LinkedIn is the biggest professional network today. Millions of people use it to find jobs, meet clients, and build their careers. If you want to get noticed, your LinkedIn profile must be clear, honest, and easy to read. Below is a straightforward, step-by-step guide in simple English to help you build a LinkedIn profile that stands out — with practical tips you can apply right away. (LinkedIn)
1. Start with a strong photo and banner
Your profile photo is the first thing people see. Use a clear headshot where you are dressed professionally and the face is easy to see. A friendly, natural smile works best. Make sure the photo is recent and cropped so your face fills most of the circle.
Your banner (the wide image at the top) is prime space to show what you do — for example, a clean image with your job title, a simple tagline, or a visual that relates to your work. A good banner helps your profile look polished and tells visitors what they can expect. (LinkedIn)
2. Write a headline that explains your value
The LinkedIn headline sits right below your name and is more than just a job title. Use this space to say what you do and who you help. A simple format you can follow:
[Role] | [Top skill or result] | [Who you help]
Example: Product Manager | Shipping SaaS features that increase retention | Startups & SMBs
This short line helps recruiters and clients know quickly why they should read more. Headlines also help you appear in searches, so include important keywords related to your role. (Jobscan)
3. Write a clear “About” summary (use first person)
Your About section is your story. Keep it short and human — write how you would say it in a conversation. Cover:
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Who you are (1 sentence)
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What you do and the results you deliver (2–3 sentences)
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One quick example or achievement (1 sentence)
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What you want next or how people can contact you (1 sentence)
Avoid long paragraphs. Use short lines or bullets so readers can scan quickly. Read it out loud to check your voice — if it sounds natural, you’re on the right track. (LinkedIn)
4. Optimize your Experience and Skills
In the Experience section, list your role, company, and responsibilities, but focus on outcomes: numbers, percentages, or clear achievements. Instead of saying “Managed social media,” say “Grew organic followers by 40% in 9 months and drove a 12% increase in website leads.”
Add your top skills and ask colleagues to endorse them. Recruiters often filter by skills, so make sure the skills you list match what you want to be hired for. (LinkedIn)
5. Use keywords — think like a recruiter
LinkedIn acts like a search engine. Use the job titles, skills, and tools that recruiters search for. Put the most important keywords in your headline, About, and the first lines of your Experience entries. This helps your profile appear in more searches and brings the right people to your page. (LinkedIn)
6. Show results and add media
Numbers grab attention. Share short examples like:
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“Reduced support response time by 30%”
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“Closed $200k in deals in Q2”
Also add visuals — slide decks, images, short videos, or work samples — to your profile. Visual proof of your work helps people understand your skills quickly. Creative professionals should show portfolios; others can add case-study slides or screenshots. (WIRED)
7. Keep it human and honest
Write in first person and let a bit of your personality show. But stay professional. Avoid clichés or long lists of buzzwords that say little. Small personal touches — one line about why you love your work or a brief hobby — can make your profile memorable.
Be honest about your achievements and roles. Misleading claims can hurt you later. (LinkedIn)
8. Make your contact details visible
Add a clear way for people to reach you: email, website, or a short line that says “Open to: freelance UX projects” or “Looking for senior marketing roles.” If you want job opportunities, turn on the “Open to Work” or use LinkedIn’s job preferences. (LinkedIn)
9. Engage regularly — profiles that are active get more attention
LinkedIn isn’t only a static resume. Share short posts, comment on industry news, and post updates about projects or learnings. Activity keeps your profile visible and helps build your network. (Note: how posts perform can vary and is influenced by LinkedIn’s algorithm — so focus on value and authenticity.) (The Times)
10. Extra tips and checklist
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Personalize your LinkedIn URL to make it easy to share. (LinkedIn)
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Add a short pronunciation audio if your name is often mispronounced. (LinkedIn)
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Proofread — spelling mistakes hurt credibility. (HubSpot Blog)
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Get a few recommendations from people who know your work.
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Update your profile every few months as your skills and goals change.
Two quick example templates you can copy
Basic professional:
About: I’m a digital marketing manager with 6 years of experience helping B2B companies grow organic traffic and generate leads. In my current role I increased MQLs by 55% in 12 months by optimizing content and automations. I enjoy working at the intersection of data and creative content. Open to senior content roles and marketing partnerships.
Career change (short):
About: I’m a customer support lead transitioning to product operations. I’ve worked with cross-functional teams to improve processes and reduce churn. I’m learning SQL and product metrics and looking for roles where I can bridge customers and product teams.
Final thoughts
A strong LinkedIn profile is a mix of clear visuals, a simple story, proof of results, and the right keywords. You don’t need to write a long resume on LinkedIn — just make every line count. Keep your profile honest, updated, and readable: that’s how you turn visitors into opportunities. For data-backed reasons to invest time in LinkedIn (reach, recruiting, and growth), see the statistics and tips referenced above. (LinkedIn)