Your LinkedIn Glow-Up: 10 Steps to a Personal Brand That Pops

Personal Branding

Jan 1

Let’s start with a little celebration 🎉

I recently received the LinkedIn Top Voice badge!

This recognition not only boosted my visibility, but validated the personal branding tactics I’ve been using for years.

Through LinkedIn, I secured 100+ B2B brands and partnerships for my first business — which helped me generated $500K in revenue. Now, I have 9,000+ followers and often get speaking requests through the platform. All of this was only possible because I knew my niche, and showed up authentically and consistently.

The steps I’m about to share are the exact tactics that helped me achieve these results.

Here’s how I did it, and how you can too:

Step 1: Make Your Profile Picture and Banner Unmissable

First impressions matter, even online.

Profile Picture: Choose a clear, professional photo where you look approachable—think “CEO energy,” not “I just rolled out of bed.” And no, cropping someone out of a group pic doesn’t count.
Banner Image: This is your chance to make your profile pop. Use a branded graphic, an inspirational quote, or a visual that ties into what you do.

Step 2: Craft a Headline That’s More Than Just Your Job Title

Your headline is prime real estate. Use it to scream, “Here’s why you need me!” Instead of saying, "Business Consultant," try something like, "Helping Small Businesses Streamline Operations and Boost Profits." See the difference? It’s all about showing your value upfront.

Step 3: Write an About Section That Tells Your Story

Think of your About section as a chance to tell your career story—the highlights, the lessons, and why you’re passionate about what you do. Keep it conversational but professional. For example: "I started my journey as a one-person team working late nights in my tiny bedroom in New York City. Now, I help other entrepreneurs grow their businesses without the burnout." End with a call to action, like, “If you’re looking for marketing support, let’s connect!”

Step 4: Show Off Your Experience and Wins

Your Experience section isn’t just a boring list of jobs. It should feel like a detailed timeline of your career history.

Use bullet points to showcase your greatest hits.
Add numbers wherever you can (e.g., “Increased sales by 40%” or “Managed a $100K marketing budget”).
Focus on what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. Show the results of your hard work. (People don’t do this one enough!)

Step 5: Build a Skills Section That Speaks Volumes

This isn’t the time to be modest. Add skills that align with where you’re headed, not just where you’ve been. Are you transitioning into consulting? Highlight leadership and strategy skills. Ask clients or colleagues to endorse you—it’s like LinkedIn’s version of a Google review.

Step 6: Share Content That Shows You’re the Real Deal

Your LinkedIn feed is where the magic happens. Post content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience.

Share tips from your industry (e.g., “5 Ways to Improve Cash Flow for Small Businesses”).
Post lessons you’ve learned on your journey.
Celebrate wins and milestones (because people love rooting for others!).

You don’t have to post every day—just be consistent. Aim for once a week to stay on your audience’s radar.

Step 7: Network Like a Pro

LinkedIn isn’t just about posting—it’s about building relationships. Connect with people in your industry, potential clients, or even mentors. And no, “Let’s connect” isn’t enough. Add a note explaining why you’d like to connect. Keep it personal and genuine.

Step 8: Get Glowing Recommendations

Think of recommendations as your LinkedIn Yelp reviews. Ask happy clients, colleagues, or collaborators to write you a quick recommendation. Make it easy for them by offering a few key points they could include. And don’t forget to return the favor—it’s a win-win.

Step 9: Check Your Analytics

LinkedIn gives you data on profile views, post impressions, and search appearances. Use this info to fine-tune your strategy. Did a certain post get a lot of engagement? Do your profile views spike after certain updates? Let the numbers guide you and help you think through what type of content to create and when to post.

Step 10: Keep It Fresh

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Update it regularly to reflect your latest achievements, skills, and goals. Think of it as your digital storefront—keep it tidy and relevant.

By following these steps, you can build a personal brand that stands out, attracts opportunities, and showcases your expertise. If these tactics helped me achieve LinkedIn Top Voice status, imagine what they can do for you. Update that profile, share your story, and let the world know why you’re amazing.