LinkedIn is the world’s largest online professional network, populated with 530 million members in 200 countries and territories. The utility of the site has grown as it’s not only a place to communicate with existing contacts, but to forge new relationships and read insights from peers and thought leaders. More than 100,000 articles are published on LinkedIn each week. Every connection you make on the network taps you into 100 companies potentially looking for your skills and 400 new people you can get introduced to, according to LinkedIn.

One way to boost your image on LinkedIn is simply keeping your profile up to date. Sam Fields, senior institutional relationship specialist at Capital Group, shows you how, and when, to make changes to your LinkedIn profile to make sure your leveraging the network’s power in your professional development.

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Your LinkedIn profile is your online professional persona. Make it more effective by keeping it fresh.

Sam Fields 
Senior Institutional Relationship Specialist, Capital Group

An up-to-date LinkedIn profile signals to existing and potential clients that you’re serious about your professional development. If you haven’t checked your profile in at least the past three months, it’s time.

Check the photos

Start by checking the photos. An outdated headshot signals that your presence on LinkedIn is not a priority. Even if your photo is current, consider updating the background image. That’s the banner behind your headshot. Use this space to visually spotlight your area of expertise or niche, perhaps suggesting industries that your clients work in, or financial needs that you commonly address.

Update the headline

Is your profile headline current? Just listing registered investment advisor here is not compelling. Tell your unfolding story. 

A profile like “helping entrepreneurs optimize their personal wealth” is much more effective than just “financial advisor with decades of experience.” Update your summary as your skills increase, or as you add specific niches to your practice. If you’ve earned professional certifications, add those. Also, approve recommendations or endorsements that are left by others about you on LinkedIn. These positive comments can build credibility for your practice, but they only post to your profile if you approve them first.

Share professional interests

Lastly, share your professional interests. Did you read a useful article about retirement? Share it on your profile. And if you’ve written a new article yourself, consider posting that on your profile, as long as you follow your firm’s compliance guides.

Be sure to check your profile at least quarterly. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile can be a powerful calling card.