Best LinkedIn profile advice for lawyers
How to create an effective personal brand using LinkedIn.
Are you getting the most out of your LinkedIn profile? In a professional environment where clients and consumers are becoming more and more skeptical, it is critical to build a strong personal brand. LinkedIn gives you the tools to encourage clients to invest in you as a person and a professional. Whilst it can be daunting in careers that work predominantly on a confidential basis; if you use it right LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for success.
Not only is LinkedIn useful for building your client base, but personal branding is also essential if you are looking to advance your career or attract the attention of a headhunter who can find you your next role.
According to the Law Society, personal profiles have 10 times more followers and eight times more engagement than their company pages. This means the focus needs to shift to individual branding to attract business.
So, we’ve discussed why it’s so important, let’s review how you can use LinkedIn to build your personal brand.
1. Create a compelling headline.
A strong opening line with a persuasive call to action should not be underestimated in its effectiveness to draw in clients. This is the first impression you give your audience on LinkedIn. It should tell people exactly what you do but don’t be afraid to sell yourself or get creative with it. Great examples always include selling points like “award-winning” or adjectives that set you apart from competitors. Keep it short but sweet, tell people exactly what you do and why they should connect with you.
2. Ensure your specialism is clear on your profile.
If the area of law you practice in is not clear on your profile or is confused amongst a list of specialisms, it can be near impossible for clients or your audience to understand your niche. Make sure that when you build your profile you create it with the clients you want to attract in mind. For instance, if someone is searching for employment law advice make sure the phrases they are likely to search for appear clearly on your profile.
This can help not only people who are searching on LinkedIn but it will help your name and your company rank higher on search engines i.e. you could be higher on Google’s list for terms like employment lawyer or conveyancing specialist.
In the same vein, it is important to do your research. Finding out what prospective clients search for on Google and applying these words to your profile can give you the desired competitive edge.
3. Post & share relevant articles.
The most effective way to generate leads and therefore gain client interest is to demonstrate that you are a thought leader in your industry and practice of law. This is an effective way to build your personal brand but also to convert genuine audience interest into clientele.
Writing or sharing informative articles that solve your target audiences’ queries can be the most effective way to direct them to you or your website. Articles and posts are a form of lead generation and this is a key part of any business which is almost guaranteed to generate interest in your services.
Don’t be afraid to post. Posting on LinkedIn can be daunting at first, especially if you are typically a private person but getting your name and brand out there with well-researched posts that resonate with your audience, will genuinely benefit your professional persona.
4. Interact, interact, interact.
At the end of the day, LinkedIn is a networking tool built around the concept of the usefulness of having a professional community. The idea is to share, like, and comment on other people’s achievements and ideas for your mutual benefit. Whether this is connecting with a legal recruitment specialist to help your career move, supporting colleagues, or pushing your name out there for prospective clients to see – it is rewarding to engage with others.
Looking to stand out in your job search?
Contact our team of talented Legal Recruitment Consultants for confidential advice about your personal profile and CV.
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