Are you thinking “I need to up my game with LinkedIn but I don’t know where to start?” No worries.
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for funeral professionals. It provides you with a professional and eco-friendly way to showcase who you are and what you do.. Think of it as your online business card, but so much more. It’s a place to connect with others, share your career journey, and grow your network.
Are you new to LinkedIn or have a profile that’s been gathering dust? No worries, these 9 tips will help you take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.
1. Start with your banner image
Your banner image is the first thing people see at the top of your profile. It’s a great way to visually represent your personality and professionalism. So that you don’t leave it as the default grey wall, I nickname it “The Death Wall”.
Ideas for your banner image:
- Your company’s logo or branding.
- A serene, calming image that reflects the nature of your work.
- A certification or accreditation symbol that showcases your expertise.
How to add or change your banner image:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile and click the pencil/edit icon in the banner area.
- Select “Change Photo” and upload a high-quality image that aligns with your role and values.
This simple step makes your profile visually appealing and professional from the start.
Tip: Check it both on desktop and mobile to ensure it looks well on both.
2. Your profile picture: A warm, trustworthy introduction
Your profile picture is the face of your LinkedIn presence. Choose a professional, high-quality headshot where you’re dressed appropriately for your role. A warm, approachable smile helps convey trust and compassion.
Tip: Avoid using casual or group photos. Your profile picture should represent you as a person.
3. Craft a strong headline
Your headline appears directly under your name and serves as a quick introduction. Avoid just listing your job title. It’s your chance to stand out and highlight your unique role in the funeral industry.
Examples of strong headlines to add to:
- “Guiding Families with Compassion Through Difficult Times”
- “Specialist in Funeral Planning and Bereavement Support”
Your headline is like the tagline on a business card. It should immediately tell people what you do and how you add value.
4. Write an engaging about section
The “About” section is where you can tell your story. Write in a conversational tone. Share what inspired you to join the funeral profession. What you’re passionate about and what you’ve learned along the way.
What to include in your about section:
- A short introduction about yourself and your role.
- Why you love what you do and what motivates you.
- Key skills or services you offer. For example you could add grief counselling, funeral planning, memorial services.
- A personal touch, what makes your approach unique?
Think of this section as the foundation of your LinkedIn presence. It’s not just about your job; it’s about who you are and how you make a difference.
5. Personalise your LinkedIn URL
Your LinkedIn URL is the link that takes people directly to your profile (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname). By default, LinkedIn gives you a URL with random numbers and letters. You can change this to make it clean and professional.
Why personalise Your URL?
It looks more professional and makes your profile easier to find. This is especially helpful when people want to tag you in posts or comments. For example in a group photo from a conference or trade show. A clear, recognisable URL makes it simple for others to find and mention you. Helping you stay connected and visible in your professional network.
How to customise your URL:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile.
- In the top right corner, click on “Edit public profile & URL.”
- On the right-hand side, you’ll see the option to edit your custom URL.
- Replace the random numbers and letters with your name (e.g.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith).
- Save your changes.
This step ensures your LinkedIn profile is as easy to share and tag as a business card.
6. Use LinkedIn’s QR code for easy sharing
Did you know LinkedIn allows you to generate a QR code for your profile? It lets you share your profile instantly with others at meetings or events. And no printing costs required.
How to access your LinkedIn QR code:
- Open the LinkedIn app on your phone.
- Tap the search bar, then tap the small QR code icon to the right in the search bar.
- Your personal QR code will appear ready for someone to scan. And they’ll find you in seconds on LinkedIn.
Save this QR code to your phone or print it on materials like brochures for quick sharing.
Tip: It’s an eco-friendly, tech-savvy way to network. No more worrying about losing or carrying stacks of business cards.
7. Highlight your experience and achievements
Your experience section isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s a way to share the milestones of your career.
What to include:
- Brief descriptions of your roles and responsibilities.
- Accomplishments that reflect your professionalism and dedication.
- Certifications, accreditations or specialised training.
Tip: Use bullet points to make this section easy to read and focus on the aspects of your work that make you proud.
8. Add skills, endorsements and recommendations
The skills section lets you highlight what you’re best at. And endorsements from colleagues or connections reinforce your credibility. Skills like “compassionate communication,” “funeral service management,” or “grief support”.
How to get endorsements: Ask colleagues or industry partners to endorse your skills.
Think of recommendations like your connections leaving an online review. And you can do the same. People will see who has left the recommendation.
9. Build and expand your network
Your profile is just the foundation. To truly stand out and maximise the benefits of LinkedIn, you need to do two things. Actively build and engage with your network.
- Connect with others: Send personalised connection requests. Send these to colleagues, suppliers and other industry professionals.
- Engage meaningfully: Like and comment on posts. Share useful resources and congratulate others on their achievements.
- Grow consistently: Attend industry events. And use your LinkedIn QR code to connect with people you meet.
Networking is about building relationships. By growing your LinkedIn connections, you open doors to collaborations. As well as learning opportunities and meaningful professional relationships.
All in all
Your LinkedIn profile is more than a professional tool. Remember to think of it as a gateway to meaningful connections. By showcasing your personality, achievements and values, you create a profile that resonates.
LinkedIn offers an eco-friendly and impactful way to network. Say goodbye to paper business cards and hello to building long-lasting connections online.
Start today and let your LinkedIn presence work for you. Helping you grow, connect and make a difference.
If you have any queries or want to share your experience, do let me know. Need help getting a video strategy together or something else? Book a free exploration call with me. Visit here to find out more. And you can email me at eimer@fitsocialmedia.co.uk. And you can catch up with me across social media and follow me for more…
Thanks for reading!
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