15 Tips to Build a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake. Here's how to make it count with practical, no-nonsense advice on building a profile that actually gets noticed.
Your LinkedIn profile pic is your first impression – like a digital handshake. People make snap judgements, so you want to look the part. Here's everything you need to know to level up your LinkedIn presence.
1. Choose the Right Profile Picture
Your LinkedIn profile pic is your first impression – like a digital handshake. People make snap judgements, so you want to look the part. Here's the gist:
- Use a recent photo – not one from five haircuts ago.
- Make sure your face takes up about 60% of the frame – no point using a pic where you're a tiny dot in the distance.
- Wear what you'd rock at work – whether that's a button-up or high-vis, keep it relevant.
- And don't forget to smile with your eyes – no mugshots, mate.
Keep it clean, clear, and confident – it'll go a long way.
2. Upload a Background Photo
Your background photo's the second thing people see on your LinkedIn — right behind your mugshot. It's a chance to grab their attention, show what you're about, and make your profile stand out from the crowd.
Pick something that tells a bit of your story — whether it's your industry, your passion, or just something that sets the vibe. A good background pic adds personality and makes you way more memorable. So don't leave it blank!
3. Don't Just Chuck Your Job Title in the Headline
There's no rule that says your headline has to be just your job title — that's the bare minimum. Use that space to say something a bit more you. What do you actually do? What drives you? What makes you different?
Think of it like your elevator pitch — short, sharp, and a bit of personality goes a long way. If you know any sales reps who are killing it on LinkedIn, check out their profiles — they've probably gone way beyond "Account Manager" and made it stand out. Steal a bit of inspiration if you have to.
4. Tell Your Story in the Summary
First things first — don't skip your summary. You'd be surprised how many people leave it blank and miss the chance to actually show who they are.
This is your shot to tell your story, not just rattle off a list of job titles or buzzwords. Talk about why you do what you do, what your skills actually mean in real life, and how you make a difference for the people you work with.
It doesn't have to be perfect on the first crack. Spend a bit of time on it, write a couple of versions, and maybe get a mate to have a read. Think of it as your personal intro — it's worth getting right.
5. Keep Your Skills List Current & Comprehensive
Here's a quick win — go through LinkedIn's skills list and pick the ones that actually matter to what you do. It helps back up what you've said in your headline and summary, and gives others a reason to throw you an endorsement or two.
But here's the catch — keep it relevant. A massive list of random skills you haven't touched in years just clutters things up. Give it a tidy every now and then. Think of it like a shed clean-out — keep the good gear, ditch the junk.
6. Give a Bit to Get a Bit
Endorsements are a great way to show you actually know your stuff — they back up your skills and boost your cred. Want more of them? Start by giving a few out yourself.
Scroll through your connections and back the ones who genuinely deserve it. Most people will return the favour without you even asking. But if you reckon someone's endorsement would really mean something, don't be shy — flick 'em a quick, polite message and ask.
Just make sure it's relevant. Ask people who've seen you in action or know what you're about — not randoms you met once at a BBQ.
7. Take Charge of Your Endorsements
Once people start endorsing you, your profile can drift off course a bit. You might be a gun at content marketing, but if your event mates are the loudest cheer squad, LinkedIn might start making you look like an event planner.
The fix? Stay on top of it. Jump into your Skills section and use the edit tools — you can choose which endorsements to show off and which ones to tuck away. Make sure what's front and centre actually reflects what you're best at.
8. Ask for a Recommendation
Endorsements are a good start — they show what you're known for at a glance. But if you really want to level up your profile, go after some recommendations.
These are proper testimonials from people you've worked with — real stories about what it's like to work alongside you. There's a handy little dropdown in the Recommendations section where you can ask specific contacts for one.
Don't just spray and pray — think about who you actually want a rec from, and take a sec to personalise your message. A thoughtful ask goes a long way — and a solid recommendation is worth its weight in gold.
9. Show You're Keen to Learn
If you've knocked over a course on LinkedIn Learning, don't let it just sit there — show it off. You can add a course certificate straight to your profile from your Learning History.
It's a simple way to let people know you're still sharpening your skills — and if you want, you can even share it with your network to keep them in the loop. Shows you're switched on and always learning — and that never goes out of style.
10. Share the Love
The marketing collateral that you produce for your business can add an extra dimension to your own profile as well. Sharing case studies, white papers, news articles and other brand content helps to show what the business you work for is all about – and helps people understand what makes you tick.
It demonstrates passion and commitment as well.
Just make sure what you're sharing is relevant and meaningful. Also, LinkedIn isn't great for controversy and humour. Post with extreme caution. HR is watching.
11. No Comment?
Sharing posts is a good start, but if you want to actually show up in people's feeds and get noticed, make a comment too.
A quick thought about why you're sharing something adds value — whether you agree with it, disagree, or just reckon it's worth a look. It helps shape how people see you and starts building your voice on LinkedIn.
Plus, thoughtful comments tend to get people talking, which means more eyes on your profile. Just remember — whatever you post, make sure it's something you'd be happy to have your name attached to.
Be a cheerleader for all your friends & colleagues. Every like and comment propels them forward. Remember, a rising tide raises all boats.
12. Follow the Big Names in Your Industry
Following the right people in your field keeps your feed full of solid content — stuff you can share when it's worth passing on.
It also shows you're switched on and actually care about what you do. Whether it's a top voice, expert, or someone who just posts good gear, following the right influencers adds a bit of depth to your profile and helps you stay in the loop.
13. Showcase Your Services
If you're a freelancer, consultant, or running a small business, LinkedIn's Service Page feature is a gold way to put your offerings front and centre.
It's a free landing page where you can list the services you provide, and people can hit you up directly with job requests. Easy to set up, and it makes your profile look way more pro — especially if you're chasing new clients or gigs.
14. Jump In on Collaborative Articles
LinkedIn has rolled out something new called collaborative articles — kind of like AI-written conversation starters that the community builds on. They kick off with a base article, but they're really about hearing from real people in the know.
If you get invited to add your take, go for it. It's a great way to share your expertise, get your name out there, and be part of something that brings together different voices across your industry. Plus, it adds a bit of extra credibility to your profile.
15. Connect with Your Tribe
Connect with all your people. Connect with people you've worked with and you feel reasonably confident they want to see you to be more successful in the future.
Connect with Adam James on LinkedIn, flick him a message and mention if you read this article! You can also connect with the Fireside Business Advice page on LinkedIn.
Whether you're a founder, tradie, freelancer or just hungry to level up, you'll find no-nonsense tips, real talk, and tools that actually help from the amazing people in the Fireside community.
I hope this has been helpful. I've helped several people improve their LinkedIn profiles and they've seen instant results. If the advice in this article helps you to find a new great opportunity in your life and career, please let me know!
About the Author
Fireside Business Advice
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