As the new year begins, it’s a great time to update your social media profiles. While you’re at it, it makes sense to try to improve on what you’ve already done. It’s worth the investment of time because it can lead more business to your door. Since LinkedIn is the primo business social media site, let’s start there.

A well-constructed LinkedIn “About” section can show future clients or employers what makes you exceptional in both a professional and a personal context. It’s one of the few places you can showcase both of these facets of your life.

Many people complete this section by simply jotting down a short description of their current title. Some even leave it blank. However, that’s a wasted opportunity.

Sure, we get it. Writing your LinkedIn profile summary may seem like a boring task and it’s probably not the highest priority on your daily to-do list. You may not even be sure what to say or how to say it. Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

1.   Start with a strong personal statement.

If you want your readers to click the “see more” button, pack some power into the first few sentences of your “About” section. But how can you hook the audience?

Easy: Begin with an eye-catching sentence. It could be a story from your childhood that first sparked your career choice, a hurdle you’ve overcome or a specific work accomplishment. Think of something that sets you apart and makes your profile viewers curious to learn more about you.

2.   Make it read like a story, not a resumé.

Use the “About” section’s length to your advantage. You have 2,000 characters to share your voice and your story, so make it catchy and interesting.

Go beyond your current position and explain your career trajectory. What inspired you to change fields, assume a new role or become an entrepreneur? What makes you unique? What led you from one job to the next? How can your audience and potential clients benefit from your know-how and expertise?

Don’t be shy about adding personal details at the end, either. Write about places you love to visit, your favorite sports teams or your preferred hobbies. Give your readers an idea of who you are outside of the workplace, too.about:blankImageUpload an image file, pick one from your media library, or add one with a URL.UploadMedia LibraryInsert from URL

3.   Make it easy to read and navigate.

Long, dense paragraphs can bog down readers. The key to making your profile readable and digestible is including plenty of white space. Break up paragraphs into smaller pieces and give your reader the chance to absorb the content at a comfortable pace.

Adding subheads to your “About” section can make it easier to navigate. Subheads such as “What I do” and “How to reach out” create a profile that’s accessible and easy to absorb.

4.   Use pertinent keywords.

Check out the “Your Dashboard” heading under your profile. It should show you keywords that people searched to find you. If no search terms pop up on your profile, that means your keywords are not optimized.

Your keywords aren’t optimized yet? No worries, there’s an easy fix: Search for profiles of people with job titles like yours, and note which keywords and skills frequently come up. Edit your profile to include the keywords that also apply to you to steer more traffic toward your page.

5.   Be detailed and genuine.

Don’t be afraid to dig deep. If you question whether something is important enough to add to your “About” section, include it! You have 2,000 characters. Use them all to add details that paint a clear picture of who you are. Your “About” section can make you memorable if you choose to open up and show your true self.about:blankImageUpload an image file, pick one from your media library, or add one with a URL.UploadMedia LibraryInsert from URL

It’s time to get started!

In a corporate world that often feels impersonal, your “About” section has the potential to be a story that tells LinkedIn members not only about your career but also about you as a person.

What are some details you’ve featured in your own “About” section? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!



Photos by: Nathana Rebouças on Unsplash and LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash