Optimising your LinkedIn profile

Boost your profile in LinkedIn with a few easy modifications to the default settings and not only will you create a more compelling profile, it will also be optimal for the LinkedIn search function, general search engines such as Google, and will add link value back to your website or blog.

Using the screen dump below of my personal profile, Craig White, at LinkedIn, you will notice the following;

• You can edit the "Current" description. This is a user definable field that you can use to get your personal value proposition across. "Owner" may be apt to describe your position - it doesn't do much to describe what you do or how you can help others.

• The usual default settings for "Websites" are "My Website" or "My Blog". However, by selecting "Other" in the editing function you can add any Anchor Text to the appropriate web address. I want you to be able to find a Website Optimisation Company and read my Search Engine Marketing Blog.

• Next, you can also edit your "Public Profile", so why not having something meaningful and search engine friendly, as opposed to the usual http://au.linkedin.com/pub/joe-smith/14/978/882.

A few key changes and you've developed a user friendly profile that's attributes link value to your online marketing channels and helps you profile to be heard above the noise from within LinkedIn

Also, remember to add a company profile in the "Companies" area of LinkedIn and use the same philosophy as above when completing user defined fields.