LinkedIn's Power Profile Section
LinkedIn's power usage begins with keywords and content found in its Profile Section. Power comes from getting found. Use keywords to their fullest depth and breath. No detail is too minor. In the profile section you have the opportunity to tell your unique story and to flesh out all the points of interest that make you and your business unique and desirable.
Every word in your profile is searchable within LinkedIn, and every word that you make public is searchable by Google.
Maximizing the Profile Section
The Personal Identification Box is the first thing that appears on your profile. In addition to your name and photograph, you get 120 characters for your personal description or headline. "It is imperative for your headline to clearly express what your company does and/or what your business proposition is" according to Wayne Breitbarth, author of The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success. To make effective use of the limited space, some individuals maximize keywords by separating them with a pipe symbol or "|" which appears above the backslash key.
Summary Section
The Summary Section in LinkedIn allows 2,000 characters and, here again, Breitbarth recommends using every single character. Use this section to direct readers to other sections of your profile they might not see if they were simply skimming your profile for keywords.
Specialties
"Specialties" is a subsection under Summary. This is an excellent place to include keywords, including brands you'd like people to be aware of, and misspellings of critical words.
Experience Section
The Experience Section allows 2,000 characters for each job or educational entry. Here, too, the recommendation is to use every single character. Experience includes volunteer experience. Take the opportunity to include all experience, however far in the past. Elaborate with details such as position, accomplishments, experience gained, and awards. If you also consider industry-specific workshops, certifications, and training courses, the 2,000 character limit can be easily reached. According to Breitbarth, don't be afraid of using keywords multiple times if they naturally appear in different jobs you've held or skills you have gained.
Key Takeaway
Remember that all words are searchable. Every word in your profile is keyword searchable. Think in terms of all the possibilities of keywords that make you unique and desirable. This can be the highest level of work experience, your hobbles, interests, or associations. Because searches for you can include many items, having all the items listed is in your favor.