The 'about' section may be the only part of your profile that gets read. Make it count...
The pivotal part of your LinkedIn Profile is the summary or 'about' section. It needs to be there. It may be the only part of your profile visitors read after your headline.
Don't omit it: You are more than just your experience, so tell us your story here, above everything else on your profile.
Remember that your profile will not reach what LinkedIn terms 'all-star' status unless you include an 'about' section - so including it gives you better search visibility across Linkedin at a stroke.
Profiles that are not 'all-star' will appear further down search results. And how often do you read beyond page 2 or 3 of any search results?
Use the first four lines of your 'about' section creatively, because that's what people will see BEFORE they trouble to click to 'See more'.
Remember that the '…see more' link doesn't even look like a link on the page - it's just like ordinary text. You are aiming here to earn a click.
A snappy opening can make the difference as to whether visitors even bother to click, or read anything else before they click away.
So, to summarise, your 'about' section's opening 4 lines or 300 characters need to tell the reader the concise story of you. It's like an elevator pitch.
What is your core area of expertise?
What's your big passion outside of work?
When did you make a major change in your career?
Why do you specialise in that particular niche area of the market?
What useful free information do you have to offer people?
How can you solve my problems?
Who have you solved problems for before?
How can you save me money?
Show me numbers! How have you moved the needle in your work?
Who can vouch for this - who's recommended you, worked with you, or published you?
How can I easily contact you, find out more, or speak to you?
Write in the first person singular - "I". Don't use the third person "David Petherick makes you visible, legible..." - it's anachronistic and stilted.
You are having a virtual conversation with someone one-to-one. Talk normally, as if you were having a relaxed conversation, and don't stuff your about section with clichés or jargon.
You can also add any relevant URLs to your online resources here. These are not clickable, but people can readily copy and paste,. Make it easy for people to get in touch with you.
Remember you can also add media to your page close to the about section, and add media and links to your experience sections.
This is the new 'featured' section. This appears near the top of your profile.
It allows you to place Presentations, Infographics or Photos, PDF Documents, SoundCloud files, or links to specific website pages, landing pages or other resources.
This is like having a free digital billboard on your profile - you have the opportunity to add visual interest, highlight your key messages and provide links for more information. Use it!
If you want more guidance, I've written a blog on adding media to your profile.
