Early opinions are mixed. Some like the new look but LinkedIn have removed a few functions from the everyday free user and also the LinkedIn Premium Users. These include the removal of the tagging option, plus what appears to be a now a much more limited ‘Advanced Search’ option. Here you can find how to make the most of the new LinkedIn search.

LinkedIn says “The LinkedIn desktop redesign puts conversations and content at the center, making it easier than ever to be more productive and successful.”

This short video highlights new features and how to navigate the new LinkedIn.

If you’re anything like me then you’ll hate the changes – purely because they’re new and now you need to master the art of navigating the new LinkedIn (yet again). I also have no doubt that I’ll ‘get over it’ in a matter days once I’ve located all of the useful features, and frequent use means knowing where to find everything becomes second nature very quickly. I’m sure I’ll dislike the next changes just as much as I initially dislike these!

Personally, I think the new navigation bar has a ‘mobile app’ feel to it and I have seen many articles referring to the recent changes as “Looks just like Facebook”. For some this is not a problem, one article from wired said “People know how to use Facebook” but for others, the ones that despise the cross over between the two platforms already, this just further antagonises them.

Personally I think it’s not what LinkedIn looks like, but what it does that matters to me, but it’s clear we’re slowly being edged towards needing to pay for premium services to get the standard of LinkedIn we’ve become accustomed to in standard packages previously – but hey, we’ve all got to earn a living, even the big guys at LinkedIn!

Interested to hear your thoughts on the updated version of LinkedIn!

The post LinkedIn launches new user interface, and it might look familiar appeared first on Brighter Directions.

LinkedIn Optimisation for Profile

We all know that your LinkedIn profile is a great opportunity to show case who you are, and what you can do for others.

To effectively show case yourself with your LinkedIn profile, you need to be able to tell a story that is credible, interesting and engaging – but that sounds easier said than done right?

So, how do you tell a story on LinkedIn through your profile? Here are our 5 insights you need to take in order to optimize your profile;

1. Creating a Great Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is  equivalent to the title of a website, printed advert or news article – it should create a ‘want to read’ action from your audience.  This is the Attention Economy. We suggest trying to steer clear of the typical ‘role description’ but think of something more imaginative that makes people want to connect with you – think about why you are using LinkedIn and make this your driver.

Make sure you also consider keywords as part of your description – as this will also help you get found in searches!

2 Your Photo

Your photo on LinkedIn is your ‘shop window’ its one of the first things that people see when they catch sight of your profile. You need to remember that as a platform, LinkedIn includes large amounts of text and standard templates so you need to create visual tools that make you memorable.

Remember your profile is your story & brief  career autobiography – so let’s keep it professional!

Gone are the days when its socially acceptable for an employer, prospect or professional connection to have that first impression include a cocktail glass, lots of make-up and a drunken holiday smile….

3.Crafting an opening Presentation (Summary)

Your summary is the story to your headline and should be treated as such…

This is the perfect place for you to provide a brief overview and summary of your entire profile – what’s the most important sentences you want to get across to the people visiting your profile, what should they know about you, how do you differ from the next?

4. Describing your work history

LinkedIn is the modern day CV – and as digital technology has progressed so must we. remember that your LinkedIn profile is likely one of the first places where you will be ‘looked up’ by your latest meeting and large key prospect, your next employer (and/or current one!) so you not only need to make sure that its accurate – but also that it clearly conveys your strengths and that of the company you represent.

Don’t forget that LinkedIn also allows users to upload presentations and videos – This can serve as a digital portfolio of your work that people can view. You can also share your presentations from Slideshare on LinkedIn as well.

5.  Recommendations and (ahem) Endorsements

LinkedIn Recommendation’s have long been the backbone of a LinkedIn profile – it’s the place where your credibly gets evidenced!

For a truly optimized LinkedIn profile, you must take time to develop the recommendations section. These references can come from coworkers, supervisors and previous and current customers that have been happy with your services and are equally happy to shout about it (beware that some larger organisations wont write these, not because you didn’t deliver but because of strict confidentiality so don’t be disheartened if one of your key customers cant help you out).

Now onto ‘Endorsements’ – introduced in 2014 they have become well-known as little more than what a ‘LIKE’ is on Facebook – but collect-able never-less! LinkedIn allows users to list up to 50 skills that connections can endorse.

So, now you have all the tools to enable you to build a professional, credible and interesting LinkedIn profile for you and your business – but if you feel you need extra help – our team are always on hand to offer expert advice!

The post How to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile appeared first on Brighter Directions.