In 2025, LinkedIn is a strong tool for professional networking, career growth, and personal branding. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, looking to expand your business, or positioning yourself as a thought leader, an authentic LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. I am rolling up my sweater sleeves (because I am always cold) to research how to help you (and me) create a profile that truly stands out, drives engagement, and attracts the opportunities you’re seeking this year. To be honest, Yaneck is way ahead of me in the LinkedIn game and now I am catching up and sharing my process as I go along with this.

LinkedIn Banner

An example of my LinkedIn profile before I added the banner. Without the banner it looks like my profile lacks personality and it’s hard to tell if I am really engaged on here since I didn’t try to make it visually esthetic.

Your LinkedIn banner is just as important as your profile picture. I always tried to ignore this section but sprucing it up to flow with your profile really makes a difference.

When I started working on my banner, I want to show the highlights and the benefits I bring to others. When crafting your banner, think about your expertise, what services you offer services, or unique skills that make you stand out—along with a clear call to action.

My tagline on my banner as a branding photographer is “Headshots and Portraits that Elevate your Brand.” Here are some example taglines generated by Chat GPT for different industries: "Turning Connections into Conversions", "Where Strategy Meets Execution", "Bridging Technology and Business Success."

Instead of simply listing your qualifications, craft a banner that communicates the impact of your work and invites engagement. The focus should always be on how your expertise translates into tangible benefits for others.

Creating your LinkedIn banner is easier than you think. I used Canva to design the banner. It’s a user-friendly design tool that has customizable templates for LinkedIn banners. You can reach out to me to receive a copy of my template to customize it into your own style.

Pro Tip: Your banner’s color scheme should complement your profile picture to create a seamless and professional visual flow. When deciding on your banner colors, you can base it off of the colors that are used in your profile picture. This creates a nice design and also strengthens your brand identity.

Here is an example of Yanecks LinkedIn banner. Check out how the colors stand out and also complement each other.

Professional Photographs

One of the common mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn is posting a photo in their profile that is not a professional headshot. Some people crop their wedding photo, vacation photo, or another type of professional photo that is not a professional headshot.

What is the problem with using a photo not taken with the intentions of being used as a professional headshot? Firstly, the photo can be very distracting-if there is a busy background and it’s most likely not properly cropped. If the photo is from some kind of event, does your facial expression represent who you are as a professional?

Taking the time to schedule professional headshots and branding portraits will help you stand out on LinkedIn and communicate to the LinkedIn world that you take your professional identity seriously. When you go into a professional photo studio, there are seamless backdrop options that will not be distracting in your photographs, the proper professional lighting that is flattering, and you can expect to be coached on your facial expressions to make sure you are communicate the right message.

The orange arrows are headshots taken by WASIO faces. They have a clean vibrant look and are professional.

Besides headshots, there is the option to also have branding portraits taken. These can be more environmental portraits that capture you as a professional in your industry. Some people bring their laptops while others bring in their stethoscopes. It all depends on what industry you are in. Having a variety of professional photos to use is a great way to up your social media postings and ensure there is variety in your posts to make it more personable and thoughtful.

A.I. Headshots

I have some friends that have sent me their A.I. headshots and it’s always a great laugh! I think people try to go this route for convenience or they think that A.I. can make them look better than they are (because we are our own worst critics).

I have seen some decent A.I. headshots but I could tell they are not real based on the texture of the skin and most importantly the over glazed eyes are the real giveaway. I’m not saying not to try it out, but an artificially created headshot takes out the authenticity of who you are.

Put all of your insecurities aside and find a professional photography studio that will make you look amazing. Looking the best in professional photographs comes down to 3 important factors: Amazing lighting, posing that is flattering to your body type, getting the right facial expressions on your face (thats the photographers job).

Craft a Compelling Headline

Think of your headline as a mini elevator pitch. Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things that people see. What makes you unique and valuable in your field? Your strengths, expertise and passions can be a great start on how to craft a powerful headline.

For example, Yanecks quick elevator pitch for LinkedIn is: Helping professionals stand out with portraits & headshots | Orange Country LA 🌴 Got 5 + employees? I will fly ✈️ to shoot 📸 on-site for your team anywhere in the US 😲 send me a DM or use the link below ↙️

He clearly communicates what services he provides, his location, and his ability to travel for on-site sessions. Looking at his headline, you can see he’s passionate about what he does. He could’ve been bland and just wrote “headshot photographer making people photogenic.” Instead he bedazzled it and made it exciting and attention grabbing.

My current headline is: Professional Headshot & Portrait Photographer | Helping Brands Shine in Orange County & Nationwide | Turning Authentic Moments Into Impactful Images—All While Keeping You Smiling With My Secret Weapon: Stellar Jokes

I wanted to communicate that I will make people look and feel their best selves through my ability to connect with people through humor.

How to use the link under your profile picture

Think about how to make a catchy link to drive more traffic to your website.

Take advantage of everything LinkedIn has to offer. Directly under your headline, there’s an option to include a clickable link to direct visitors to a specific destination. As a headshot photographer, Yaneck strategically uses this feature to entice visitors to explore the website and take advantage of a special promotion. Instead of using a generic phrase like "check out our work," Yaneck crafted an engaging call-to-action: "Get 50% off your headshot session!" Heck yes I want a deal on my headshot!

This approach not only grabs attention but also provides a clear incentive for visitors to take the desired action. Think creatively about how you can use this space to convert profile views into meaningful interactions, whether by offering exclusive deals, showcasing a portfolio, or promoting a unique service.

Optimize Your About Section

Reminder that just because LinkedIn is a professional tool for the job market, networking and more, it doesn’t mean that your profile has to be sterile and boring like an old school resume. The “About” section is another critical part of your LinkedIn profile because it offers the opportunity to showcase your unique professional story through your own perspective. This is your opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal and professional level so please write in first person form. We know you are writing your own “about you” section and there is no one there writing it for you, throw out the third person form, please!

Here’s how to structure it effectively:

Start with a powerful opening: Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling hook that reflects your passion, mission, or a standout accomplishment.
Highlight key accomplishments and skills: Use concise paragraphs or bullet points to emphasize your expertise and measurable impacts. Spotlight how your skills have added value to past roles or projects.
End with a clear call-to-action: Invite people to connect, visit your website, or explore your work further. A strong close encourages engagement and interaction, which is vital for building meaningful professional relationships.

By crafting a thoughtful and engaging “About” section, you position yourself as not just a professional, but a trusted expert that cares about getting the job done.

Featured Section

The Featured section is a strategic area of your LinkedIn profile where you showcase your most important achievements, resources, and media to make a lasting impression. Use this section to highlight the top key elements around your professional image such as links to your portfolio, notable articles, podcast features, or a compelling "Contact Me" page. By carefully curating this space, you ensure that visitors see the content that defines your professional brand and expertise.

Activity on LinkedIn

Right below the featured section, LinkedIn displays your activity—a record of your posts, comments, and interactions. Regular activity demonstrates that you’re not just present, but actively contributing to your field and engaging with your network. By sharing meaningful insights, commenting thoughtfully on posts, and participating in discussions, you showcase your expertise and commitment to your industry.

Remember, LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume—it’s a dynamic space to cultivate relationships and showcase your value by offering advice, sharing resources, or celebrating others' achievements. Having active engagement positions you as a thought leader, builds trust with your audience, and fosters authentic connections.

Dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to meaningful interactions, whether by liking, commenting, or sharing valuable content (thats my goal for this year). Consistency here can translate into career opportunities, partnerships, and long-term professional growth.

Create and Share Content

This goes hand-in-hand with the staying active on LinkedIn. Establish yourself as a thought leader by consistently sharing valuable content that showcases your expertise. Publish insightful articles on LinkedIn’s platform to address industry trends, tackle challenges, or share lessons from your professional journey. Engage with others’ posts to build meaningful discussions and position yourself as a go-to authority in your field.

Showcase Your Experience Strategically

Your experience on LinkedIn, should focus on showcasing results rather than being boring and describing your job duties. Use dynamic, action-oriented language (like execute, implement, optimize, etc) and provide measurable outcomes whenever possible to give potential employers or collaborators a clear understanding of your impact. Give it some life versus being sterile!

For example:

Instead of: Managed team operations.

Try: Led a cross-functional team of 10 developers, delivering a new product on time and boosting user engagement by 40% within six months.

This shift in language highlights not just what you did, but how you contributed value, making your experience stand out in a competitive marketplace and bringing excitement to your achievements. Shifting your perspective to clearly articulate how your skills and experience bring value to a company is one of the most powerful ways to enhance your profile. Show-off how you align with organizational goals, solve problems, and drive results, making you stand out to recruiters and potential collaborators.

Highlight Your Skills and Endorsements

The Skills section on LinkedIn is a powerful way to showcase your expertise and make your profile stand out. Focus on adding skills that align with your career goals and are relevant to your industry. Prioritize your top three skills, as these are prominently displayed on your profile and attract the most attention.

To boost credibility, request endorsements from colleagues, clients, or supervisors who can vouch for your abilities. Additionally, include industry-specific terms to enhance your profile's searchability and appeal to recruiters looking for specific expertise.

Leverage Recommendations

Recommendations from peers, managers, or clients enhances your profile's credibility. Don’t shy away from requesting targeted recommendations that emphasize your core strengths and achievements. Reaching out to former colleagues or collaborators is also an excellent way to reconnect and strengthen professional relationships organically. Send them a fun message along with the request to put a smile on their face!

Verify Your LinkedIn Profile

Verifying your LinkedIn profile is a quick and straightforward step that adds an essential layer of credibility and authenticity to your online presence. Through the LinkedIn mobile app, you’ll be guided by the Clear verification process.

This involves taking a selfie (removing glasses if applicable) and scanning a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Once submitted, the process typically takes seconds to complete. After you’ve been verified, a checkmark appears next to your name, signaling to visitors that your profile is authentic and verified.

A verified profile not only establishes trust with potential connections but also helps you stand out in a professional and increasingly competitive environment.

Bonus Topics to Strengthen your Profile

Free vs Premium Features

Still deciding whether to update or stick to the free plan? LinkedIn's Free and Premium features cater to different levels of professional needs. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Free Features:

-Basic Profile Access: You can create and maintain a professional profile, connect with others, and join groups.

-Messaging Connections: Send messages to people within your network.

-Job Applications: Apply for jobs posted on LinkedIn and see a limited number of job insights.

-Content Sharing: Post updates, articles, and engage with content from others in your network.

Premium Features:

-Expanded Networking: Premium users can see who's viewed their profile and gain access to extended network information.

-InMail Messages: Send direct messages to people outside your immediate network, ideal for outreach and networking.

-Job Insights: Gain access to detailed job market insights, including competitive salary information and applicant analytics.

-LinkedIn Learning: Access courses to develop new skills or improve existing ones, tailored to your career goals.

-Profile Optimization: Stand out with "Open to Work" and "Featured Applicant" badges for job searches.

-Advanced Search Tools: Filter searches more precisely for recruitment or networking purposes.

Why It Matters:

LinkedIn Premium can give users an advantage by making their profile more discoverable and enhancing their ability to network effectively. Choosing between Free and Premium depends on your career goals and how actively you plan to use LinkedIn as a tool.

Use Keywords Strategically

Using keywords strategically on LinkedIn is key to boosting your visibility to recruiters and industry professionals. Start by identifying relevant keywords through job descriptions, competitor profiles, and industry trends. Focus on terms frequently associated with your desired role or expertise, such as skills, tools, or certifications.

Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your profile. Use them in your headline to showcase your value proposition (e.g., Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO & PPC Expert), weave them into your About section while narrating your professional story, and highlight them in your Experience section by focusing on measurable accomplishments.

By following these tips, you’ll create a LinkedIn profile that not only captures attention but also opens doors to new opportunities in 2025, I hope it does the same for me! Remember, your profile is a living document—keep refining it as your career evolves.