How to Use LinkedIn for Personal Branding in 2021 (Step-by-Step)
Want to stand out online in 2021? Start with LinkedIn. It’s not just for job seekers anymore — it’s your tool for personal branding. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to use LinkedIn for personal branding, step by step.
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or working professional, LinkedIn helps you show your skills, grow your network, and build your brand.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly!
What Is Personal Branding?
Personal branding means how people see you online. It’s your story, your style, and how you show up in the world. On LinkedIn, your profile is like your personal website. So, it’s the best place to share who you are and what you do.
Why LinkedIn for Personal Branding?
LinkedIn is made for professionals. Over 700 million people use it. That means you can connect with people in your field, share your work, and even get job offers.
Here’s why LinkedIn is great for building your personal brand:
- It shows up high in Google search
- It connects you to industry leaders
- It helps you build trust and authority
- It opens up job and speaking opportunities
Step-by-Step: Build Your LinkedIn Personal Brand
1. Create a Strong Profile Picture and Banner
- Use a clear, friendly photo of your face. Avoid filters.
- Add a custom banner that shows what you do (example: books for writers, code for developers).
- Keep it clean and professional. First impressions matter.
2. Write a Catchy Headline
Your headline shows up next to your name. It’s not just your job title! Make it exciting and clear.
👉 Instead of: “Marketing Manager”
✅ Try: “Helping Brands Grow with Smart, Creative Marketing | Social Media Expert”
This tells people what you do and how you help.
3. Craft a Simple, Powerful ‘About’ Section
Here’s where you tell your story. Keep it short, personal, and easy to read.
Include:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Why you love it
- How you can help others
Use short paragraphs and simple words. Be real, not robotic.
4. Add Your Experience and Skills
List your jobs, internships, and big projects. Under each one, explain:
- What you did
- What tools you used
- What results you got
Also, add key skills like writing, coding, design, or management. These help people find you.
5. Get Endorsements and Recommendations
Ask coworkers or classmates to endorse your skills or write a short review.
Just message them nicely:
“Hey [Name], I’m working on my LinkedIn profile. Could you write a quick recommendation about our time working together?”
It helps build trust fast.
Grow Your Presence: Tips for Daily Branding
6. Post Valuable Content
Try posting 2–3 times a week. You can share:
- Tips from your job
- Lessons you’ve learned
- Mistakes you’ve made and how you fixed them
- Stories from your life
People connect with real, helpful content.
7. Comment and Engage
Don’t just scroll. Like, comment, and reply to posts in your field. When you engage, people notice you.
Good comments add to the conversation:
“This is a great tip! I tried this last month and it worked really well for my team.”
8. Connect with Purpose
Send connection requests with a short message:
“Hi [Name], I really liked your post on branding. Would love to connect and learn more from you!”
Don’t connect with everyone. Focus on people who matter to your field.
9. Use the Featured Section
Pin your best posts, links, or projects. It’s the first thing people see when they visit your profile. Show off your best work!
10. Stay Consistent
Branding takes time. Be patient, stay active, and keep showing up.
Even 10 minutes a day on LinkedIn can make a big difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing like a robot (use a natural tone)
- Leaving your profile half-done
- Posting too little (or too much!)
- Ignoring messages or comments
- Forgetting to update your job or headline
Personal Branding Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist to guide your journey:
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Clear profile picture | ✅ |
| Custom banner image | ✅ |
| Strong, helpful headline | ✅ |
| Simple, personal ‘About’ section | ✅ |
| Detailed experience and skills | ✅ |
| At least 3 posts per week | ✅ |
| 10+ thoughtful comments weekly | ✅ |
| 5 recommendations or endorsements | ✅ |
| Featured work shown | ✅ |
Final Thoughts
Your LinkedIn profile is your online resume, business card, and story — all in one. So make it count.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll start building a personal brand that gets noticed in 2021 and beyond.
Remember: Be real. Be helpful. Be you.
FAQs
Q: Do I need LinkedIn if I’m still in college?
Yes! It’s perfect for students to connect, learn, and grow early.
Q: How often should I post on LinkedIn?
Aim for 2–3 times a week. Focus on value, not just updates.
Q: Can I use LinkedIn to find freelance work?
Yes! Many freelancers use it to attract clients by sharing their work and skills.
Q: Is LinkedIn good for introverts?
Absolutely. You don’t have to speak — writing thoughtful posts and comments works great.
