LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 810 million members worldwide. It allows you to connect with other professionals, search for jobs, join industry groups, and grow your professional brand. Creating a LinkedIn account is free and simple. Here is a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to create a LinkedIn account and optimize your profile.
Step 1: Go to LinkedIn.com and click “Join Now”
Go to the LinkedIn homepage at www.linkedin.com. On the top right corner, click on “Join now”. This will open up a sign up page to create your account.
Step 2: Enter your First Name, Last Name and Email Address
On the sign up page, enter your first and last name. Make sure you use your real full name so you can be found easily by your connections. Next, add your email address. This will be your username for LinkedIn.
Step 3: Create a password
Create a strong password for your LinkedIn account. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use an obvious password that can be easily hacked.
Step 4: Agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Read through LinkedIn’s User Agreement which outlines the rules and regulations for using LinkedIn. You must agree to this to continue. Also read the Privacy Policy which explains how LinkedIn uses and protects your data.
Step 5: Select your location and click “Join LinkedIn”
LinkedIn will ask you to enter your location details including your country/region and postal code. Providing your location will help LinkedIn customize content for you. Once done, click “Join LinkedIn”.
Step 6: Verify your email address
LinkedIn will send a verification email to your registered email address. Open your email inbox and click on the verification link in the email. This will confirm your email address and complete your LinkedIn sign up.
Step 7: Import contacts from your email
On the next page, LinkedIn gives you the option to import contacts from your email accounts like Gmail, Outlook, etc. Importing contacts helps you quickly find people you already know on LinkedIn and connect with them.
Step 8: Select your profile photo
Add a professional photo for your profile. You can upload a photo from your computer or take a new one using your webcam. Make sure it is a high quality, friendly headshot of just you for best results.
Step 9: Personalize your LinkedIn public profile URL
Your public profile URL on LinkedIn is the web address someone will type to view your profile. Personalize this by entering your name or other keywords e.g. linkedin.com/in/johnsmith. This makes your profile link easy to remember.
Step 10: Describe your experience and education
Briefly describe your professional background including your job titles, companies worked at, and education details. This provides a summary of your career for visitors to your profile.
Step 11: Expand your network by following companies
Follow companies that interest you on LinkedIn to get useful updates about their products, jobs, events etc. Click the “Follow” button on a company’s LinkedIn page to stay informed.
Step 12: Customize your LinkedIn feed
Tailor your LinkedIn feed to show the most relevant updates from your connections, companies and groups. Click on “Feed preferences” and choose topics to prioritize.
Step 13: Join LinkedIn groups
Join industry, alumni, business and niche LinkedIn groups to connect with more like-minded professionals. Take part in group discussions and stay on top of the latest trends.
Step 14: Turn on notifications
Get alerts about new messages, connection requests, mentions and other updates by turning on notifications in your LinkedIn account settings. You can customize which notifications you receive.
Step 15: Download the LinkedIn mobile app
To access LinkedIn on-the-go from your smartphone or tablet, download the LinkedIn mobile app for iOS or Android. Stay connected with your network anytime, anywhere.
Step 16: Start adding connections
Grow your professional network on LinkedIn by connecting with colleagues, classmates, clients, business partners etc. Send personalized connection requests to build relationships.
Step 17: Recommend and get recommended
Recommend your connections for their skills and accomplishments to boost their credibility. Similarly, ask colleagues who know your work to recommend you on your LinkedIn profile.
Step 18: Follow companies and influencers
Stay in the loop by following leading professionals in your industry as well as relevant companies and thought leaders. Curate your feed with valuable insights.
Step 19: Showcase media and publications
Enhance your LinkedIn profile by adding examples of your work like published articles, podcasts, videos, presentations etc. This builds your professional brand.
Step 20: Keep your profile updated
Update your LinkedIn profile regularly with new work experiences, education achievements, skills and interests. A complete and current profile has maximum impact.
Conclusion
Setting up a strong LinkedIn profile is important for networking, career growth and business opportunities. Follow these beginner tips to create an optimized, professional LinkedIn presence that effectively represents your background and capabilities.