8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile

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21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
February 27, 2013 by Melonie Dodaro
Signing up for a LinkedIn account is easy enough but if you
want to know how to create a LinkedIn profile that will
attract your target market, this article is probably the most
complete breakdown Ive ever done on the subject outside of
my advanced LinkedIn training course, the LinkedIn Profit
Formula.
UPDATED February 27, 2013: Even though the last
update for this LinkedIn training was December 2012,
LinkedIn has made so many more changes recently that it
became necessary to update every single graphic. You will
notice a few steps got removed and a few more got added
this is because things have become much simpler with your LinkedIn profile thanks to
all the recent changes. Even if you have already gone through this post before, make
sure you go over it again so you dont miss anything when creating your perfect
LinkedIn profile!
The key to your success on LinkedIn begins with a powerful and professional presence. You
must strategically write your profile with your ideal client in mind before you start connecting
to maximize the impact of your first impression online.
Ive outlined 21 different key points that I believe are important to fully optimizing your
LinkedIn profile. Follow these 21 steps and you will have much greater success with LinkedIn!
Go to this link to see the profile used in the examples below.
LinkedIn Training: How To Create A LinkedIn Profile In 21 Steps
1. Photo Should Always Be Professional Take the time to get a real professional picture
taken by a photographer. Anything else doesnt leave nearly the same impression so get off
to a good start with a great headshot.
2. Your Name Should ONLY Contain Your Name Avoid adding any additional titles,
acronyms or credentials. Keep it clean and concise!
Name:
Email:
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8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
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3. Your Headline Should Be Catchy & Have Keywords You Want To Be Found For
Create a headline that captures your target markets attention to encourage them to check
out your profile.
4. Connect With At Least 501 People The reason I suggest this is because LinkedIn will
show how many connections you have until you hit 500. People like to connect with
connected people.
5. Provide All Necessary Contact Info Not everyone will want to message you on
LinkedIn when they find your profile so its good to give multiple options. I chose not to put
my address and instead put an alternate email you can do the same, if you want but make
sure you at least have an email!
6. Customize Your Website Names On my own profile, I didnt just put my company
name or my website names. Instead, I used words that would be more attractive to the type
of person I aim to attract.
7. Customize Your Profile URL When customizing your LinkedIn profile, aim to just have
your full name without anything else. If you have a more common name (sorry, John Smith)
then you might have to resort to a slight modification.
8. Update Your Status Daily One of the pillars to social media success is consistency so
be sure to update your LinkedIn status daily with something that provides value to your
target market.
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8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
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9. Keyword Load Your Summary & Profile Notice again how Ive strategically placed my
chosen keywords through my profile and summary. Be careful not to overdo it or else your
profile loses its impact.
10. Write In First Person Your LinkedIn profile is not your resume so make sure you are
always writing in first person.
11. Speak Directly To Your Target Market Always write so that youre speaking directly
to the type of person you are trying to attract/sell to. Every word should be positioned with
that goal in mind!
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I connected with Melonie at a
function a few months ago. I was
interested in learning about using
LinkedIn and after reading her
profile, I gave her a call. I knew
that I had the right person to hire.
After just finishing my training
sessions with her, I can tell you
that she is an expert in social
media, is extremely passionate
about her work and does a great
job teaching and preparing you to
use social media as a business tool.
I believe that social media is
important for business and Melonie
truly knows all the hands on
tactical ways to use it efficiently,
professionally with great results.
Im happy to refer her to anybody
except competitors!
Robert Oleksyn, Kelowna, BC,
Financial Advisor, BMO Private
Banking
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
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12. Add Video To Your LinkedIn Profile Theres no better way to introduce yourself
than with your own voice and face. Fortunately their latest update has made adding video or
slideshow presentations to your LinkedIn profile ridiculously simple by allowing you to paste a
link instead of the grueling process it used to be.
13. Tell Them To Click Play! It might not be obvious enough that the video on your
profile is actually a video so be sure to actually tell people to click play in the text area.
14. Skills & Expertise Should Be Filled With Keywords This is a keyword haven on your
LinkedIn profile so think about every skill you promote through your business and list it here.
Everything you put here will show up in your Endorsements section so choose carefully!
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8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
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15. Use The Projects Section To Promote Products This is a great section to
showcase products you are selling currently. Offer a free report, white paper or something
that will give value to your target market to drive traffic and opt-ins for your website. I have
also used it to promote a couple free reports and checklists that I have available for
download.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 6/14
16. Keyword Load Your Current & Past Work History Notice how in my profile I used
keywords like Social media speaker and social media trainer. These are some of the
keywords I want to be found for.
17. Use Keywords When Filling Out Your Experience Section See explanation for #6.
Same drill!
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 7/14
18. Have At Least 10 Recommendations This is key for building credibility. Do whatever
you need to do to get your first 10 recommendations, as they are paramount to
distinguishing you from competition online. Read this blog for tips on getting more LinkedIn
recommendations.
19. Add Volunteer Experience Make sure you add any volunteer experience or causes
you support as your LinkedIn profile has a special section for it.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 8/14
20. Fill Honors & Awards With Significant Media Attention If you dont have a lot of
awards that are relevant to your business, I would encourage you to use this section to
promote any media or press attention youve received.
21. Join 50 groups You can join a maximum of 50 groups on LinkedIn so take advantage
of every one of them. If your business is primarily local then start by finding relevant local
groups for your industry or wherever your target market is likely to be.
To ensure that you get the most out of your LinkedIn profile tips and take actionable steps
to complete your profile properly, I have a special LinkedIn training webinar that you can
attend to learn more.
Free LinkedIn Webinar
3 Quick And Little-Known Secrets For
Harnessing The Power Of LinkedIn To
Attract A Flood Of Your Ideal Clients In
60 Days Or Less!
Register now at:
http://LinkedInTrainingWebinar.com
Related Posts:
1. 3 Easy LinkedIn Profile Tips That Get You Found
2. 3 Reasons Why Your LinkedIn Profile Needs To Be Updated Now!
3. How To Write The Perfect LinkedIn Headline
4. 5 Fundamental Steps To Success on LinkedIn
Filed Under: LinkedIn
Tagged With: How to create a Linkedin profile, LinkedIn profile, linkedin profit formula,
LinkedIn training, linkedin training course, Linkedin training webinar, perfect Linkedin profile,
Slideshare, Social media speaker, Social media trainer, wordpress
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 9/14
Comments
Weekly Social Media Wrap Up - Helpful Articles and Tips - 08-24-2012
says:
August 24, 2012 at 5:30 pm
[...] 18 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile Excellent resource for
your LinkedIn Profile, with wonderful step-by-step instructions! A great
[...]
Spruce Up Your Linkedin Profile says:
August 31, 2012 at 12:27 pm
[...] 18 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile [...]
Spruce Up Your Linkedin Profile says:
August 31, 2012 at 12:27 pm
[...] 18 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile [...]
Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search | Inside Tech Careers says:
September 5, 2012 at 6:11 pm
[...] this article reflects my opinions on how best to use LinkedIn. For a
look at some more suggestions, this article provides some good [...]
601286419 says:
September 15, 2012 at 4:56 pm
This is a fantastic post, Melonie. Chock full of great information and
that comes from a LinkedIn Heavy Weight!
1091577055 says:
December 11, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Melonie, thanks for this update; its always useful to review our own
work and keep it updated also increases views too!
Only thing you didnt explain was how to add all the sexy little symbols
in your own profile. I checked on LinkedIn help but it only gave a tip for
adding bullets which didnt work so how about sharing with us all?
Thanks again for the terrific post and recent update.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 10/14
1091577055 says:
December 11, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Melonie, thanks for this update; its always useful to review our own
work and keep it updated also increases views too!
Only thing you didnt explain was how to add all the sexy little symbols
in your own profile. I checked on LinkedIn help but it only gave a tip for
adding bullets which didnt work so how about sharing with us all?
Thanks again for the terrific post and recent update.
616232813 says:
December 13, 2012 at 1:25 am
Great content as usual Melonie. Thanks for sharing!
742024309 says:
December 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Wow, Melonie, fantastic post, and thanks for keeping it fresh with
updates!
742024309 says:
December 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Wow, Melonie, fantastic post, and thanks for keeping it fresh with
updates!
742024309 says:
December 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Wow, Melonie, fantastic post, and thanks for keeping it fresh with
updates!
1470715246 says:
December 17, 2012 at 3:07 am
WOW Melonie! You went beyond and above on this one. The source for
all tips for a great Linkedin Profile!
501451176 says:
December 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Good suggestions, Melonie. I would stress to be plain spoken. The best
writing is conversation on paper.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 11/14
Did Social Media Kill The Cold Calling Star? | Marketing and Advertising
says:
December 24, 2012 at 6:04 am
[...] Related: 19 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile [INFOGRAPHIC]
[...]
1614951249 says:
December 24, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Thanks Melonie, this is so awesomely helpful. I have more steps to
complete than I wish I did, but at least I have a great roadmap to get
me there!
LinkedIn Training: 19 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile - Bonnie
Sainsbury Views the World says:
December 27, 2012 at 5:45 pm
[...] See full story on topdogsocialmedia.com [...]
100004697437459 says:
January 2, 2013 at 5:13 am
Superb work Melonie. Find this article really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
100001903642298 says:
January 14, 2013 at 9:26 am
Hello, one thing is important, too: If you are able, to speak another
language, make a multlingual profile: You can use more Buzzwords
and are easier to find. The Profil Slogan goes to the Search results with
about 30%, and with multlingual Profiles, you can use different Profil
slogans.
Thanks for your blog, nice work, I `ve a similar in german (1).
best wishes
Stephan
(1) http://linkedinsiders.wordpress.com/
638015383 says:
January 14, 2013 at 9:01 pm
This was so helpful. Thank yo for the information. I feel like my profile
now has some APPEAL.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 12/14
1381252516 says:
January 14, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Great information! Just curious, do you recommend speaking in first
person in the summary? Should it be I, vs our name?
LinkedIn Training: 19 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile | Latest
Marketing News says:
January 17, 2013 at 3:41 pm
[...] See full story on topdogsocialmedia.com [...]
100000488350222 says:
January 22, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Melonie you just open my eyes to a whole new world.
100000488350222 says:
January 22, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Melonie you just open my eyes to a whole new world.
100000488350222 says:
January 22, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Melonie you just open my eyes to a whole new world.
8/18/2014 LinkedIn Training: 21 Steps To The Perfect LinkedIn Profile
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ 13/14
Add a comment
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55 comments
Mari Smith Top Commenter Social Media Marketing Leader at Mari Smith 453,209
followers
Uber fantastic post, Ms Melonie - you rock star!
Reply Like Follow Post August 21, 2012 at 4:03am 3
Melonie Dodaro Top Commenter Social Media Speaker & LinkedIn Expert at
Top Dog Social Media 5,425 followers
Thank you Mari Smith, that means a lot coming from you! xo
Reply Like August 21, 2012 at 4:34am 1
Nagendra Singh Sr.SEO at SEO Corporation
http://www.seocorporation.net
The search engines have a certain algorithm to follow, on the basis of which they display the
results to the user.
Reply Like Follow Post June 5, 2013 at 9:24am 1
Alexander Vereshchak Top Commenter 1,917 followers
Dear Melonie
Thank you for this great article!
Please, help me understand one point with my LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn proposes me Improve your profile. And suggests to fill Whats your current
position?.
At the moment I study at DBA(Doctor of Business Administration) program. What is the best
way to reflect that fact in current position or in education?
And what to write? I study?
Thank you in advance.
Reply Like Follow Post June 19, 2013 at 1:35pm
Hollan McBride Chief Engagement Officer at Blazon Laurels, Inc.
Outstanding nuggets of knowledge on how to spruce up LinkedIn profiles. Thanks for
sharing your step by step suggestions.
Reply Like Follow Post April 7, 2013 at 3:24pm
Eva Dillon
Thank you for this Melonie. Very useful!
Reply Like Follow Post March 19, 2013 at 3:46pm
Roseanne Van Ee Owner-Operator at Outdoor Discoveries with Roseanne Van Ee
You realise you're raising the bar on socila media. Many thanks.
Reply Like Follow Post March 5, 2013 at 9:51pm
Agi Anderson Top Commenter Realtor, Broker Associate at Showcase Property
Management 504 followers
Great information! Just curious, do you recommend speaking in first person in the
summary? Should it be I, vs our name?
Reply Like Follow Post January 15, 2013 at 2:26am 1
Melonie Dodaro Top Commenter Social Media Speaker & LinkedIn Expert at
Top Dog Social Media 5,425 followers
Yes I always recommend speaking in 1st person.
Reply Like January 25, 2013 at 10:06pm
Roshanda Pratt
This was so helpful. Thank yo for the information. I feel like my profile now has some
APPEAL.
Reply Like Follow Post January 15, 2013 at 1:31am 1
Brianna Sheck Owner at Message Sent Communications, LLC
Melonie: I'm curious about your #2 recommendation. Does adding credentials after one's
name have a negative effect on search results? Or what is the rationale behind that
suggestion, other than to keep it concise? Thank you.
Reply Like Follow Post February 15, 2013 at 8:59pm
Hugh Culver Top Commenter Simon Fraser University
Fabulous list - let's all get to work and make our profile rock!
Reply Like Follow Post February 13, 2013 at 5:34am
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