12 Steps to a Standout LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn has evolved into a powerhouse for networking, personal branding and career advancement. With over 1 billion users worldwide, it is the platform where professionals connect, companies recruit, and thought leaders share insights. Whether you’re looking to land your dream job, attract business opportunities, or establish yourself as an authority in your field, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make.  So, how do you craft a standout LinkedIn profile that gets noticed? Let’s dive into the essential steps. 

1. Choose the Right Profile Picture: The First Thing People See 

Your profile picture is one of the first things visitors notice about your LinkedIn profile—and it sets the tone for how others perceive you. Here are some tips for getting it right: 

• Keep it professional. Use a high-quality, well-lit photo where you’re dressed appropriately for your industry. Avoid selfies or casual pictures. 
• Look approachable. A smile can go a long way in making you appear friendly and approachable. 
• Use a clear background. Choose a neutral or simple background that doesn’t distract from your face. 
• Focus on you. Make sure your face takes up about 60 percent of the frame, keeping the shot cropped from the shoulders up. 

A great profile picture can increase your profile views by up to 14 times, so it’s worth investing time (and even professional photography) to get it right. 

2. Add a Background Photo That Speaks to Your Brand 

The background photo, or banner, at the top of your standout LinkedIn profile is prime real estate for reinforcing your professional brand. While many people leave it blank, using this space strategically can help you stand out. 

• Customize it for your industry. Use an image that relates to your field, such as a city skyline, a workplace setting, or a branded graphic. 
• Showcase your personal brand. Add text to your banner that highlights your expertise, mission statement, or a call to action. 
• Keep it visually appealing. Make sure your background photo is high resolution and aligns with the tone of your profile. 

Tools like Canva offer customizable LinkedIn banner templates to help you create a standout design that aligns with your brand. 

3. Write a Compelling Headline 

Your headline is not just your job title—it’s your professional tagline. This is the section directly below your name, and it’s critical for making a great first impression. 

• Be specific. Instead of “Marketing Professional,” try “Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO Expert | Helping Businesses Grow Online.” 
• Highlight your value proposition. Explain what you bring to the table and what makes you unique. 
• Use keywords. Incorporate terms that recruiters or potential clients might search for, such as “Project Manager,” “Data Analyst” or “Sales Strategist.” 

Think of your headline as your elevator pitch. In 220 characters or less, it should tell people what you do, who you help, and how you provide value. 

4. Craft a Strong and Authentic About Section 

The About section is your opportunity to tell your story in your own words. It’s where you can dive deeper into who you are, what you do and why it matters. Use it to engage readers and encourage them to take action. 

• Start with a hook. Begin with a strong opening sentence that grabs attention, such as an impactful question or statement. 
• Show your personality. Let your voice shine through and share what you’re passionate about. 
• Focus on your achievements and skills. Highlight your accomplishments, areas of expertise and how you’ve made an impact. 
• End with a call to action. Encourage readers to connect with you, visit your website or check out your work. 

Pro tip: Write your About section in the first person to make it feel more personal and conversational. 

5. List All Relevant Work Experience (and Include Results) 

Your Experience section is like your LinkedIn resume, but with added flexibility. Use this space to highlight your career milestones and the value you’ve brought to previous roles. 

• Use bullet points for clarity. List key responsibilities, achievements and metrics. 
• Quantify your impact. Use numbers and data to show results. For example, “Increased sales revenue by 25% in six months” is more impactful than “Managed sales team.” 
• Focus on keywords. Incorporate industry-relevant terms and phrases to help your profile appear in search results. 

Even if some of your previous roles seem unrelated to your current career, focus on transferable skills and accomplishments that demonstrate your growth and capabilities. 

6. Request Recommendations to Build Credibility 

Recommendations are testimonials from colleagues, clients or supervisors that validate your skills and experience. They’re one of the most powerful features on LinkedIn for building trust. 

• Reach out strategically. Ask for recommendations from people who can speak to specific skills or projects. 
• Be clear about what you’re looking for. When requesting a recommendation, let the person know what aspects of your work you’d like them to highlight. 
• Give before you get. Writing recommendations for others often inspires them to return the favor. 

A few well-crafted recommendations can make your LinkedIn profile stand out and establish you as a credible professional in your industry. 

7. Grow Your Network: Quality Over Quantity 

LinkedIn is a networking platform, so building connections is key to making the most of it. However, the quality of your network matters more than the size. 

• Start with people you know. Connect with colleagues, classmates, mentors and clients. 
• Personalize your connection requests. Include a brief message explaining why you’d like to connect. 
• Engage with your network. Like, comment on and share posts to build relationships and stay on people’s radar. 

Growing your network strategically increases your visibility and expands your opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and job offers. 

8. Highlight Your Skills (and Endorse Others) 

The Skills section allows you to list up to 50 skills, which can be endorsed by others to add credibility to your standout LinkedIn profile. These endorsements show that your peers recognize your expertise. 

• Choose relevant skills. Focus on skills that align with your current career goals and industry trends. 
• Pin your top skills. LinkedIn allows you to showcase your top three skills at the top of your profile. 
• Endorse others. Giving endorsements often prompts others to endorse you in return. 

This section helps recruiters and potential clients quickly assess your qualifications and expertise. 

9. Share Media and Marketing Collateral to Showcase Your Work 

Adding media to your profile makes it more dynamic and visually appealing. It also allows you to back up your claims with tangible evidence of your work. 

• Upload work samples. Include case studies, portfolio pieces, presentations or reports. 
• Share links. Link to blog posts, videos or articles you’ve published. 
• Use a variety of formats. Incorporate PDFs, images, videos and external links to showcase your versatility. 

By showcasing your work, you demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in a way that goes beyond words. 

10. Publish and Share Content to Stay Active 

An active LinkedIn profile signals that you’re engaged and knowledgeable in your field. Sharing content also helps you establish authority and build your personal brand. 

• Share industry insights. Post articles or updates about trends and best practices in your field. 
• Write LinkedIn articles. Publishing original content positions you as a thought leader. 
• Engage with others’ content. Comment on posts, share them with your network and participate in discussions. 

Consistency is key. Even small actions like sharing an article weekly can keep your profile active and visible. 

11. Personalize Your URL 

LinkedIn automatically assigns a random URL to your profile, but you can customize it to make it more professional and memorable. 

• Make it simple. Use your name or a variation of it (e.g., linkedin.com/in/janedoe). 
• Avoid unnecessary numbers. Keep it clean and easy to share on resumes or email signatures. 

A customized URL not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for others to find you. 

12. Optimize for SEO 

Search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t just for websites—it’s important for standout LinkedIn profiles, too. By optimizing your profile, you can increase your visibility in LinkedIn searches. 

• Use keywords throughout. Incorporate industry-relevant terms in your headline, summary and job descriptions. 
• Add your location. Many recruiters search for candidates based on geographic proximity. 
• Be detailed. A complete profile ranks higher in searches, so fill out all sections thoroughly. 

Optimizing your profile makes it more likely to appear in recruiter searches, increasing your chances of being discovered. 

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Crafting a standout LinkedIn profile takes time, effort, and attention to detail—but the results are worth it. A well-optimized profile not only opens doors to new opportunities but also establishes your personal brand in the professional world. By focusing on key elements like your profile picture, headline, About section and recommendations, you can create a LinkedIn presence that sets you apart. 

If you’re looking for expert guidance to take your professional brand to the next level, The James Allen Companies is here to help. Whether you’re a candidate seeking new opportunities or an employer searching for top talent, our team specializes in connecting the right people to the right roles. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your career or business goals!