20 Essential LinkedIn Profile Features to Update for 2025
If you are looking to revamp your LinkedIn profile and elevate your personal brand, here is a checklist of 20 must-update profile features for 2025. Some are quick wins, while others might require a bit more time and thought, but all will help showcase the professional image you deserve.
Choose the Right Profile Picture
Your profile picture is your first impression. Make sure it is recent, clearly shows your face (about 60% of the frame), reflects what you would wear to work, and exudes a friendly demeanor—smiling with your eyes goes a long way.
Add a Background Photo
The background photo is your opportunity to add context to your profile. It grabs attention and reflects your personal or professional interests, making your profile memorable.
Enhance Your Headline Beyond Your Job Title
Your headline is not restricted to your job title. Use it to share what drives you, how you approach your work, or what makes you unique in your field.
Record Your Name Pronunciation
Avoid mispronunciations and help connections address you correctly by recording your name pronunciation. This feature is easy to set up and adds a professional touch.
Turn Your Summary into Your Story
Many profiles lack a summary, but this is prime real estate for your story. Avoid listing skills and titles; instead, illustrate why your experience matters and the impact it has. Take your time and refine it to resonate with your audience.
Avoid Overused Buzzwords
Words like ‘strategic,’ ‘experienced,’ and ‘passionate’ are common but often unconvincing. Instead, demonstrate these qualities through achievements and specific examples in your profile.
Grow Your Network
Sync your profile with your email contacts to discover potential connections. Make a habit of sending LinkedIn requests after meetings or conversations to keep your network active.
List Relevant Skills
Identify and list skills that align with your current career focus. This not only strengthens your profile but also invites endorsements that build credibility.
Endorse Your Connections
Endorsing others often prompts them to return the favor. Be genuine and selective in endorsing skills, as this fosters trust and mutual support.
Manage Endorsements Proactively
Review and organise your endorsements to ensure your profile reflects your key strengths. You can hide endorsements that don’t align with your main expertise.
Request Recommendations
Recommendations offer in-depth insights into your work ethic and collaborations. Customise your request to specific people to increase the chances of receiving valuable testimonials.
Showcase Your Learning
Add LinkedIn Learning certificates to highlight your commitment to personal development. These certifications can be added from your Learning History and shared with your network.
Share Media and Collateral
Upload case studies, white papers, or other relevant materials to your profile to give a richer view of your professional contributions and interests.
Share Relevant Content
Being active in your network involves more than having connections. Share content that aligns with your field and perspectives to stay visible and relevant.
Add Thoughtful Comments
Engaging with shared content by adding comments shows your viewpoint and builds your reputation as a thought leader. Make sure your comments are insightful and reflect your professional image.
Follow Industry Influencers
Following key influencers enriches your feed with valuable content that you can share and discuss, adding context to your professional profile.
Enable Creator Mode
Activate Creator Mode to access LinkedIn tools that help you grow your audience and enhance your profile’s reach.
Spotlight Your Services
Use LinkedIn Service Pages if you are a consultant or freelancer to highlight the services you offer. It is a free way to promote your work and attract new clients.
Contribute to Collaborative Articles
Engage in LinkedIn’s collaborative articles for an opportunity to showcase your expertise and earn a “Top Voice” badge. These articles combine AI prompts and member insights to build industry-specific discussions.
Consider LinkedIn Sales Navigator
If growing your business is a key goal, Sales Navigator can be a game-changer. It helps you build more connections and secure more meaningful deals.
By addressing these 20 aspects of your LinkedIn profile, you will set yourself up for a strong professional presence in 2025.