Let’s be honest, as a self-employed professional, your LinkedIn profile is your digital shop window.

It’s where potential clients, collaborators, and those curious about your expertise will come to check you out. But when was the last time you gave it a proper once-over? Probably when you first went self-employed and it kind of reads like your CV.

So if your profile is gathering digital dust, it might be time to freshen things up. Read on to see why you should really take another look at your profile, and how a few savvy tweaks here and there could lead to more business than you can shake a flip chart at.

The art of profile perfection

First impressions matter, especially in a world where attention spans are shorter than a Zoom breakout session. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first point of contact for new clients, connections or collaborators, so it needs to reflect the superstar L&D professional you are right now, not the one you were five years ago.

Start by reviewing your headline – if it reads like something you’d find on a business card from the 90s, it’s time for an update.

Next, take a look at your summary because this is going to be the next thing they read. Is it a gripping tale of your L&D journey, or is it more of a snooze-fest? Your summary should not only highlight what you can do for your clients but also showcase your personality. After all, people are more likely to hire someone they can connect with, somebody who they like

The power of the featured section

The Featured section is arguably the most underused but mighty part of your LinkedIn profile. This is prime real estate for showing off your best work, whether that’s a game-changing workshop you led, a kick-ass portfolio piece, a fantastic case study, a thought-provoking blog post, or a glowing testimonial from a happy client.

Think of it as your personal highlight reel.

The key here is to be selective. Don’t just chuck in anything that looks half-decent. Choose content that truly reflects your skills and aligns with the type of work you want more of. And remember, this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it situation – update this section regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.

After all, you wouldn’t leave stale biscuits out at a networking event, would you?

Make your experience experiential

When updating the Experience section of your LinkedIn profile, think of it as your chance to showcase the real impact you’ve made – not just the tasks you’ve completed.

Instead of listing duties, focus on the benefits and results you delivered for your clients or employers.

Highlight specific achievements and use metrics or measurements if you can. Like how you implemented a new L&D strategy that boosted employee engagement by 30%, or how you leveraged AI to streamline training processes, saving the company both time and resources.

By clearly outlining the value you brought to each role, you demonstrate your ability to drive results and position yourself as the solution to your potential clients’ or employers’ challenges. Make it all about the transformation you delivered, and you’ll turn your Experience section into a powerful selling tool.

Don’t forget about SEO

Your profile isn’t just for the LinkedIn crowd, it’s actually a powerful webpage! So it’s a good idea to treat it as such, with a little SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

By strategically incorporating relevant keywords, you increase the chances of your profile being found by potential clients and collaborators who are searching for the services or expertise you offer.

A well-optimised profile can be the difference between being seen and being overlooked.

The bottom line

Your LinkedIn profile should be more than just a digital CV – it’s a living, breathing representation of your business. Regular updates, a carefully curated Featured section, and a clear focus on your professional goals will make your profile stand out.

Give it the attention it deserves, and you might just find that your next big client or collaboration is only a click away. After all, in the world of L&D, it’s all about learning, developing, and – most importantly – keeping things fresh!

Don’t let your profile languish in the land of outdated information, and don’t keep putting it off!

This all sounds amazing but will you actually do it? Or will it be one of those ‘admin’ tasks that just never gets done?

• Maybe you need a little hand holding?
• Maybe you need a second pair of eyes?
• Maybe you need help defining what you do?
• Maybe you just want to do it with other people and bounce ideas?

If you need a helping hand taking your profile from bland to brilliant, why not sign up to the Supercharge your LinkedIn Profile course with Judy Parsons.