You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
And your LinkedIn profile is one of your most powerful marketing tools.
It’s often the first impression potential clients have of you and your business.
So, it’s essential to make sure your profile is optimised to attract your ideal clients. And showcase your unique value.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through 15 steps to create a killer LinkedIn profile.
One that will help you stand out, build trust, and grow your coaching business.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Define your niche
Before you start optimising your profile, get crystal clear on your coaching niche.
- Who is your ideal client?
- What specific problem do you help them solve?
Having a well-defined niche helps you craft content that’s relevant and resonates.
Step 2: Identify your special sauce
- What sets you apart from other coaches in your niche?
- Do you have a signature framework or approach?
Make a list of the key elements of your coaching methodology.
What do you want to highlight throughout your profile.
Step 3: Create a compelling background photo
Your background photo is valuable real estate that needs to spark curiosity.
Use this space to grab attention with a bold statement. A thought-provoking question, or impressive statistic related to your coaching niche.
Give people a reason to keep reading.
Step 4: Answer 3 key questions
Your profile should clearly communicate:
- Who do you help?
- What problem do you solve?
- How do you solve it differently?
Keep your ideal client top of mind as you write each section.
Step 5: Write a client-focused headline
Your headline is prime space to convey your coaching specialty. And the results you help clients achieve.
Try this simple formula:
Helping [Ideal Client] achieve [Desired Result] | [Coaching Niche] Coach
Step 6: Maximise your Featured Section
Rather than highlighting past posts, direct people to your most valuable resources.
For example
- Your website
- Lead magnet
- Calendar link to book a discovery call.
This is the perfect place to include a strong call-to-action. So, readers can seamlessly take the next step with you.
Be strategic. Use the Featured section to move potential clients further down your connection funnel.
In this example choose between 1:1 coaching or an on demand course
Step 7: Speak to your ideal clients’ needs
Remember, your profile isn’t about you – it’s about how you can help your ideal client.
Consider their biggest challenges, aspirations, and fears.
Show you understand their situation and have the solution they need.
Step 8: Create intrigue with your About intro
The opening lines of your About section need to hook readers immediately so they want to click “see more.”
Share an interesting client story. A shocking statistic about your niche, or a burning question your ideal clients have.
Step 9: Paint a picture of life before and after coaching
In the body of your About section, describe the problems your clients face before working with you.
Then paint a picture of what’s possible after coaching.
Share client success stories and transformations you’ve helped create.
Step 10: Include a clear call-to-action
Wrap up your About section by inviting readers to take the next step.
Whether that’s booking a discovery call. Downloading your lead magnet, or signing up for your email list.
Make sure your CTA aligns with your current business goals.
Focus on one CTA only. The primary step you want your audience to take.
Step 11: Apply copywriting best practices
Write in a conversational, engaging style. Imagine you’re speaking directly to your ideal client.
Avoid complicated jargon. Stick to plain language that your ideal client will understand.
Use short paragraphs, subheadings, and formatting like bold and italics. Make your content easy to scan.
Highlight the most important points.
Step 12: Weave client stories into your work history
Don’t just list your coaching credentials. Share specific examples of how you’ve helped clients achieve results.
Describe the challenges a client faced. Your coaching approach, and the transformation they experienced.
These mini-stories build your credibility.
Step 13: Quantify your results
Use data and numbers to tangibly illustrate the outcomes you help clients achieve.
Such as “helped client double revenue in 6 months” or “95% of clients report increased confidence.”
Specifics are much more powerful than generalities.
Step 14: Get an objective perspective
Writing about yourself can feel awkward.
If you’re stuck, ask a colleague or client to share their outside perspective on your unique value. And the transformation you create.
Their insights can spark new ideas for your profile.
Step 15: Revise for clarity and impact
After writing your profile, take a break and then review it with fresh eyes.
- Cut any fluff
- Clarify your core messages
- Dial up the most compelling points.
Keep refining until you have a profile that powerfully conveys your coaching value.
Conclusion
Investing time to optimise your LinkedIn profile is one of the most effective ways to get in front of your ideal coaching clients and grow your business.
By implementing these 15 steps, you’ll create an authentic, engaging, and client-focused LinkedIn presence that makes you magnetic to your niche.
Your next client is out there searching for you on LinkedIn right now.
Make sure your profile is ready to captivate and convert them.
Ready to take action?
- Block out 30 minutes this week to audit your current LinkedIn profile
- Identify 2-3 key areas you want to improve
- Commit to spending 30 minutes per day revising your profile section by section.
Start with your headline and About section and go from there.
Pro Tip: Optimise one section at a time until you have a clear, compelling, and client-focused LinkedIn presence that positions you as the go-to coach in your niche.
You’ve got this!
And if you need any support along the way, I’m just a message away.
Book a connect call and we’ll talk through your client-attracting profile together.
Here’s to your magnetic profile and more targeted DM’s!
