If you’ve ever updated your LinkedIn profile, chances are you’ve paused and wondered if you’re doing it right.
To help clear the confusion, Business Insider reached out to LinkedIn specialists to share their best advice on how to enhance your profile and grow your professional presence on the platform.
Whether you’re polishing your page for the first time in months (or longer), here’s a roundup of smart moves to make and common mistakes to steer clear of when using LinkedIn effectively.
Boosting Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn will often default your headline to your current job title but you can do better. Including key skills in your headline can significantly improve your visibility in search results, according to Virginia Franco, a professional LinkedIn and résumé writer.
Instead of settling for just a title, try adding two or three top keywords related to your industry or the role you’re targeting.
“Think of it as a 220-character elevator pitch,” says LinkedIn strategist Beth Granger.
While technical skills are important, don’t forget to give your headline a bit of personality. “Those keywords should be balanced with a tone that sparks interest and makes you relatable,” adds Meg Guiseppi, an executive job search coach.
Another missed opportunity? The LinkedIn banner. Granger describes it as your personal “billboard” a chance to visually reinforce your professional identity.
Franco recommends creating a custom banner with your name and three standout keywords that align with your target role.
When it comes to your About section, keep the tone conversational not stiff like a résumé. Skip the third person and use this space to share your story: what problems you solve, your leadership style, and what drives you professionally.
Lead with your strongest points. Most people skim, so it’s crucial to front-load the most important details.
In the Experience section, focus on the past 15 years of your work history. Rather than just listing job titles and companies, go deeper. Share responsibilities, highlight key projects, and describe your impact. Think: What were you hired to do? What changed under your leadership? How did you get it done?
Using LinkedIn’s suggested job titles (even if slightly different from your actual role) can help you appear in more searches. If needed, clarify any differences in the role description.
For early-career professionals, don’t just list your degree and school in the Education section. Add specific courses, especially those relevant to your field, as they can help improve searchability.
Lastly, in the Skills section, getting endorsements can add both credibility and search strength to your profile. Guiseppi suggests that a great time to request a recommendation is right after someone compliments your work. You can even break the ice by writing one for them first it often prompts them to return the favor.
Also Read: Top 11 Lead Generation Strategies to Drive High-Quality Leads
Building and Nurturing Your LinkedIn Network
A polished profile is just the beginning being active on LinkedIn is just as essential. One of the simplest ways to get involved is by joining the conversation through comments on others’ posts.
Beth Granger, a LinkedIn networking expert, compares it to walking into a room full of people. “It’s easier to join an ongoing conversation than to stand alone and hope someone listens,” she explains.
When you’re ready to post your own content, don’t overthink it. You can share thought-provoking articles, add your take on trending topics, or repost and comment on others’ insights. A great example? AI and its impact on work it’s a trending subject in nearly every industry. Use what your network is talking about as inspiration.
As you grow your connections, always include a personalized message with your requests. A short note can help you stand out, explain your reason for connecting, or remind someone how you met.
Ultimately, every part of your profile and activity should send one message: you’re approachable and open to meaningful conversations.
“You want your LinkedIn presence to spark connection,” says Granger.
