LinkedIn can be a great resource for finding prospective clients and expanding you professional network. While it is simple to set up an account, you may be missing some key elements that can make sure your profile does not get lost in the crowd.  

You created a LinkedIn profile in hopes to expand your professional network and grow your business. Just setting up a LinkedIn account is not enough, with over 400 million professionals on LinkedIn and 122 million in the US alone, you will need to know some tips and tricks to make your profile stand out.  

But don’t panic – we’re here to help. Following these few tips and tricks can help improve your profile for better discoverability and in turn, results.

1. Don't Be Shy

When sprucing up your profile, be as detailed as possible and don't leave anything out. Make sure you fill out your profile as completely as you can and try not to skip any sections unless it doesn’t apply to you. Consider your LinkedIn profile to be your e-Resumé. It should highlight your experience, achievements, skills and services. Be sure to add specific skills to the “Skills & Endorsements” feature, so that prospective clients can get a feel for your specialties as well as see endorsements written about you by your colleagues.    

2. Be friendly

It's difficult to introduce yourself and convey personality through text, so be sure to use a friendly tone. Open your summary profile in a friendly manner to engage with your visitors. For example:

“Hello and Welcome! My name is John Smith and I specialize in Wealth Management with a focus on Estate Planning. If you would like to speak to me about my services, please send me a message!”

A friendly tone in your summary will make you seem approachable and lets your profile visitors know you are open to being contacted. Try to keep up a friendly tone throughout your summary and be sure to include specific details about who you are and what you do.

3. Where are You?

Don't make it difficult for a visitor to find out where you're located. Get specific about where you work. This will help you find local business opportunities and new clients in your area. Be sure to include your office location in summary and also few times in your work history.

Example: In your Summary write "I deal with clients in the Woodbury, New York area and throughout Nassau County."

4. Customize Your URL

A customized URL will allow people to remember and easily find you, and it’s free! This makes your profile public and much more discoverable on search engines. THIS IS HUGE. SEO rankings or Search Engine Optimization rankings refer to how discoverable a web page is by search engines. Making this quick fix to your URL gives you a big boost in Google rankings which will help your prospective clients find you much easier.

Step 1: To customize your public profile URL, roll over “Profile”  on the top left of your home page, 

Step 2:  Select “Edit Profile” on the drop down menu. 

Step 3:  Then you’ll see “Customize your public URL” on the top right of your screen. Simply type in your personal URL in the box below. 

And viola! You now have a custom URL

5. Share Content

Use the “Share an Update” feature to comment of industry news and share articles. Pumping out your own content through updates and posts is especially important for Financial Advisors to show expertise and adaptability to changing industry trends, which will position you as a knowledgeable, credible, and informed advisor. 

6. Publish a post

If you really want to make an impression - get writing! Use the “Publish a Post” feature to contribute your professional insights, experience, and opinions in a blog format. This tool allows for users to publish long-form thoughtful content and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry.

7. LinkedIn Doesn't Sleep

Don't make the mistake of setting up your profile and saying, "I'm Done!" Social media is a constant platform for communication which requires consistent attention to get results. Monitoring your account every day and posting on a regular basis will keep you involved with your professional contacts and top of mind with possible new clients.

About Vanderbilt Financial Group:  Founded in 1965 and located in Woodbury, NY, Vanderbilt Financial Group is an Independent Broker Dealer known as the Sustainable Broker Dealer committed to investing with purpose. The firm offers Impact Investments in socially and/or environmentally responsible, ethical, and impactful opportunities. In 2014 the firm was recognized with the MAP Vital Factors Solutions® Presidential Award for achieving excellence through implementing the MAP Management System™ and in 2015 became the first LEED Platinum office building on Long Island. Vanderbilt’s refreshing, unique, and innovative culture is a driving force to constantly strive to positively impact their community. To learn more, check out http://joinvanderbilt.com/.