Advanced Linkedin Marketing Begins with a Profile Spot Check
Having an Advanced Strategy on Linkedin begins with a profile which is complete and consistent with your Business & Marketing objectives. Therefore you will want to review how your profile is configured. This is important to do before other proactive measures take place. Remember, this is your Info Marketing Base of Reference when found via Linkedin. It needs to convey your main message as well as maintain consistency with your company's brand. Your profile is all about being found and then leading the "Finder" to a predetermined end. You should consider your profile in the same way as your website; Providing information while leading to an action. You should spot check and ensure that your profile meets the following criteria.
- Name: Be sure to use the name in which you want prospective clients and partners to find you. Do not use nicknames or any name which isn't congruent with your networking goals.
- Headline: You want someone to choose your profile opposed to someone else's when you're found through a search. Opposed to inserting your title, use your Main Branding Statement or what your targets would likely type into a search engine. You should also use Keywords that your potential prospects/partners would type into search engines to find you.
- Photo: Your profile photo doesn't have to be a photo shot by a professional photographer but should be a real life picture of you. It should represent your professional or business image accurately. Since Linkedin largely revolves around search and competing with other profiles, it is wise to have a good image. Don't misrepresent yourself.
- Location: Adding an real location only helps to verify that you are a real business and operate from a real location. This is true even if you can service clients world wide.
- Industry: Choose your industry or as close as possible, given the options Linkedin provides. You can also suggest one if it's not available in the choices.
- Summary: This is a place to briefly but accurately describe yourself and company. It's a great place to focus on your accomplishments as well as mission. You'll want to include your main keywords throughout. If you have any calls to action, this would be the place to put them. An advanced strategy would be to lead a visitor off of your profile to a more suitable web destination for additional action and engagement like; A Blog, Capture Page, Video, or anything which contributes to your Linkedin intentions.
- Profile URL: This can be customized to your liking as long as your unique choice is available.
- Experience: Make sure you have included past positions which are true and accurate.
- Honors & Awards: This is an opportunity to showcase any past honors, awards, citations, etc. This should be updated as necessary as you receive more through time.
- Specialties: This is an excellent area to enter your core keywords abundantly. You may also want to list your specialties in order of priority/importance.
- Education: Simply enter your education information as it applies to your past.
