September 2, 2025

Social Media Made Simple: Is Your LinkedIn Profile Telling the Right Story?

First impression or second look—people are checking out your LinkedIn profile to learn about you. It tells a story about who you are and what others can expect from you. Is yours representing you well?

Welcome to Article 3 of Social Media Made Simple—a series built to help you get more out of social media without overthinking it.

 

We’ve talked about how social media is a tool, how tagging and hashtags can help you get noticed, and how small actions can help expand your reach. Now we’re turning our focus to your LinkedIn profile—your digital handshake.

 

Why does your profile matter? Because in today’s world, people often look you up online before they meet you in person. And sometimes, they go there for a second look. Whether they’re a potential customer, new colleague, or future connection, your profile gives them a snapshot of who you are and what you do.

 

Your profile doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be polished, current, and working to your benefit. Here are a few quick updates you should apply sooner rather than later to make sure you’re sending the right message. And don't let them sit on your to-do list; most will only take you a few minutes!

 

Update Your Photo

Choose a clear, professional-looking picture of yourself. It doesn’t need to be formal and you don’t need a studio shoot—just good lighting and a genuine smile. Make sure it’s up to date. Your headshot shouldn’t come across as a Throwback Thursday.

 

Using AI to create or touch it up? Just make sure the end result still looks like the real you. This quick-read from The Guardian outlines the telltale signs of AI-generated images. Keep these in mind to make sure yours isn’t raising red flags or sending the wrong message.

 

Refresh Your Headline

This is the short line that appears under your name.

Instead of just listing your job title, add a little personality or value.

 Examples:

  • Inside Sales | Connecting You with the Metals Your Supply Chain Depends On
  • Sales Representative | Partnering to Keep Your Supply Chain on Track
  • HR - Recruiter | Sourcing Talent for the Future of Metals

 

Update Your About Section

This is your opportunity to speak directly to visitors.

A few sentences are plenty! Highlight what you do, what you bring to the table, and how you help customers or make an impact in your role. Keep it short, clear and focused.

 

Review Your Experience

Make sure your job titles, company names, and locations are correct. If you want to take it a step further, add a short sentence or two about what you do or did in each role, focusing on key skills, results or projects that show your value.


 

Here’s the takeaway: People are looking you up, and what they see shapes their impression. Your profile doesn’t need to say everything to be perfect; it just needs to be current and polished so it works to your benefit.

 

These simple profile-strengthening updates ensure it tells the story you want visitors to leave with—a story that gives them every reason to see you as the go-to for what matters most to them.

 

Coming Up Next:

With your profile polished, it’s time to put it to work. In the next article, we’ll cover posting with purpose. We’ll break down what and when to post, and share quick tips for crafting simple, high-impact posts that keep you visible.

 

In the meantime, check out our Social Media Toolkit for post ideas, ready-to-use resources, and additional tips to make your social media work for you.