22 April 2025

In today’s competitive professional landscape, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential employers, clients, or collaborators have of you. Yet many of us set up our profiles years ago and rarely give them the attention they deserve.

After coaching numerous professionals through career transitions recently, I’ve noticed a pattern: even highly skilled individuals often have what they themselves describe as “very average” LinkedIn profiles that don’t reflect their true capabilities or potential.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters More Than Ever

LinkedIn has evolved from a simple online resume platform to a powerful professional ecosystem. With over 900 million users globally, it’s now:

• The primary platform recruiters use to find candidates
• A key research tool for preparing for interviews and meetings
• A networking hub that can open doors to opportunities
• A personal branding vehicle that showcases your expertise

Yet many profiles remain outdated, generic, and ineffective at capturing attention in an increasingly crowded digital space.

Before You Update: Define Your LinkedIn Purpose

So, where do you begin? Before diving into specific updates, take a moment to consider what you want your LinkedIn profile to accomplish. Are you:

• Passively open to new opportunities?
• Actively job searching?
• Building your professional network?
• Establishing thought leadership in your industry?
• Growing your business or client base?

Your current career goals should drive the way you optimise your profile. And remember—as your goals shift, your profile should evolve too.

3 Essential Tips for a LinkedIn Profile Refresh

Here are my top three recommendations for transforming your LinkedIn presence from mundane to magnetic.

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Tip #1: Create a Custom Banner That Makes an Impact

The banner (or background) image is one of the most overlooked elements of a LinkedIn profile, yet it occupies the largest visual space. Most people leave the default blue gradient or use a generic stock image that adds no value.

Your banner is prime real estate for:

• Reinforcing your personal brand
• Showcasing your industry or specialty
• Creating a memorable first impression

So, instead of: The default LinkedIn blue gradient

Try: A professionally designed banner that incorporates:

• Your brand colours
• A simple tagline or value proposition – check out my profile for inspiration
• Visual elements relevant to your industry
• Contact information or a call to action

The ideal banner dimensions are 1584 x 396 pixels. When designing, remember that your profile picture will overlay the bottom left portion of the banner, so keep important elements away from this area.

Even a simple, clean banner with your name, title, and a subtle background pattern can dramatically elevate your profile’s professional appearance.

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Tip #2: Transform Your Headline from Job Title to Value Statement

Your headline is prime real estate—it appears everywhere your name does across LinkedIn. Yet most people simply list their current job title and company.

So, instead of: HR Manager at XYZ Company

Try: HR Leader | Creating High-Performance Cultures | Employee Engagement Specialist

Your headline should immediately communicate:

• Your area of expertise
• The value you bring
• What makes you distinctive

Think of it as a mini value proposition that makes people want to learn more about you.

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Tip #3: Craft an “About” Section That Tells Your Professional Story

The “About” section is your opportunity to connect with readers on a more personal level. Rather than listing achievements, use this space to craft a compelling narrative.

An effective “About” section:

• Opens with a strong hook that captures attention
• Shares your professional journey and what drives you
• Highlights your unique approach or philosophy
• Includes specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact
• Ends with a clear call-to-action (how to connect, work with you, etc.)

Write in the first person to create a sense of authentic connection, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

The Algorithm Advantage: How These Changes Boost Your Visibility

Beyond improving your profile’s appeal to human readers, these updates also help you work with LinkedIn’s algorithm to increase your visibility:

• Keyword-rich headlines improve your appearance in recruiter searches
• Complete, detailed profiles receive preferential treatment in LinkedIn’s ranking system
• Active recommendation exchanges signal engagement, which the platform rewards
• Regular profile updates trigger notifications to your network, keeping you top-of-mind

These subtle algorithmic benefits compound over time, potentially exposing your profile to thousands more viewers annually.

Taking Action: Your LinkedIn Refresh Plan

Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence? Here’s a simple approach:

1. Set aside dedicated time – Block 60-90 minutes in your calendar specifically for this update
2. Gather your materials – Have your current resume, project highlights, and career accomplishments handy
3. Update methodically – Start from the top (photo and headline) and work your way down
4. Get feedback – Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your refreshed profile
5. Plan for maintenance – Schedule quarterly reminders to keep your profile current

Need Expert Help?

If tackling your LinkedIn profile feels overwhelming, or you simply want professional guidance, I offer a comprehensive Career Branding Glow Up service that includes LinkedIn profile optimisation alongside resume and cover letter development.

With my personalised approach, you’ll receive:

• Strategic positioning of your professional brand
• Keyword optimisation for maximum visibility
• Content that authentically reflects your unique value
• Design elements that create visual impact

Book a brainstorm call today and get your new documents within one week!

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Remember: Your LinkedIn profile is a living document that should evolve as your career progresses. Investing time in keeping it current and compelling is one of the most valuable career management activities you can undertake.

Questions about optimising your LinkedIn profile? Drop them in the comments below or reach out directly—I’m always happy to help my community shine!