How to Make a Successful LinkedIn Profile – A Graphic Designers Take

Let us start out with a bit of honesty shall we? LinkedIn and me personally, do not have the longest history together. I have only had a LinkedIn profile for about a year.

I’ve been chosen to be a guest blogger for the amazing Ali Hunter from Career Insights. I have the privilege of working alongside Ali as an expert for Network NZ, and I also get to do some of her design work. Let me tell you right off the bat that she has a world of knowledge with all things LinkedIn and beyond. Get in touch with her if you have any questions or need her help.  You will not be disappointed.

How about we make a list of things I deem to make your LinkedIn profile successful?

• A professional and up to date looking headshot photo of YOU. Now notice that I said professional looking. Camera’s on phones these days take lovely photos. Take pride in your appearance and smile – this image is essentially selling YOU.
• Make sure you take the time to have a graphically designed LinkedIn background image. Now speaking from experience – getting this image right in the new LinkedIn user interface is no easy feat and I’m a graphic designer. But here is the good news, LinkedIn have listened to the feedback and have started rolling out changes to how the background image appears – and it’s so much better.  If you don’t have this new look already, you soon will. Stand out from other people in your area of expertise by having a personally designed background image.

See below a sample of the banner I designed for Career Insights

And the one I recently designed for One Bite Get in touch with me if you would like me to design one for your profile.

• Updated information is a MUST. Anything you can add to your profile, add it! Whether it is a new project you have done, perhaps a blog or even a post! You may be wondering how many times you should be posting on your LinkedIn newsfeed, the recommended amount varies but around 5 times a week would be a great start.
• Engagement with your contacts is a great one to add to this list. Make yourself memorable by commenting on your LinkedIn connections posts and articles or endorse their skills. LinkedIn is a great place to network so make sure you make the most of the opportunity.
• The more detail you have in your profile the better. People will not want to search for information, so the more you can give people while they are already on your profile the better.

Well that brings me to the end of my blog and tips about LinkedIn. I really hope you have found this helpful. Don’t forget to get in touch with either Ali or myself if you would like a hand with anything! See you on LinkedIn sometime soon!

Meet Helen

Helen Mischewski is the creative face behind One Bite Graphic Design.  With over 18 years graphic design experience, Helen does everything from logo designs to full branding solutions.  One Bite Graphic Design are your one-stop graphic creation specialists. www.onebitedesign.co.nz