Finding the right keywords to use on LinkedIn can seem daunting, but it’s an important step in optimizing your profile and making yourself more findable. Here are some tips to help you identify and prioritize the best keywords to include in your LinkedIn profile.
What are keywords and why do they matter?
Keywords are the words and phrases that people enter into search engines like Google or LinkedIn’s internal search to find information online. Using relevant keywords in your LinkedIn profile helps increase the chances that recruiters, hiring managers, and other LinkedIn members will find you when searching for candidates with your background and skills.
Keywords serve as signals to LinkedIn’s algorithm about your areas of expertise and experience. The right keywords can boost your visibility in search results for roles and opportunities aligned with your capabilities and interests.
How to brainstorm keyword ideas
Start by thinking about words and phrases that describe your profession, industry, job functions, skills, qualifications, and expertise areas. Here are some tips for brainstorming keywords:
- Look at job postings for roles you are targeting and note frequently mentioned requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications.
- Check out LinkedIn profiles of people in similar roles and see what keywords they use to describe their work.
- Think about how you would describe your professional background, strengths, and accomplishments.
- List software, tools, skills, certifications, degrees, and other relevant credentials.
- Include keywords related to your industry, location, and companies you’ve worked for.
Prioritize keywords by relevance
Once you have a broad list of possible keywords, it’s time to narrow it down by selecting terms that are most relevant for your goals. Follow these tips:
- Focus on keywords that reflect your niche areas of expertise and unique capabilities.
- Prioritize keywords frequently mentioned in job postings that appeal to you.
- Highlight keywords that are specific rather than broad when possible.
- Keep keywords that align with your ideal job targets and future career aspirations.
- Cut generic keywords that could apply to almost anyone.
Place keywords strategically in your profile
Where you place keywords matters. Use these best practices:
- Include important keywords in your profile headline.
- Incorporate keywords in your about summary.
- Use keywords in your experience descriptions.
- Mention keywords in your skills and endorsements.
- Strategically include keywords in your education history.
Avoid awkwardly overstuffing keywords. Use them conversationally where they fit naturally. Keyword density and frequency are also factors in LinkedIn’s algorithm, so you don’t need to repeat terms excessively.
Optimize keywords with LinkedIn Skills
LinkedIn Skills are pre-set areas of expertise you can add to your profile. Displaying relevant Skills is a great way to incorporate keywords and signals for recruiters and hiring managers. Some tips:
- Browse Skills associated with your industry and identify the most relevant ones to showcase your capabilities.
- Look for Skills that align with keywords mentioned in your target job postings.
- Prioritize Skills in areas where you have robust experience and want to be top-of-mind for recruiters.
- Ask colleagues and connections to endorse you for your priority Skills.
Use keywords in your profile URL slug
The last part of your profile URL can include keywords, like linkedin.com/in/yourname/lawyer-chicago-startup. This can give a search visibility boost for those terms. Some tips:
- Include keywords like your job title and location.
- Keep the slug short, concise, and scannable.
- Separate phrases with hyphens instead of spaces.
- Only use keywords that are clearly relevant.
- Update the slug if you change roles or careers.
Leverage keywords in your background photo
Your profile background photo presents another opportunity to work in keywords. Keep these tips in mind:
- Include concise, relevant keywords on the visual image itself.
- Use a professionally designed background image.
- Make sure text is large and legible.
- Highlight keywords that communicate your niche areas of expertise.
- Remember visual appeal is still important.
Track keyword performance with analytics
LinkedIn provides data on your profile views and search appearance. Use this to identify high-performing keywords as well as those that need adjustment. Here are some pointers:
- Check your profile update notifications to see top keywords driving recent profile views.
- Review your LinkedIn analytics for data on weekly profile views and top search terms.
- Look for patterns showing which keywords consistently generate profile traffic.
- Test new keywords and monitor performance. Drop ones with low results.
- Keep track of keywords used in messages from recruiters and hiring managers.
Refresh keywords regularly
Keywords should evolve as you take on new roles and build additional skills. Here are some signs it may be time to update your keywords:
- You change jobs or careers.
- You complete new certifications or training.
- Your skills expand into new areas.
- You take on different responsibilities.
- You want to be found for different types of opportunities.
Conclusion
Using the right keywords in your LinkedIn profile is key to improving your visibility and findability for recruiting and networking. By following the strategies above to research, select, optimize, and track keywords, you can boost your chances of appearing in relevant searches by recruiters, hiring managers, and other connections.
Updating your keywords regularly as your career evolves ensures your profile stays tuned for the opportunities most important to you. With the right keywords highlighting your capabilities, expertise, and achievements, you will be on the radar for your next big career move.
