1. Elite Strategies Presents:
Optimize Your Linkedin Profile
As with Google and other SERP’s, Linkedin uses its own set of algorithms in order to determine
which profiles will come up first in search results. Optimizing your profile content will help you
get discovered on the professional networking site in order to attract clients and new business
opportunities.
When you first join Linkedin, it prompts you to complete your entire profile but sometimes
people skip over this step. The more complete your profile is, the better you will rank in search
results. Fill out your Linkedin profiles with as much relevant information as possible without
overdoing it. Just because you took a sculpting class last summer doesn’t mean your professional
network needs to know about it. If you are having trouble determining whether or not your
profile is complete, Linkedin has a tracker that can help you see which areas are incomplete.
Don’t forget that Linkedin has its own internal search engine. Make sure to include the relevant
keywords that you’d like to be discovered for within your profile. Do not treat Linkedin
keywords the same as you would for the web. Stay away from long tailed keywords and focus on
the queries that you think a Linkedin user would be searching for.
Linkedin prefers users with larger networks, so always work on expanding yours. Search results
favor users with one or more common connection so the larger your network is the more likely
you are to rank for certain keywords or industries. Don’t be shy about reaching out to new
connections as well as managers, bosses, clients and co-workers from the past. Also, actively
participate in Linkedin groups. This allows users to notice you, as well as favorably contributes
to your search placement. Joining a group and remaining inactive won’t do anything to boost
your Linkedin SEO, so make an effort to contribute to the conversations in a professional and
knowledgeable manner.
Avoid generic, basic profile descriptions. The more specific you are about your job and
achievements, the better you will come across to your peers. Last year, Linkedin released a list of
the most overused words on user profiles. The words “Creative”, “Organizational”, “Effective”,
“Motivated”, “Extensive Experience”, “Track Record”, “Innovative”, “Responsible”,
“Analytical”, and “Problem Solving” topped their list. Use Linkedin as an opportunity to stand
out from your peers and avoid these and other generic buzzwords. Instead of stating that you are
creative, prove it by providing a unique description of yourself and your responsibilities.
Your Linkedin profile is often the first thing people see when they search for you on the web.
Taking a little time to optimize your profile will help you make a great first impression.