How to Build the Perfect LinkedIn Profile for Personal Branding?

Let me just say this: in 2024 alone, I generated 32.7 million impressions for my clients on LinkedIn. For me, it has helped land clients, build a personal brand, connect with pros & meet some great people.

If you look at my profile, it clearly states what I do, who I am & how my profile benefits any visitor. There’s no room for second guessing, if you need what I post & create, you’ll stay.

As a professional– founder, freelancer, CEO, CMO or any executive– your first impression is your last. And your content comes after your profile.

Hence, building the perfect profile is of utmost importance. And in this short & quick guide, you’ll have a simple checklist of the most urgent aspects you need to change to create that first impression on your LinkedIn profile.

Update LinkedIn Profile URL:

Customize your LinkedIn profile URL with your name. This makes it easier for your audience to search for you.

LinkedIn Profile Picture:

A high-resolution picture, looking at the camera (a smile goes a long way), with a simple plain background. Make sure about 70% of the picture is your face & shoulders.

LinkedIn Background Banner:

Make sure the background banner compliments your profile picture, similar color shades, and doesn’t overpower it. Write a strong copy on it reflecting what you do, or how visitors can benefit from it. If available, mention a few credentials with logos like popular brands worked with or trusted by or featured on.

LinkedIn Headline:

Include SEO-friendly keywords mentioning your profession, what you do, what have you done, achievements (maybe), your Unique Selling Points, goals & a hint of personal information that keeps you human.

LinkedIn About Section:

Start with a clean, storytelling hook. Use the flow of your story, highlight your journey, career achievements & include SEO keywords related to your niche as well. You can also end with a CTA & use bullet points to make sure the readability is high & visually striking.

LinkedIn Featured Section:

Highlight your most successful/important posts that leave an impression on visitors. You can also mention achievements or features, contributions, lists where you’re mentioned in media coverage to draw attention.

Experience:

Your oldest job should be at the bottom, meaning mention them in reverse chronological order. Mention achievements, or big projects you ran or led successfully throughout your time at the company. You can also use banners to mention & make it easier for the reader to learn your skills.

Recommendations on LinkedIn:

Request recommendations from professionals in your network you’ve worked with or who know your work. Guide them on using keywords in your recommendations so your audience/ICP knows what work you did. Make sure the recommendations are to the point. Remember, word of mouth is the best option.

Contact Information:

Make it easier for your audience to catch up with you. You can mention your number, email address, website, or any other information to fasten their reach to you.

And that’s quite it.

There are quite a few more sections to look at. But this should get the ball rolling for you. And then, you can get going with the rest.

I’ve created a checklist that scores your LinkedIn profile out of 60.

If you want to get your hands on it to check your profile score, download your LinkedIn profile checklist here.