Your LinkedIn Foundation

YOUR HEADLINE: The most important real estate on your profile. Don't just write your job title — write what you do for people. BAD: 'Founder & CEO at Darkice Interactive' GOOD: 'I build AI systems that make small businesses run like big ones | Founder @ Darkice Interactive' The test: would your ideal client read this and think 'that's relevant to me'? ABOUT SECTION: 5-8 paragraphs. Start with the problem you solve. Tell the story of why you started. Be specific about who you help. End with a clear call to action. FEATURED SECTION: Your best content, case studies, or a lead magnet. This is prime above-the-fold real estate most founders leave empty. BANNER IMAGE: Not just your logo. Show social proof (clients, awards), a clear value prop, or something that shows personality.

QUALITY > QUANTITY: 500 genuinely relevant connections outperforms 5000 random ones. Connections affect who sees your content. TARGET CONNECTIONS: • Ideal clients (decision-makers at companies you want to work with) • Industry peers (people covering adjacent topics who might share your content) • Journalists and analysts in your space • Potential partners and referrers CONNECTION REQUEST APPROACH: Always personalise. 3 sentences max. Reference something specific about them. Never pitch in the connection request. 'Hi [name] — noticed you're also working in AI consulting space. Following your posts on [specific topic] with interest. Would be good to connect.' ENGAGEMENT BEFORE CONNECTION: Comment meaningfully on 3-5 of someone's posts before connecting. They'll recognise your name.