Unveiling the Divide: Good vs. Bad Profiles on LinkedIn

Right, so you know you want to update your LinkedIn profile, but you have no idea what makes a ‘good’ profile and what makes a ‘bad’ one?

And you’ve found yourself here because you know that the largest professional networking platform is in fact, LinkedIn…it’s become an indispensable tool for professionals looking to advance their careers, expand their networks, and showcase their expertise.

So let’s break it down into the good and the bad…starting with the bad.

Identifying a Bad Profile: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Lack of Profile Photo OR Crappy Photo

Profiles without a picture look incomplete and impersonal. According to LinkedIn, profiles without a photo are less likely to be viewed and receive fewer connection requests. But that also goes for photos that are badly taken, too far away, or ‘unprofessional’ — bikini pics are not the one here.

2. Generic Headline and Summary

This is the line underneath your photo and a vague or generic headline will fail to capture attention and differentiate you from your ‘competition’. Use specific language that highlights your USP, your position and even something about you. Remember this is also key-word driven and people can find your profile through searching.

3. Incomplete or Outdated Experience Section

An incomplete or outdated experience section can give the impression that you lack relevant experience or have not kept pace with industry trends. Ensure that your experience section is up-to-date and provides a comprehensive overview of your professional background, including your current role and key achievements.

4. Sparse Skills and Endorsements

Endorsements and skills are great to have, but aren’t necessarily key for your profile, especially if you are only just starting out on LinkedIn. But I would recommend taking the time to add the relevant skills to your profile, as it can improve your visibility on LinkedIn.

5. Lack of Engagement and Activity

Dormant LinkedIn profiles show that you’re disengaged or uninterested in networking and growing your personal brand. The effort you put in to regularly engaging with your network by sharing content, commenting on posts and participating in discussions with boost your profile further than your current connections.

Crafting a Good Profile: The Hallmarks of Success

A good LinkedIn profile is more than just a digital CV; it’s a powerful personal branding tool that effectively communicates your professional identity and value proposition.

1. Professional Profile Photo

Research shows that LinkedIn profiles with a professional profile photo receive significantly more views than those without one. According to LinkedIn, profiles with a photo receive 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests. Choose a high-quality, professional headshot that conveys confidence and approachability. There are lots of people who have their headshot on a coloured background, and that’s quite nice to stand out…but remember people trust people, so a clear photo of your beautiful face is winning.

2. Compelling Headline

Your headline and summary are prime real estate on your LinkedIn profile. Use a concise and compelling headline that highlights your USP and attracts your target audience. You can also bring your previous experience in, your current role, and a bit more of your personality.

3. Complete and Detailed About and Experience Section

Your ‘about’ section is VITAL for a good profile, let people get to know YOU. Don’t have something that sounds like your mum wrote a nice introduction about you, write it from YOUR perspective and FIRST person.

Additionally, your experience section should provide a comprehensive overview of your professional journey, including your current role, previous positions, and key accomplishments. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions in each role. Quantify your achievements where possible, using numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work…people love numbers.

4. Skills and Endorsements

LinkedIn allows you to showcase your skills and expertise by adding relevant skills to your profile. Ensure that your skills are aligned with your professional strengths and accomplishments. Again if you can get previous colleagues or clients to provide endorsements too, that’s great.

5. Engagement and Activity

A good LinkedIn profile is not static; it’s dynamic and engaging. Regularly engage with your network by sharing content, comment on people’s posts and participating in networking. LinkedIn is actually a super friendly community, don’t lose out because you can’t be bothered to comment, get over your ego and just get stuck in.

Conclusion: Elevating Your LinkedIn Profile

In conclusion, the difference between a good profile and a bad one on LinkedIn lies in the attention to detail, authenticity, and engagement. If you have NO idea where to start, I offer a full foundation build for those looking to kick off their personal brand with a strong standing.