Type in “linkedin banner” in the search bar (1584 x 396px option)
Search for “linkedin banner” under the Templates tab
You can select from the pre-populated templates
Once you’re done editing, click Share in the top right corner
Click Download
And now you have a new and improved LinkedIn profile image and cover banner!
Tip #2 - Add a Meaningful Headline
Your headline = Your Title + Your Value
If you search “Product Marketing at Google” in LinkedIn, everyone has the same title so how are you supposed to stand out?
Add one sentence that shows the value you bring to future employers…basically a summary of your entire job in a sentence. Make it super clear to employers what you’re all about!
If I try to boil down what I do as a Product Marketing Manager at Google working on the Google Ads product, I would say:
“I explain complex features within Google Ads in a way small and medium business owners understand”
Cutting that down to something memorable and snappy, I might have something like:
“I bring boring ad products to life”
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Pro tip: The purpose of your profile should be to drive relevant traffic to you even when you’re sleeping!
Tip #3 - Include Relevant Keywords in About Section
How do you find keywords for your specific job to attract future employers?
Find at least 10 job descriptions
Copy and paste all of them into a Google Doc
Copy all the text within the doc > paste it into a word cloud generator (here’s a free one)
For example, some keywords for a B2B marketing job may be—customer, growth, seller, functional team. In other words, employers are looking for someone who is customer-centric, focused on growth, has experience working with sellers, and works well cross-functionally
ALSO, here's a simple template from Austin Belcak over at Cultivated Culture on writing an awesome LinkedIn Summary (aka About Section) if you're a job seeker:
As you can see, it covers 3 important areas:
Intro — years of experience and expand upon the value you bring
Examples — backed up by quantifiable metrics
Close — types of opportunities you’re looking for
Tip #4 - Add 5 "correct" skills to your LinkedIn profile
Only skills with at least one endorsement will count so make sure you have these to ensure you rank higher in search results!
How I would add skills:
Pick 5 skills by using the wordcloud tip I mentioned earlier
Ask for endorsements from friends, family, colleagues
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Pro Tip: Endorsements from people with the same skills carry more weight
Tip #5 - Use a Custom URL
To create a custom URL:
Go to your LinkedIn profile
Click “Edit public profile & URL” on the right
Click the pencil icon and make the changes!
Resumés that include a link to your LinkedIn profile have a better chance of hearing back from employers. Your profile will also rank better in Google search when someone enters your name.
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Pro Tip: Your email signature is a great place to add your custom LinkedIn URL!
🌟 Bonus Tip - Hide Updates on LinkedIn
If you don’t want your network knowing what you’re up to:
Click on your LinkedIn profile > Settings & Privacy
Go to Visibility > Visibility of your LinkedIn activity
Turn OFF “Share profile updates with your network”
Now you can comfortably make changes within your LinkedIn without your nosy colleagues all up in your business.
Not sure how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn?