Standout on Linkedin: checklist for consultants and thought leaders

With 100 points in hand, celebrate and score your progress towards standing out on Linkedin and highlight areas of improvement.

	Score
Target audience You’re clear on who you wish to reach through Linkedin		/5
Photo tips here Warm, welcoming, engaging, close-up, clear, professional?* Background / Header photo that represents what you do		/10
Name Clear & professional first and last name?		/5
Headline tips here and here* Attractive, engaging, professional & searchable?		/10
Custom URL *’how to’ is here		/5
Contact Information Clear & professional way to contact via email and/or phone Links to extra information such as websites, Blog, Portfolio, & Twitter All contact info engages people to get in contact		/5
Summary First sentence is highly attractive Engaging, succinct, jam-packed with great experience relevant to your future desired work & includes words your target reader will use in their search for someone with your experience Website links, presentations, videos and other content adding colour and further info below Summary words		/10
Experience Last 2 – 3 roles at least Organisations’ logos appear beside each role (for the org’s that are on Linkedin) Each role title includes many words (in the terminology your target audience uses) so you are highly searchable Website links, presentations, videos and other content below words to add colour and further info		/5
Recommendations At least 3 recommendations from clients, colleagues, high profile leaders and/or influential, industry people		/15
Skills tips here and here*		/5
Other sections Honors & Awards showcase your accolades and include your internal awards Following at least 3 credible and impressive influencers, 3 news and 3 companies Other sections included that inspire you, such as Education, Volunteering Roles, Certification, Projects Publications – add your impressive online content Additional Organisations – if relevant, add that you’re a Member or Fellow of an organisation)		/5
Admin Checked spelling and grammar Delete anything that’s duplicated Consistent formatting Most email notifications are off, important ones are on Time allocated to check Linkedin and do maintenance each week		/10
Growing your Audience Some or all of profile is public Gain feedback on your profile from people who represent those you wish to attract and colleagues Link to your Linkedin profile is included in your email signature Liking and commenting on relevant information in newsfeed where your target audience is engaging Clear rules for accepting a Linkedin invitation Connected with previous colleagues, industry peers and others by connecting your address book / email list Joined 3 relevant groups to start, finding relevant ones where your target audience hangs out Acknowledge others through Recommendations You have included terminology your target audience uses throughout your profile and your tagline, summary, role titles and descriptions all include the words your target audience will use in their searches		/10