I joined LinkedIn in October 2007, and basically did NOTHING for years. I had no idea how or what to do … and didn’t know anyone to even ask. I had been told I needed to be on it … so I was. Big whoop.
But in 2014, for whatever reason(s), John White, MBA, invited me into an LI group he was forming. And thanks to his continuous guidance, I have been successful here.
Recently I led my first 90-minute workshop titled “Making the Most of Your LinkedIn Profile,” a feat that cracks me up. ME? Telling others about using LI? Well, yes. At least for the basic stuff — there are experts here like Shelley Elsliger, John Esperian, and Jeff Young who go much deeper than I can or will.
But to me, this is paying it forward. We have lots of folks who are here — sort of — but aren’t achieving much because they’re not doing much. And even worse, their profile is so sucky and bare that we look and move on, quickly. And no one perhaps has ever mentioned how they could make that all-important first impression a great one!
So, in the spirit of helping others as John and so many others have helped me, I created the first half of my LI workshop that I’m leading in local Chambers of Commerce — the first one had double the number of participants we were expecting!!! — and I’ve found hundreds of profiles that I do like that I want to share.
Today’s focus is on the banners — that blue space at the top — and how it can be used. It’s PRIME real estate for marketing ourselves!
But many LIers do leave it bare, and what a shame. There’s no need to copy the ones I’m showing; these five simply show different ways to succeed, and you may not even like one or more of them. But I hope they open your eyes to what’s possible for YOU.
Now, all the guidelines say to use a certain number of pixels (1584 x 396 to be exact), but I’m not that geeky. I found out, through trial and error, that the space is basically 6″ wide x 1.5″ tall, at least when I’m using the MS Publisher program. You might have to start with that and see if it fits the program you’re using, too. Of course, if you know how to figure it in pixels, go for it! And remember to leave the appropriate space for your picture … you do have one there, right?
For me, the banner represents a space where we can show who we are or what we’ve done, without necessarily having to put it into words, words that might come across as bragging. And using the banner to maximum advantage gives your readers a great incentive to at least check out the rest of your profile. Of course, you can always change it as the mood strikes you!
So, here are — in no particular order — five banners that I recently saw that caught my eye. They show either the person or the person’s world, both of which make sense in their context.
And here’s an article I just saw that can also help.
Now there’s always someone who wonders — well, what about me????? Isn’t my banner/profile worth seeing too? If your banner is one you’d like to share, feel free to do so in the comments. Let’s see what yours looks like!
I value your thoughts here. What has your experience been like on LI? Do you have a profile that shows you off to best advantage? Who helped you along the way?
Editor’s Note: Featured 3D graphics image courtesy of Quince Creative
Susan, thanks for this. Social media is still challenging (and at times overwhelming) for me and I appreciate knowing I have you as a resource for LI!
You are such a wealth of information, Susan! Thank you for sharing these valuable tips. I need to go do some work on my profile now.
What’s the term, Melissa — paying it forward? Yeah. That one. And you’re more than welcome!
A ver interesting share, Susan! I never knew your history and look what you are doing to help others and us as well. I have had ideas and help from Jeff Young and Alnoor Damji with my LI profile etc. It is a work in progress all of the time. A dynamic one that shifts and changes as I do and my busy does. I appreciate your own striking LI banner example and the one’s that you shared. My best wishes in forwarding your ideas to local groups that would love your warm and informative style!
Honestly, Maureen, most LI profiles should be a work in progress, at least in my opinion. Things change. We change. We refocus. We see another LI profile and something catches our eye … we know then we could do even better with ours.
I don’t want anyone to think they have to spend countless hours on it, but an occasional refresh after checking others is a great idea.
And Jeff Young is one of my LI heroes; he shows us every day in every way how to give to others, doesn’t he? Amazing human.
Yep….thanks for the reminder that I need to update, Susan. My overall experience with LI has been good, but I also recognize that I need to keep adapting my methodology and feeding my front page. One thing I have learned is that my profile page is a great place to speak in the first person, vs the old, traditional blah blah blah that is a resume. I love that I can do that, as it gives a voice to my background, if you will. Thanks!
Ah, Andy — writing in the first person is a lesson I teach when we get to the About and Experience sections, so you’re way ahead of me. To write in the third person is to put a wall up between the writer and the readers. It almost says “I’m too good for this …”
Of course, it’s more likely that some folks just get antsy when saying “I” all the time, so I advise them to not worry so much about grammar (yes, really!) and start many sentences with the verb the shows the action taken and the results achieved.
And you’re welcome!
Thank you Susan. I have been thinking it is time to represent what I am planning for my future instead of re-iterating the past. I shall work on this over the weekend!
Hi Susan. I love the community of Linkedin! I share in your enthusiasm.
I’ve gained so much knowledge, made so many friends, seen inspiration, motivation and a great deal of tips. Every day I evolve in this great platform of humanity.
I am now an active participant in daily postings…there’s always that slight shudder of excitement just as you press post! Done! Then…wow..the engagement! This has been key to me!
I so glad to be connected to you…since sept 13! I reached out to you and that’s value too! Thank you for everything???❤️
I have grown to love the LI community as well, Paula! For all the wrinkles in the algorithm and such, LI is still a great place to post, read, and learn. And thanks so much for having asked me to connect; I really appreciate it!
I’m thrilled to be connected with you! I thank you!?
Thank you for sharing Susan and I agree step by step is a great way to absorb and implement this information I remember when I first created my LI profile I simply mirrored an “expert” and replaced his industry wording with my own. That said I am due a refresh including a new header so thank you for reminding me to get this done.
And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach; we’re each so different! Glad to be of help, Dee!
Love that you’re not tackling everything at once here. Easier to digest by giving us time to think about how we’re treating each section of the overall profile. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
I’ve tried to paste a jpg of my banner here, but without success.
Here’s the link to my page if you have a sec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffikler/
Thanks, Susan.
Jeff, your profile is excellent! Big smile, you and Kirsten showing us you work together (not just telling us), and everything filled in. You can rest — for a week or so — on your … laurels. I’m sure LI will come up with other stuff we need to know,but for now? It’s a great profile!
Thanks for looking at it, Susan! I look forward to the rest of this series.
Great article! You inspired me to tinker with my LI banner. I’ll post it here when I’m finished for some expert feedback.
Love to help if I can, Christine! Thanks!
Let me know what you think: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineandola/