Check out these tips to make your LinkedIn profile a lot stronger

In the crazy world of social media, there is no shortage of ways to connect with people. But what kind of people are you trying to connect with? If you’re on social media for the social aspect, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (to name a few) are great tools to keep up with family and reconnect with old friends. But if you’re looking to increase your professional network then LinkedIn is where you need to be.

Since LinkedIn is a professional platform, you need to present yourself in a professional way. Many people make mistakes on LinkedIn without even realizing it, and that can hurt your development chances. Here are some common mistakes and ways to fix them.

1. Pictures are a vital part of LinkedIn. We’re not talking about pictures of our kids or a record tomato harvest, we’re talking about a professional photo to put a face with a name. Profiles with a picture are seven times more likely to be viewed than those without. Choose a professional and current picture that says you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
2. Don’t forget to update your status. Save last night’s shenanigans for Facebook and post only about your professional progress and development. Congratulate a coworker about a promotion, praise an employee for doing a good job or share an interesting article. These types of posts keep your profile fresh and shows you are active and engaged.
3. Keep everything personal, yet professional. When you’re trying to make a connection, be sure to create your own request and don’t fall back on LinkedIn’s default request. Do a little research about the person, especially if you don’t know them. Building good connections will ensure your professional network is strong.
4. The summary can give you an edge, so use it. Much like an objective on a resume, the summary is an opportunity to tell people about you and sell yourself. Write it in first person so it sounds more personal and energetic.
5. Your profile isn’t enough; you have to put in the time. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that once you have a dynamite profile, then the employers will flock to you. You need to expand your circles and make connections. Join a group related to your field or a personal interest. It’s also a good idea to follow companies you are interested in working for. Keep up with comings and goings so you can be the first to contact HR about an open position.

With a little effort, you can make LinkedIn work for you in ways you might never imagined. Use this networking tool to take the next step in your career and to surround yourself with contacts within your industry.