16 LinkedIn Profile Examples: Profile Optimization 101

LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting; it’s where professionals build networks, grow personal brands, connect with customers, and close deals. But with over 1.1 billion members, it’s tough to stand out. Whether you’re job hunting or searching for your next hire, an optimized profile is key.

A strong LinkedIn profile does four things:

• Showcases credibility and skills 
• Builds trust across your network  
• Highlights results you’ve delivered for others 
• Expands your network    

Ready to get more out of your Linkedin profile? 

LinkedIn Profile Optimization 101: Tips & Examples

Choose a Strong Profile Picture

A strong LinkedIn profile starts with a clear, professional profile picture. Profiles with photos are 7x more likely to be viewed, so it’s worth the effort to make yours stand out. 

Avoid blurry or unprofessional pictures as they can hurt your chances during a job search. Instead, consider investing in a professional headshot. Most great LinkedIn photos are simple: shoulders up, eye contact, and a confident smile. 

Make sure the photo is recent, looks like you, and your face takes most of the frame. Skip full-body shots or waist-up pictures. For the best quality, upload an image at least 400 x 400 px. 

Take a look at the examples below. Both profile photos are high-quality, show confidence, and match the personal brand each person wants to project.

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Brand Your Background Photo

Your background photo shows more about who you are. It doesn’t have to include your face, but it should definitely be memorable. Add your logo, examples of your work, awards, testimonials, or choose an image that reflects your passions or industry. For best results, make sure the image is 1584 x 396 px or a 4:1 ratio.

Solid examples of LinkedIn background photos:

Nick Frost’s background clearly shows his focus on helping businesses grow on LinkedIn. The design is clean and professional, with clear text that explains his services. It’s strong, simple, and effective without feeling overwhelming.

Chris Do’s background shows his expertise in branding and design. It’s clean, uses his brand colors effectively, and highlights his role as a creative leader. The style reflects the high-quality work he’s known for.

Make the Headline Hit

Your headline sits at the top of your profile and gives you 220 characters to explain what you do. A great headline grabs attention and gets people to click your profile. In fact, profiles with strong headlines get 30% more views. It’s also 46% more important to prospects than your work experience. 

A great LinkedIn headline follows three simple rules: tailor it to your audience, highlight your value, and include the right keywords. 

Focus on terms like your job title, skills, location, or services you offer to boost visibility. Use specific, searchable terms to help recruiters find you. For example, instead of “Marketing Guru,” try “Digital Marketing Specialist.” It’s clear, professional, and broad enough to attract attention from multiple recruiters.

Solid examples of LinkedIn headlines:

Austin Belcak’s headline gets straight to the point: he helps people land better jobs without wasting time on endless online applications. His call to action, “Ready to land a great role...,” pulls people in, while his clear promise and proven results ($44K+ raises) build trust. The direct link makes it easy to take the next step.

Kasey Jones makes it clear who she helps and the result she delivers. She highlights her unique skills in strategy, branding, systems, and mindset to stand out. The line about being a “mix between Jocko Willink and Mr. Rogers” shows her personality and leadership style.

Share Your Story in the ‘About’ Section

Your personal bio (also known as LinkedIn summary or ‘About’ section) should tell your story and highlight what makes you stand out in just 2,600 characters. 

This isn’t the place to just list job titles or skills. Think about what someone reading your bio wants to know. Share your journey, highlight key achievements, and show what drives you. Talk about your expertise, vision, and future goals to make a real connection. 

Again, use keywords recruiters and clients might search for to boost your visibility. The clearer and more personal your bio, the better it works.

Great examples of LinkedIn summaries:

Eddie Shleyner’s ‘About’ section uses a warm, friendly tone to grab attention right away. He builds credibility by highlighting his role and the success of VeryGoodCopy, and industry leaders back his expertise. He wraps it up with a clear CTA, making it easy for people to engage. It’s a simple mix of personality and social proof.

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Rosie Sherry’s ‘About’ section is clear and focused. She speaks to two audiences: software testers and community builders. She offers specific ways to engage, like joining, exploring certifications, or attending events. Her personal details, like being a mother and neurodivergent, make it relatable. The tone is friendly, and the structure makes her offerings easy to understand.

Optimize Your ‘Featured’ Section

LinkedIn’s ‘Featured’ showcases your work right on your profile. Below the ‘About’ section, it’s easy for visitors to spot what matters most. Use it to highlight the projects you’re most proud of. After all, your LinkedIn is a personal portfolio in social media form, designed to show off your achievements. 

Great examples of LinkedIn ‘Featured’ sections:

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Neil Patel’s ‘Featured’ section is a mix of educational resources, services, and industry insights. Everything aligns with his expertise and gives real value to his LinkedIn audience.

Ann Handley’s ‘Featured’ section includes articles, a downloadable writing tips guide, and a link to her newsletter. She uses visuals that grab attention and showcase her skills as a marketing and writing expert. By mixing formats, she keeps it engaging while proving her expertise.

Add Your Work Experience

The ‘Work Experience’ section is one of the most important parts of your profile. Sure, your headline, profile picture, and summary grab attention, but your work experience is where potential leads decide if you’re the right fit.

Think about what your target audience wants to see. Write with them in mind. For example, if you’ve helped e-commerce brands increase their sales through strategic campaigns, showcase those wins clearly. 

You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had. Focus on the roles and achievements that align with your current career goals. 

Stick to strong, active verbs and keep your sentences short and engaging. Make your experience stand out. Words like drove, initiated, and established grab attention better than generic phrases like “key responsibilities.” 

Great examples of LinkedIn ‘Work Experience’ sections:

Katelyn Burgoin’s ‘Work Experience’ section stands out because it’s clear and impactful. She explains her roles in simple terms, focusing on the value she brings. Instead of just listing job titles, she turns her experience into concise, effective marketing messages that highlight her expertise.

Melanie Perkins's ‘Work Experience’ section provides a clear and concise description of the businesses she's built. She uses simple, straightforward language to highlight not just her role, but also explain how her products benefit customers.

Show Off Your Skills, Education, and Certifications

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t complete without filling out your education, skills, and credentials sections. Here’s how to make them count:

• Skills: You can add up to 100 skills, but stick to 10-15. This keeps your profile focused and makes it easier for recruiters to spot your strengths. Plus, your network can endorse these skills to boost your credibility.
• Education: Tailor your details to match the job you want. Highlight relevant courses, projects, or specializations that align with the role.
• Certifications: Certifications and professional development courses show you're serious about staying current in your field. Add workshops, seminars, or online courses to showcase your growth and make your profile stand out.

Examples:

Get Recommendations 

Recommendations really take things up a notch. They’re professional testimonials that show who you’ve worked with, what you’ve done, and what skills got you where you are.

If you want to improve your profile, ask your colleagues, clients, or even your college class for recommendations. But, focus on ones that align with your current role or career goals, and aim for at least one recommendation for every role listed on your LinkedIn profile. 

Great example of LinkedIn recommendations:

Guy’s recommendations highlight his influence in tech and marketing. These reviews are specific and show how much others value him as a leader.

Keep the Momentum Going with Botdog

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is just the beginning.

To really start building your network, staying active is key. Post those updates, leave clever comments, and keep the ball rolling. 

With Botdog, you can automate your LinkedIn outreach, send personalized messages, and build real relationships at scale, without spending hours every day.

Let Botdog handle the hard work so you can focus on what matters most—making real connections.  Start your free trial today!