to be told, and the platform that can amplify this narrative? LinkedIn.
Welcome to our guide on personal branding, where we unravel the art of shaping your professional identity on the world’s largest professional network. Personal branding isn’t about creating a glossy facade—it’s about authentically showcasing your unique qualities, skills, and experiences. It’s the strategic art of becoming the author of your professional story.
In this blog post, we’re going to dig into the ins and outs of personal branding—what it means for your work life, why it’s important in today’s connected world, and how you can use this personal profile to tell your professional story in a way that opens doors, builds connections, and pushes your career forward.
25 meaningful ways to build your personal brand in the digital world, on LinkedIn:
Your Profile Picture:
It’s best to use a high-quality, professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile. If you do not have a headshot, an otherwise nice-looking, well-litphoto will work. Choose a photo where you look professional and approachable aiming for a natural and friendly expression.. The recommended size for a LinkedIn profile photo is 400 x 400 pixels.
Create a Unique URL:
Personalize your LinkedIn URL. It’s often recommended to use your full name or a variation of it for professionalism and ease of recall.
Craft a Compelling Headline:
Your headline is your professional tagline and one of the first things someone sees regarding your profile. Make it attention-grabbing and reflective of your expertise. The headline is visible not only on your profile but also in search results, connections’ feeds, and comments you make on LinkedIn posts. Many people mistakenly enter their current job title but, given its prominent placement, the headline is a key element to grab attention and communicate your professional brand quickly. Using keywords relevant to your industry helps your profile appear in searches related to your expertise. For example: Supply Chain Manager | Logistics Expert | Streamlining Operations
Write an Engaging Summary:
Share your professional journey, values, and aspirations in a succinct yet impactful summary. Given that recruiters often skim through profiles, it’s crucial to make your LinkedIn summary concise, impactful, and easily scannable. Even if you’re not actively seeking new opportunities, having a compelling LinkedIn summary is still valuable. It serves as a way to showcase your professional brand, engage with your network, and potentially attract collaboration or networking opportunities.
Showcase Your Achievements:
Use the “Experience” section to highlight your accomplishments in each role. Be sure to include transferrable skills as they make your profile more appealing to a broader audience.
Highlight Skills and Endorsements:
Curate your skills section to align with your professional strengths and seek endorsements from colleagues.
Connect Strategically:
Determine the companies or industries relevant to your goals and look for professionals associated with these entities. Send the individuals a connection request with a personalized message stating why you would like to connect. This will help you stand out to them and this targeted approach allows you to connect with individuals whose expertise and experiences align closely with your career objectives.
Participate in Groups:
Join and engage in relevant LinkedIn groups to showcase your expertise and connect with your target audience. Real-world examples and valuable insights make your contributions more relatable and memorable.
Share Valuable Content:
Regularly post and share high-quality content related to your industry to position yourself as an industry thought leader. By sharing your insights in groups, you reach a wider audience and engage with industry leaders and business owners that you otherwise may not be able to reach. This fosters connections and expands your influence within your professional community, building a powerful personal brand.
Write Articles:
Utilize LinkedIn’s publishing platform to share in-depth articles, demonstrating your expertise.
Seek Recommendations:
Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients to add credibility to your profile.
Endorse Others:
Recognize the skills of your connections by endorsing them. It fosters a positive networking environment.
Engage with Your LinkedIn Network:
Respond to comments, like and share people’s posts to maintain an active online presence. This is a great way to stay top of mind with the right people.
Participate in LinkedIn Live or Events:
Leverage live video or attend LinkedIn events to engage with your audience in real-time.
Personalize Connection Requests:
When sending a request for new connections, include a personalized message to briefly introduce yourself and explain your intent.
Use Keywords Strategically:
Incorporate industry-specific, relevant keywords throughout your profile to enhance discoverability by both potential clients and potential employers, as well as peers and recruiters.
Update Regularly:
Keep your profile current with your latest accomplishments, skills, and projects. Also make sure to keep your contact information current so potential employers, recruiters, or collaborators can reach out to you easily.
Share Personal Insights:
Share your experiences, lessons learned, and personal stories (to a certain degree) to humanize your professional brand.
Utilize Rich Media:
Enhance your profile by adding images, videos, or presentations that showcase your work.
Participate in LinkedIn Polls:
Engage with your network through polls to encourage interaction and gather insights.
Connect LinkedIn to Your Other Platforms:
Integrate LinkedIn with other professional platforms to cross-promote your brand.
Showcase Volunteer Work:
If applicable, highlight your involvement in volunteer activities to showcase your values.
Respond to Messages Promptly:
Timely responses to messages demonstrate professionalism and commitment.
Celebrate Milestones:
Share professional achievements and milestones to keep your network informed.
Attend and Share Events:
Attend industry events to meet new people and share your experiences to demonstrate your active involvement in your professional community.
By incorporating these strategic approaches—optimizing your profile, engaging with meaningful content, and forging connections with purpose—you are not just cultivating an online presence; you are sculpting a strong personal brand that resonates with authenticity and value. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional networking, your LinkedIn page serves as a powerful tool guiding you toward new job opportunities, collaborations, and meaningful connections.