4 Changes to Make to Your LinkedIn Profile to Drive Qualified Leads

Some people are complaining LinkedIn’s turning into Facebook…

Have you seen the comments from annoyed women who say too many men keep asking them out?

Others get disgusted with the mudslinging that goes on.

…And then you have profiles with all kinds of political rhetoric on them.

Remember, no matter how much you feel tempted, LinkedIn is a professional network. You are there to make yourself look good to your peers and prospects.

You can certainly use it for any of the other reasons above. But, you’ll destroy your own credibility.

What’s a LinkedIn profile that drives leads have on it anyway?

Here’s an analysis of an effective example:

1. Ignore This

First, I’m sure you’ve seen the “Profile Strength” indicator:

Ignore it. Building your profile around the feedback this offers does you no good.

It measures completeness more than anything else.

2. You Can Modify Your Name

In most cases, this probably won’t be possible. But, an associate of mine does a nice job of marketing in his name like so:

This is also an opportunity to get your keywords in. LinkedIn has a ranking algorithm just like Google. It even updates instantly.

Don’t force the keywords though.

3. Your Value Proposition

Dan does a nice job of explaining the value his market gets from his services:

Everyone in his niche (tech/B2B) wants more leads. That’s going to peak their interest. He also gets his keywords in: “tech, software, SaaS, and B2B copywriter.”

Aim for both in that section of your profile.

4. Your Summary Section is Where You Need to Rock It

John Nemo, a LinkedIn profile expert, did this to his summary section, and recommends the same for his students:

One of the big keys with his summary is he immediately discusses the value his target market gets from his services:

“…generate more sales leads, add new clients, increase revenue…”

That’s huge for building and keeping interest.

And notice how he sprinkles testimonials throughout.

That’s massively helpful too.

It’s also important to notice what he doesn’t do. He does not launch into his background until the very end of his summary. I don’t know his full background, but he did have a high-paying corporate job for some time.

However, he doesn’t mention it because it doesn’t add to his credibility as a LinkedIn coach. He only lists those credentials which help “prove” he’s a trustworthy LinkedIn coach.

Many professionals launch into their professional experience right away. Big mistake!

By the way, if you want to study John Nemo’s LinkedIn profile, here’s a link to it.