Today, I’m sharing some simple ways to optimise your LinkedIn profile for success in 2024. If this is the year you want to make the most of the underutilised social network, perhaps you'd like to join me on Weds Jan 17th for a deeper dive into all things LinkedIn? More on that later...

A quick note before the tips: this advice is relevant for ALL business owners. You don't need to be a tech bro or high-flying CEO to optimise your LinkedIn profile.

And if you're nervous about posting on LinkedIn because your ex-colleagues and other business-y people are on there... well... that's something I encourage you to try and move past.

Because LinkedIn is also a platform full of potential clients, collaborators and investors. And it's so much easier to grow over there than it is on Instagram.

Now, on with the tips!

1. Remember, you're optimising your personal profile (not a company page)

You should definitely have a company page. It makes you look credible and professional.

But your company page shouldn't be your focus. And it isn't where you should be publishing most of your content. Your personal profile is.

According to a recent study* a personal LinkedIn profile drives 2.75x more impressions and 5x more engagement when compared to a company profile.

2. Make the most of the biggest piece of real estate on your profile

Your banner image is your biggest opportunity to grab people's attention.

So instead of using it to display a photo of a beautiful landscape or a branded photo without any text (useless!), use it to tell prospects what you can do for them.

Include your value proposition and a call-to-action (CTA). Don't say you're a graphic designer, say who you work with and what you can do for them.

And as for your CTA, should people message you if they're interested in your services? Should they check out your 'Featured' section (more on this below) to book a call?

3. Turn your job title into your value proposition

A very successful copywriter I follow on LinkedIn doesn't have the title 'copywriter' under his name. He has 'Former 10 yr marketer → multi-6-figure writer.'

A biscuit maker doesn't have 'baker' under her name. She has 'Spreading Kindness in Biscuit Form. Providing You with the Perfect Gift for any Occasion.'

Use that space under your name to show off your credentials (like the copywriter) or at the very least, bring it back to the unique value/approach you offer prospects.

4. Utilise your 'Featured' section

The 'Featured' section on your profile is like the 'Highlights' on your Instagram account.

It can act as a mini website, showcasing 3 (maximum, I recommend) key links/published LinkedIn posts that help to underscore your credentials and/or nudge prospects towards conversion.

For example, you could have:

1. Client testimonial
2. Newsletter sign-up form
3. Discovery call landing page

Or:

1. Low-ticket offer landing page
2. Newsletter sign-up form
3. Signature service landing page

Or 3 high-performing LinkedIn posts on the topics of: Why you started your company, the results you've got clients over the last 12 months, how to do X, Y, Z (i.e. an educational post).

5. Post photos

A lovely Instagram follower asked me what content really moves the needle on LinkedIn and first and foremost I would say: 'real' photos + captions.

The less polished, more candid, iPhone-style photos that we used to share on Instagram (+ which have come back in favour over the last year or two) perform really, really well on the platform.

So too do short videos, text graphics, and carousels, but honestly, if you're just getting started with LinkedIn, focus on writing a well-structured caption (this is really important!) with an accompanying photo from your camera roll.

You'll be surprised how much engagement you get!

Want to dive deeper into LinkedIn?

Join me on Weds 17th Jan for the workshop: 'Get The Most Out Of LinkedIn As An Interior Designer' 11-12pm, online You can read all about what we'll cover during the workshop at the link below. Plus one lucky person will receive personalised feedback on their LinkedIn profile during the session! As always, the advice I share is relevant to so many business owners other than just designers, but if you're not sure whether the workshop will be right for you, hit reply to this email + I'll let you know :) Grab your ticket here!

Until next week,

Bella

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*https://www.refinelabs.com/news/personal-linkedin-engagement-vs-company-page