When was the last time you shared industry news with your network on LinkedIn? Is your Headline and About section of your LinkedIn profile still relevant after your last pivot? With the right approach, your LinkedIn profile can be a powerful tool for lead generation and building your professional brand. 

Unsure if your profile is hitting the mark? Follow these top tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile as a sales professional. 

Custom URL (1) 

Spend some time creating a custom URL. It should be simple and professional, like your first and last name or initials. This step will make it easy to find and share your profile.  

Background / Banner image (2) 

Your background image is the first thing visitors see. Choose an image that reflects your brand, industry, or professional interests. It's best to use a high-resolution image to ensure it looks good on all devices. We recommend an image size of 1584 x 396 pixels. 

Professional photo (3) 

This is your first chance to make a strong impression and establish trust with potential clients or partners. Choose a plain or blurred background, don’t use a group or cropped photo, and don’t forget to smile. 

Name pronunciation + Pronoun (4) 

Record an audio clip of your name and select your preferred pronoun. This helps keep your first interactions with prospects and partners smooth, relaxed, and friendly. 

Headline (5) 

Create a compelling headline that sets you apart from other members. It should clearly state what you do, as well as note the value you bring to customers. Try to use action words (e.g. “managed”, “developed”, “achieved”), and avoid including overused or generic terms (e.g. “Motivated”, “Hard-working”, “Self-starter”). 

Featured / Rich media (6) 

Pin posts or content at the top of your profile that you want people to see first. Consider videos, whitepapers, infographics, or presentations that showcase your expertise, highlight your achievements, and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry. Remember, these pinned items are your chance to make a strong(er) first impression. 

Summary / About (7) 

This is your chance to talk about your expertise and communicate why you are passionate about your role. Tell your story and show your personality, but make sure to only include information that’s relevant or interesting to the industry you’re selling to. 

Experience (8) 

When detailing your experience, use a tone and language that speaks to your clients. Avoid simply copying and pasting bullet points from your resume. Instead, focus on the value you’ve delivered in past roles and use relevant and specific examples where possible. 

Recommendations 

Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for feedback. Recommendations from real people instill trust in potential clients and are a quick win to enhance your professional brand. 

-- Article written by @Liamamurphy, LinkedIn content coordinator