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Boost Your LinkedIn Profile: Top Tips from Bestselling Author Sandra Long

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing LinkedIn headshots at Skillion Spaces in Terrigal, following an insightful talk by bestselling author Sandra Long. Her presentation on how to jumpstart your LinkedIn profile was packed with valuable advice, and it reminded me of the importance of keeping our professional profiles up to date—even if we’re more familiar with platforms like Instagram!

As someone who spends more time on Instagram, I quickly realized just how much I had to learn about LinkedIn. For instance, I didn’t even have a cover image with my logo—just a headshot! Sandra’s tips were a real eye-opener, and I’m excited to share some of them with you.

Key LinkedIn Profile Tips:

1️⃣ Great Headshot: Your profile photo is often the first impression you make on potential clients, partners, or employers. Make sure it’s a high-quality, professional image that reflects who you are and what you do. A polished headshot can set the tone for the rest of your profile.

2️⃣ Cover Image: Adding a cover image is a simple yet impactful way to showcase your brand or logo. It’s an opportunity to visually communicate what you’re all about. Whether it’s a graphic that represents your business or an image that reflects your professional style, make sure it complements your overall profile.

3️⃣ Location: This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook! Make sure your LinkedIn profile accurately reflects your current city and country. This is especially important if you’ve recently moved or if you’re looking to connect with professionals in your local area.

Additional Insights from Sandra Long:

Beyond these basics, Sandra’s talk also highlighted a few more advanced strategies for making your LinkedIn profile stand out:

1️⃣ Craft a Great Headline: Your headline is more than just a job title. It’s an opportunity to clearly and concisely communicate what you do and why it matters. Make it attention-grabbing and informative so that people are intrigued to learn more about you.

2️⃣ Optimize Your Profile: Keywords are key to making sure your profile is easily discoverable. Think about the terms people might use to search for someone with your skills and expertise, and incorporate them into your profile summary and experience sections.

3️⃣ Build Real Connections: LinkedIn isn’t just about collecting connections—it’s about building meaningful relationships. Focus on engaging with your network in a genuine way, whether through thoughtful comments, shared content, or personalized messages. The quality of your connections is far more important than the quantity.

Sandra Long presenting at Skillion Spaces in Terrigal, sharing insights on improving LinkedIn profiles.

Putting It All Into Action

Sandra’s tips have inspired me to give my own LinkedIn profile a much-needed refresh, and I hope they’ve sparked some ideas for you too! Whether you’re just getting started on LinkedIn or you’ve been using it for years, there’s always room to improve and make your profile work harder for you.

Do you have any LinkedIn tips or success stories to share?

I’d love to hear them!

And if you’re looking to update your headshot or create a new cover image that truly represents you, let’s chat—

I’d be happy to help you capture your new LinkedIn profile image and branding shots!

Love & Light

Ingrid xx