Revamp your LinkedIn profile for small business owners
Small business owners with stagnant LinkedIn profiles are missing out on a huge opportunity. The social network for professionals is a gold mine for finding new connections and relationship building. Its untapped potential is a platform where you can promote what’s going on in your business and find new leads. Before you overlook this platform, realize that as we continue to navigate the pandemic we need to get create with our marketing and business development.
Consider the following tips to revamp and optimize your LinkedIn profile.
Optimize your headline
Think of your headline as the first thing people read when they browse your profile. For best results, write a headline that clearly states what do in simple terms. Avoid jargon. People outside of your industry may not understand what a branding consultant does or a virtual reality tour creator. Instead, write a simple sentence that explains which problem you solve for your target market.
For instance, you develop virtual reality videos for museums and arts organizations. Use a headline that says: “I make virtual reality videos that drive visitors to museums.”
Let’s go with another example to drive home this point. You run a book keeping business for law firms. In your headlines you could say: “Book Keeper for busy law firms.” It’s clear and snappy. And your prospects who you want to target will know immediately that you have legal industry knowledge and you can also help solve their book keeping needs.
Get a professional headshot
While you can take a selfie and post it online with smartphones today, you need to heed caution if you’re unable to snap a nice photo. A headshot should be recent and clear with minimum background. It’s best to dress appropriate for the industry you’re in. The photo should feature just your head and shoulders, with your face front and center. Ensure the lighting enhances your facial features. Clarity and a polished look are key.
Brand your cover photo
The cover photos is your business card on LinkedIn. It should include your logo, website and/or phone number. Along with it include your company’s tagline. You want the cover photo to be able to tell your business story with a quick glance. “Oh, this person is a local plumber. I’ll call him later.” You can find free stock photos across the internet if you choose to keep it simpler. Ideas for cover photos:
Your city. Cityscapes give a sense of place and clues in prospect where you do business.
Action shot. If you’re a wedding photographer, show off your business by featuring a cover of you in action taking photos. The action photo with your camera in hand is powerful and telling of who you are as a professional.
Industry objects. Say, you’re a specialty spices dealer. Showcase your products in your cover photos. Or, you’re a writer. Post a cover photo of a laptop and a notebook with a pen, an image of your desk with a coffee cup and succulent in view. You get the picture.
In conclusion
Follow the aforementioned advance, and you’ll find your way to benefiting your reach on LinkedIn by having a professional looking and well-written headline that tells how you can help your target audience in clear, simple language. Once you’ve revamped your dusty profile, begin building your network by commenting and posting on other people’s posts. In next month’s article, we will offer tips on how to promote your small business on LinkedIn. Stay tuned.