LinkedIn Language Power

Are you hoping to impress clients, prospects, partners, candidates, or hiring managers? Your LinkedIn profile is rich with the opportunity to do just that. The language and wording you select for LinkedIn may have a bearing on who finds you as a starter. It also has the power to create a first and lasting impression on every profile viewer.

Brand Voice

Are you aware that you have a “brand voice?” Assuming you agree that you have a personal brand, the next step is to think about your voice. How do you come across? What impression are you creating with your profile and content? What personal qualities shine through when you post? Some people come across as overly boastful or sales-y. I strive to be known as a helpful expert who is client-focused. I also comment frequently about my key values and professional interests. Make sure your brand voice is precisely what you intend it to be.

First vs. Third Person

Can you imagine me writing my profile starting with “Sandra Long….” Well, neither can I. Therefore, I always recommend writing in the first person tense to make the profile more compelling and story-like. Yes, I want to make it sound interesting to the reader. I want my tone to be friendly, non-boasting, helpful, and personal, so the first person tense is key to that strategy.

About Essay

Try writing a compelling first-person About essay that focuses on how you help clients, solve problems, or highlight key learnings, instead of a summary of accomplishments that are already listed throughout the rest of the profile. Consider sharing your personal or professional story at the beginning of your About section. See what a difference it makes!

Keywords and Search

What about 🔑 keywords? I am sure you know about keywords for your company website. The good news is that the LinkedIn platform has extensive search capabilities as well. People may be looking for experts like you in the LinkedIn people search, and you want YOUR profile to appear!

Let's consider the example of a CPA. A prospect using LinkedIn for a focused people search may enter “Accountant” or “CPA.” If you have a unique specialty or focus for your business, be sure to add that additional language as well. Be as specific as possible with your keyword selections. Consider adding the words staff, project, cost, forensic, or management in front of the term accounting or accountant so you will be found for exactly what matters.

Keywords are not only relevant to a search, as they also impact your brand impression. Try to use them naturally and not just apply awkwardly. They should also be an accurate reflection of you, your experience, and your brand. Consider what you want to be found for and what you want to be hired for. As you evaluate your keyword options, be aware that there are many variations of phrases and words.

Power Words

Leverage power 🔌 words. Use client-oriented and robust action verbs and metrics on your profile, especially in the Experience section. Instead of describing your work as “responsible for XYZ,” consider using more powerful verbs such as advising, creating, planning, developing, or launching. Be careful of adjectives such as motivated and passionate, which are overused. The strong language will be more attractive to your prospects.

Final Thoughts

Finally, make sure your descriptions include complete sentences and paragraphs along with lists when appropriate. Yes, lists can be very effective, but you want to lead into your list with cohesive and comprehensive introductory wording. Many LinkedIn users add sentence fragments or snippets. Take a few minutes and position all the sections of your profile with complete descriptions. Feel free to use paragraphs and lists, but consider how they work together.

I always like to remind my clients to create white space around their writing for a polished look. Follow this by utilizing spelling or grammar software so that you can feel completely confident.

Language is power. Be authentic, accurate, specific, and truthful. Use the amazing tool 🛠 of language to differentiate yourself, be found, and create the very best digital impressions.

Copyright @ 2021. Sandra Long. All Rights Reserved.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the Author:

Sandra Long is President of Post Road Consulting LLC and the author of the best-selling book “LinkedIn for Personal Branding; The Ultimate Guide.”

Sandra loves to speak to live, virtual, and podcast audiences. She is proud to be a TEDx Speaker. Her 2019 talk was the first LinkedIn-focused TEDx speech. The topic was LinkedIn Community. Sandra is a member of the National Speakers Association. She also partners with CPA Crossings, Framework Television, and Bill Soroka.

Follow Sandra Long and Post Road Consulting for more LinkedIn ideas, strategies, and tips.