How To Create a Great LinkedIn Profile

You are here because you want to know, “As an entrepreneur, how do I create a a GREAT LinkedIn profile?”

And I am so glad you are here asking that question!

Because LinkedIn is my favorite online platform for entrepreneurs. 

It’s an incredible marketing tool because it’s completely focused on business.

Nowhere else will you find such a concentrated digital assembly of high-end, high-quality leads looking for professional services JUST LIKE YOURS.

Your next high-quality, dream Client is out there on Linkedin, I promise you.

And the best way to raise your visibility and attract clients is to build a compelling personal brand for yourself on LinkedIn.

It all starts with having a magnetic profile. 

Creating a LinkedIn Profile That Attracts New Clients

Your very first step is to master your LinkedIn Profile. 

Follow the steps in this article and you’ll be on your way to attracting a steady stream of clients and moolah on the regular.

1. Write a LinkedIn Headline That’s Compelling and Keyword Driven

I see so many people with lackluster, generic, un-optimized headlines. 

Your headline is prime real estate.

First, make sure you put the most important information at the very beginning of your headline.

Why?

Linkedin cuts off part of your headline in comments, recommended profiles, etc. 

If you save your Big Offer until the end, there’s a good chance most folks will never see it.

Also, Linkedin’s algorithm is keyword-driven, so put the most important phrases right up front — don’t waste your efforts with filler text taking up space.

Lastly, think beyond the “I help…” statement. 

The service attitude is great — don’t get me wrong. 

But save it for your About section. 

So many people start with “I help…” or “Helping people to X…”

It’s been done. It’s a bit cliche.

It takes up valuable headline space. You can do better.

Cut to the chase.

What do you do for your clients gives them transformative results?

Lead with that!

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2. Make Your Profile Photo Pop

The majority of Linkedin users access the site or app from their phones.

That means your profile photo is going to be teeny-tiny on their screens (about ¼ of an inch around).

So how to make your itty-bitty photo have a BIG impact?

First, make sure it’s high quality. No grainy, dark selfies. 

And make sure your headshot takes up most of the screen.

If you do a full-body photo, no one will be able to tell what you look like or who you are.

Think about adding a pop of color.

I use remove.bg to upload photos, and then replace the backgrounds with either another design, or a bright color (mine is my brand color, orange).

This way, my avatar is instantly recognizable, whether it’s on a small screen or on post comments.

Remember, your LI profile photo is your digital identity. It’s your first impression.

Make sure it’s not the last (or only) impression by making it stand out!

3. Leverage Your LinkedIn Cover (Banner) Image

Many Linkedin users either leave their cover image blank (using LI’s default), or use a photo with ZERO brand recognition or calls to action.

So unexciting. Such a missed opportunity.

So sad, sad, sad.

Your cover image is prime real estate for showcasing your offer at the very top of your page — don’t let it go to waste!

Include your one-of-a-kind message in your cover image, whether it’s your slogan, special offer, superpower or website link.

And no, you don’t need to be a Photoshop guru to add text layover to your cover photo. 

There are a ton of easy-to-use online resources like Canva or PicMonkey that allow you to upload an image that meets LI’s specs (1584 x 396 pixels), and then edit/design as you see fit.

Just like your headline and profile photo, remember: keep it simple, keep it readable on small devices.

Don’t obliterate all the usable space with text for days, BUT definitely use the area to share what you do or offer in 1-2 awesome sentences.

4. Magnetize Your Ideal Client In Your “About” Section

Use your About section to explain ALL YOU CAN DO to help your clients.

Dive deeper: LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: How to Write the Perfect About (Summary)

In your About section, be sure to include your main message and offer.

Be sure to address your clients’ pain points and then talk about how you deliver transformative results with your solution.

Oddly enough, your About description is less about you than it is about THEM.

Use this area to explain why hiring you is going to be a no-brainer. Why they’re going to LOVE the results they get from working with you.

And please, no wall of text. 

Bullet points, white space and well-placed emojis are your friends.

They’ll keep your visitors’ attention, make your content easily digestible, and allow people to read what you have to say on mobile screens.

Make sure you end with a call to action – let people know how to get in touch with you.

Want an example? Here’s mine: Wendy Maynard — Linkedin Profile

5. Ask For Recommendations

If an LI member scrolls down far enough on your profile page, they’ll land on your Recommendations.

This area is the clincher.

It’s where “social proof” takes the reins and backs up everything you’ve said in your headline and description.

It’s your personal word-of-mouth billboard.

Testimonials are everything — on your website, your Google My Business page, etc. It’s true on Linkedin, too.

So make asking for recommendations on Linkedin a part of your regular workflow. 

Maybe you always ask in a followup email after successfully launching a project live. Or maybe you do a blanket email to all your new clients once per quarter.

Just get it on your calendar, and do it.

If you’re asking in an email, include a link to your LI profile page to make it easy.

Or ask in the Linkedin platform with the handy-dandy “Ask For Recommendation” button on your page.

Just start typing a Connection’s name, choose from the dropdown, and then send a custom message asking if they’d be willing to leave feedback on your page.

You’ll be amazed at how often people are absolutely willing to do this, especially if you regularly follow through with delivering game-changing results.

Want To Get a Steady Stream of Leads on LinkedIn?

This is the tip of the iceberg, my friend.

I have SO MUCH MORE to share with you to shift your Linkedin game from ho-hum gear to multiplying-your-income gear. 

It is hands-down my favorite tool for reaching high-quality clients who understand the value of (and gladly pay for!) premium services.

Sign up now for my program: LinkedIn Lead Mastery. It’s an in-depth and proven program with video training and weekly coaching with me. I’ll show you exactly how to get your profile set up, create content that converts, and packs your pipeline with right-fit leads.  

If you’re ready to dig into the LI goldmine, I’m here to give you the framework to build your audience, gain visibility, and finally attract the level of income you’ve been pining over.

See you there!

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