Creating a LinkedIn Profile That Attracts Clients: Tips from LinkedIn Expert Sophie Lechner
Nov 13, 2024
If you’re like me, you might have spent some time setting up your LinkedIn profile way back when, but you probably haven’t revisited it in a while. After my recent profile review with Sophie Lechner, I realized I’d missed some simple but powerful changes that could make a huge difference. Here’s a summary of what I learned from Sophie, broken down into practical steps. If you're looking to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract more clients (especially if you're a therapist, coach, or consultant), this is for you.
1. Make Your Profile Picture Work Harder
Your profile picture is one of the first things people see, so make it count. Sophie advised that the photo should be close-up, friendly, and ideally fill up more of the profile circle. Around 80% of LinkedIn users are on mobile, so a photo that’s too zoomed out can be hard to see. Since people want to work with someone they trust, aim for a warm, welcoming expression.
2. Craft a Banner That Speaks to Your Audience
Most of us overlook the banner area at the top of our profile, but it’s prime real estate for showing what we’re all about. I used a generic banner image that didn’t communicate anything specific. Sophie suggested updating it to visually represent my work. This could be a clean design with a simple background and a few words describing what you do, a logo, or an image that represents your field. Think of it as a subtle but powerful first impression.
3. Write a Headline That Resonates with Your Clients
My headline originally said something along the lines of “Content Creator for Mental Health Practices,” but Sophie pointed out that “content creator” might be too vague for my audience. Instead, she recommended I focus on terms that will grab attention and quickly communicate how I help therapists scale their businesses.
The headline is more than a job title – it’s a space to make a real connection. Using phrases like “Helping Therapists Build Scalable Digital Products” or “Supporting Mental Health Professionals in Growing Passive Income” might better convey my value. Also, make those first 40 characters count; that’s all people will see when I comment on their posts.
4. Create a Compelling About Section
My “About” section was minimalistic. Sophie explained that this section should be more in-depth. Here’s a structure she recommended:
- Start with a Mission Statement: Describe who you help and what you do.
- Detail Your Audience: Make it clear who you work with (for me, it’s mental health therapists, coaches, etc.).
- Explain What Makes You Unique: Talk about your process, your story, and why you’re passionate about this work.
- Include Testimonials: Short quotes from happy clients can reinforce credibility.
- End with a Call to Action: Since LinkedIn doesn’t allow hyperlinks in this section, you can point people to your Featured section or invite them to message you directly.
5. Utilize the Featured Section
Sophie introduced me to the “Featured” section, where I can display key media, testimonials, and other resources. This is a great place to showcase content that builds trust with your audience. Think of it as your mini-portfolio: you can add blog posts, podcasts, videos, and more. I’ll be including a few testimonials, a link to my website, and maybe even a clip from one of my recent presentations.
6. Seek and Give Recommendations
LinkedIn recommendations provide third-party validation of your expertise. Sophie advised I start requesting these from clients and colleagues who can speak to my impact. Plus, it’s a good idea to give recommendations – it’s often reciprocal.
7. Attract Clients with Relevant, Value-Driven Content
Finally, I asked Sophie about how LinkedIn can help me build my client base. She explained that success on LinkedIn doesn’t come from directly selling but from consistently posting content that resonates with your ideal audience. Sharing advice, insights, and stories that address the real issues and pain points of your target clients will help establish trust. As people engage with your posts, you can move the conversation to direct messages and then to a call.
Wrapping Up
Since my session with Sophie, I’ve been steadily implementing her tips and seeing small but steady increases in profile views and connections. If you're serious about building a professional presence on LinkedIn, these tweaks are worth the time.
If you're looking to build trust with your audience, your LinkedIn profile can be a great asset – and with a few updates, it can really work for you. So, try these steps, and watch your profile transform from a basic resume to a magnet for new clients and opportunities.
Happy optimizing!
Resources
Optimize Your Profile with Expert Advice from Sophie Lechner
LinkedIn Profile Checklist For Therapists
Course Creation Planning Worksheet Download
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