{"id":31164,"date":"2018-09-27T16:15:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T16:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandignitybeta.com\/demo\/brandlatest\/2018\/09\/27\/optimize-linkedin-profile-header\/"},"modified":"2018-09-27T16:15:00","modified_gmt":"2018-09-27T16:15:00","slug":"optimize-linkedin-profile-header","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/brandignitybeta.com\/demo\/brandlatest\/optimize-linkedin-profile-header\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Header and Trigger a Torrent of Leads"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"linkedin<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LinkedIn is the undisputed king of social networks for professionals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With over 562 million users in more than 200 countries worldwide LinkedIn has a global reach. Plus, the network makes up more than 50%<\/a> of all social traffic to B2B websites and blogs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Facebook has more people, LinkedIn is the preferred network for pros \u2014 those who connect with the sole goal of doing business not just socialize. It\u2019s the most business-friendly social site.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a serious brand LinkedIn is the place to be. But being there is not enough. You have to get noticed by keeping tabs on the platform\u2019s best practices<\/a> and use them to stay ahead of the pack. Plus, you\u2019ve got to find a way to attract the right people to connect with you. That starts with optimizing the first thing people see when they view your profile page: the header area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before we get into the meat and potatoes, maybe you\u2019re asking yourself:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is LinkedIn worth it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The answer is a resounding yes. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LinkedIn: The Social Platform You Can\u2019t Afford To Ignore<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Think LinkedIn is all hype and no substance?<\/p>\n

Not at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This platform is a marketing goldmine. It\u2019s number one when it comes to a crucial metric all serious brands watch like a hawk: leads. That\u2019s why LinkedIn must be part of your overall marketing strategy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"LinkedIn<\/p>\n

Source: Foundation<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clearly, LinkedIn is a lead-gen super-power. It makes all other ways of generating leads through social media seem like child\u2019s play. Ignore it at your own peril. But to get those leads you\u2019ve got to set up your profile wisely, especially the header area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the part of your profile page people see first<\/em>. Botch it and prospects click away. Nail it and they stay on and give you a chance to engage them further\u2014 and woo them into your funnel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not only that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Your header area is above the fold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

People see your header without having to scroll. Through it, you\u2019ve got to convince would-be customers it\u2019s worthwhile for them to scroll down and find out more about you and your brand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A good header does four things well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Makes a good first impression.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Keeps readers on your profile page.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Sparks interest in what you do.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. Boosts your authority.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    To achieve all this you\u2019ve got to fine-tune and optimize three key elements of your header area.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Your Photo.<\/strong><\/li>\n
    2. Your Image.<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. Your Headline.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Let me show you how.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Your Profile Photo: A Priceless Visual First Impression<\/h2>\n
      \n

      People\u2019s gaze naturally gravitates towards human faces.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      So the first thing prospects will look at is your profile photo. And, they\u2019re not just staring. Something deeper is going on.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Here\u2019s the thing.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      People make rush judgments about you solely based on how you look. Think that\u2019s not fair? Well, sorry, it\u2019s what it is.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Maybe you think you can make do without one? Bad idea. Not having a profile photo causes people\u2019s minds go into overdrive and make negative assumptions about you like:<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n