The Social Media Profile
“Don't use social media to impress people; use it to impact people.” — Dave Willis, Writer & Pastor
Each Social Media Platform allows you to set up a Profile. A profile describes you or your business and you have control of your profile. Whether you are just trying to get more exposure online, connect with your fans or customers, or improve your online reputation, social networking profiles are important. Be sure to OPTIMIZE your profile on each social media platform by filling in all that is asked for. A Bio is essential and will set the stage for your online presence.
A bio on any network should address five key pieces of information:
How to Create and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
1. Profile Photo: Make a Strong First Impression
Your profile photo is your first opportunity to create a professional and approachable presence.
Best Practices:
2. Headline: Go Beyond Your Job Title
Your headline is one of the most visible parts of your profile, appearing in searches, posts, and connection requests. Instead of just stating your job title, use this space to highlight what you do and how you add value.
Formula for a compelling headline:
[Your Role] | Helping [Audience] Achieve [Result] through [Skill/Expertise]
Example:
"Marketing Student | Passionate About Digital Strategy & Content Creation | Helping Brands Tell Their Story Online"
3. About Section (Summary): Tell Your Story
Your About section should be a compelling narrative that explains your background, passions, skills, and career aspirations.
Best Practices:
Start with an engaging hook—why do you love what you do?
Highlight your skills and achievements using keywords.
Show personality—what makes you unique?
Example Opening:
"As a marketing student with a passion for storytelling and digital strategy, I thrive on creating content that engages and converts. Whether it’s SEO, social media, or brand positioning, I’m eager to learn and apply new strategies to help businesses grow."
4. Experience: Showcase Real-World Application
Even if you’re a student, your experience section should reflect projects, internships, volunteer work, or even class assignments that demonstrate your marketing skills.
How to Optimize:
Social Media Intern | XYZ Agency (June 2023 – Present)
Managed Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, increasing follower count by 25%.
Developed a content strategy that improved engagement by 40%.
Assisted in running Facebook ad campaigns, achieving a 5:1 ROI
5. Skills & Endorsements: Highlight Your Expertise
LinkedIn allows you to list and be endorsed for skills, which improves your visibility in searches.
6. Custom URL: Make Your Profile Easy to Find
By default, LinkedIn assigns a random URL to your profile. Customize it to include your name for a more professional appearance.
8. Featured Section: Showcase Your Work
Use this section to highlight blog posts, projects, portfolio pieces, or presentations.
9. Activity & Engagement: Stay Active
Posting and engaging with content regularly boosts your visibility.
Ways to Stay Active:
A well-optimized LinkedIn profile is part of your personal brand online and can set you apart in the marketing industry, whether you’re looking for internships, networking, or building your business. By following these best practices, you’ll create a LinkedIn presence that attracts the right opportunities.
“Don't use social media to impress people; use it to impact people.” — Dave Willis, Writer & Pastor
Each Social Media Platform allows you to set up a Profile. A profile describes you or your business and you have control of your profile. Whether you are just trying to get more exposure online, connect with your fans or customers, or improve your online reputation, social networking profiles are important. Be sure to OPTIMIZE your profile on each social media platform by filling in all that is asked for. A Bio is essential and will set the stage for your online presence.
A bio on any network should address five key pieces of information:
- Who you are
- Where you work
- What you do
- Your brand’s tone
- How someone can get in touch with you
- Images – Do not leave profile images blank.
How to Create and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
1. Profile Photo: Make a Strong First Impression
Your profile photo is your first opportunity to create a professional and approachable presence.
Best Practices:
- Use a high-quality headshot, dressed appropriately, and simple background
- Smile and make eye contact to appear friendly and trustworthy.
2. Headline: Go Beyond Your Job Title
Your headline is one of the most visible parts of your profile, appearing in searches, posts, and connection requests. Instead of just stating your job title, use this space to highlight what you do and how you add value.
Formula for a compelling headline:
[Your Role] | Helping [Audience] Achieve [Result] through [Skill/Expertise]
Example:
"Marketing Student | Passionate About Digital Strategy & Content Creation | Helping Brands Tell Their Story Online"
3. About Section (Summary): Tell Your Story
Your About section should be a compelling narrative that explains your background, passions, skills, and career aspirations.
Best Practices:
Start with an engaging hook—why do you love what you do?
Highlight your skills and achievements using keywords.
Show personality—what makes you unique?
Example Opening:
"As a marketing student with a passion for storytelling and digital strategy, I thrive on creating content that engages and converts. Whether it’s SEO, social media, or brand positioning, I’m eager to learn and apply new strategies to help businesses grow."
4. Experience: Showcase Real-World Application
Even if you’re a student, your experience section should reflect projects, internships, volunteer work, or even class assignments that demonstrate your marketing skills.
How to Optimize:
- Use bullet points for clarity.
- Highlight accomplishments, not just responsibilities.
- Include metrics when possible (e.g., “Increased engagement by 30%”).
Social Media Intern | XYZ Agency (June 2023 – Present)
Managed Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, increasing follower count by 25%.
Developed a content strategy that improved engagement by 40%.
Assisted in running Facebook ad campaigns, achieving a 5:1 ROI
5. Skills & Endorsements: Highlight Your Expertise
LinkedIn allows you to list and be endorsed for skills, which improves your visibility in searches.
6. Custom URL: Make Your Profile Easy to Find
By default, LinkedIn assigns a random URL to your profile. Customize it to include your name for a more professional appearance.
8. Featured Section: Showcase Your Work
Use this section to highlight blog posts, projects, portfolio pieces, or presentations.
9. Activity & Engagement: Stay Active
Posting and engaging with content regularly boosts your visibility.
Ways to Stay Active:
- Share industry insights or marketing trends.
- Engage with posts by commenting thoughtfully.
- Write LinkedIn articles to showcase expertise.
A well-optimized LinkedIn profile is part of your personal brand online and can set you apart in the marketing industry, whether you’re looking for internships, networking, or building your business. By following these best practices, you’ll create a LinkedIn presence that attracts the right opportunities.
