The Services Section: The Hidden Gem on Your LinkedIn Profile
As a LinkedIn and Sales Navigator consultant, I help businesses use LinkedIn effectively to generate new leads and grow their networks. The first step of my process is optimising the LinkedIn Profile so that when an ideal client lands on the profile (landing page), they see the profile owner as credible, the company as credible, and the offer (solutions) as credible.
In this article, I’m going to review an often overlooked yet influential feature on a LinkedIn profile – the Services Section. I’ll explore why it matters and how to maximise its potential:
What is the Services Section?
The Services Section is a section on your LinkedIn profile that helps you showcase your services and expertise. As well as this, it serves as a lead generation tool as well, attracting potential clients directly to your profile.
By portraying your services in the best light possible in the eyes of your ideal clients, you build instant credibility and establish yourself as a trusted professional.
Why It Matters
Visibility and Exposure
Increased Visibility: The Services Section includes a section called ‘Services provided’. Filling this in increases your visibility to potential clients who are searching for services like yours on LinkedIn. This can lead to more search appearances, profile views, and engagement.
Targeted Audience: It helps you reach a targeted audience interested in your specific services, making it easier to connect with potential clients.
Prominent on Profile: Once activated, the Services section is located just under the About section, so it’s high up the profile and very likely to be viewed by a visitor.
Credibility and Trust
Establishes Credibility: By clearly and effectively showcasing your services, you establish credibility and trust with potential clients. This is crucial for building strong relationships and securing new business opportunities.
Differentiation: It sets you apart from competitors who may not be utilising this feature effectively. In a crowded market, differentiation is key to standing out.
Lead Generation
Direct Lead Generation: The Services Section acts as a direct lead generation tool. Potential clients can find and contact you based on the services you offer, streamlining the sales process and generating inbound leads.
Warm Leads: It helps generate warm leads, as people who view your services will likely have already viewed your profile, so should have done research before reaching out. This means they are more likely to convert into clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Setup Entirely: One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the setup of the Services Section altogether. Doing this can result in missing out on potential visibility, credibility, and leads.
Services provided section: Not filling this in, or partially filling it in, decreases the information available and the potential for people to find you.
Overcomplicating Your About Description: Writing an overly complex description can confuse potential clients and make it difficult for them to understand your services.
Lacking Social Proof: Not including social proof, such as testimonials and client results, can make your services seem less trustworthy. Social proof is essential for building credibility.
Media: Not adding images, videos, or links is a missed opportunity to showcase the way for your company and their solutions.
Tips for an Effective Services Section
Services provided section: Fill this in fully by adding in all relevant services. There are 16 categories to look through, so spend enough time to complete this effectively
Clear & Concise About Description: Focus on client pain points and how your services solve them. Use simple, direct language (avoid jargon) that is easy to understand and that resonates with your target audience. Make the best use of the 500 characters.
Add Media: Add images, videos or links to make your services more engaging and memorable. Visual content can help capture attention and convey information quickly.
Social Proof: Showcase testimonials upfront and highlight client results. This can include metrics or success stories that demonstrate the impact of your services. These can be added in media or the About Description.
Invite Clients to Leave Reviews: Ask clients to leave reviews directly on your Services Section. This adds social proof and credibility to your profile. The more reviews (as long as they are positive), the more trustworthy.
Regular Updates: Keep your Services Section updated with new offerings or changes in your services. This shows potential clients that you are active and evolving.
How to Set It Up
1. Go to Your Profile: This is an obvious starting point, but you should log into LinkedIn and go to your profile.
2. Add Profile Section: Click on the ‘Add Profile Section’ button located at the top of your profile. This will open a dropdown menu with various options.
3. Select Services: From the dropdown menu, select ‘Add Services’ (within the ‘Core’ category). This will take you to a new page where you can set up your Services Section.
4. Complete Your Service Section: Complete the details as per the ‘Tips for an Effective Services Section’ above.
In Summary
The Services Section is severely under-utilised by most on LinkedIn.
However, it provides huge opportunities for attracting more profile visitors, building credibility, generating inbound leads, and differentiating yourself on LinkedIn. The Services Section when used effectively, can significantly enhance your LinkedIn game. If you haven’t already optimised it, it may be time to do so today.
The Services Section: The Hidden Gem on Your LinkedIn Profile
The Services Section: The Hidden Gem on Your LinkedIn Profile
As a LinkedIn and Sales Navigator consultant, I help businesses use LinkedIn effectively to generate new leads and grow their networks. The first step of my process is optimising the LinkedIn Profile so that when an ideal client lands on the profile (landing page), they see the profile owner as credible, the company as credible, and the offer (solutions) as credible.
In this article, I’m going to review an often overlooked yet influential feature on a LinkedIn profile – the Services Section. I’ll explore why it matters and how to maximise its potential:
What is the Services Section?
The Services Section is a section on your LinkedIn profile that helps you showcase your services and expertise. As well as this, it serves as a lead generation tool as well, attracting potential clients directly to your profile.
By portraying your services in the best light possible in the eyes of your ideal clients, you build instant credibility and establish yourself as a trusted professional.
Why It Matters
Visibility and Exposure
Increased Visibility: The Services Section includes a section called ‘Services provided’. Filling this in increases your visibility to potential clients who are searching for services like yours on LinkedIn. This can lead to more search appearances, profile views, and engagement.
Targeted Audience: It helps you reach a targeted audience interested in your specific services, making it easier to connect with potential clients.
Prominent on Profile: Once activated, the Services section is located just under the About section, so it’s high up the profile and very likely to be viewed by a visitor.
Credibility and Trust
Establishes Credibility: By clearly and effectively showcasing your services, you establish credibility and trust with potential clients. This is crucial for building strong relationships and securing new business opportunities.
Differentiation: It sets you apart from competitors who may not be utilising this feature effectively. In a crowded market, differentiation is key to standing out.
Lead Generation
Direct Lead Generation: The Services Section acts as a direct lead generation tool. Potential clients can find and contact you based on the services you offer, streamlining the sales process and generating inbound leads.
Warm Leads: It helps generate warm leads, as people who view your services will likely have already viewed your profile, so should have done research before reaching out. This means they are more likely to convert into clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Setup Entirely: One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the setup of the Services Section altogether. Doing this can result in missing out on potential visibility, credibility, and leads.
Services provided section: Not filling this in, or partially filling it in, decreases the information available and the potential for people to find you.
Overcomplicating Your About Description: Writing an overly complex description can confuse potential clients and make it difficult for them to understand your services.
Lacking Social Proof: Not including social proof, such as testimonials and client results, can make your services seem less trustworthy. Social proof is essential for building credibility.
Media: Not adding images, videos, or links is a missed opportunity to showcase the way for your company and their solutions.
Tips for an Effective Services Section
Services provided section: Fill this in fully by adding in all relevant services. There are 16 categories to look through, so spend enough time to complete this effectively
Clear & Concise About Description: Focus on client pain points and how your services solve them. Use simple, direct language (avoid jargon) that is easy to understand and that resonates with your target audience. Make the best use of the 500 characters.
Add Media: Add images, videos or links to make your services more engaging and memorable. Visual content can help capture attention and convey information quickly.
Social Proof: Showcase testimonials upfront and highlight client results. This can include metrics or success stories that demonstrate the impact of your services. These can be added in media or the About Description.
Invite Clients to Leave Reviews: Ask clients to leave reviews directly on your Services Section. This adds social proof and credibility to your profile. The more reviews (as long as they are positive), the more trustworthy.
Regular Updates: Keep your Services Section updated with new offerings or changes in your services. This shows potential clients that you are active and evolving.
How to Set It Up
1. Go to Your Profile: This is an obvious starting point, but you should log into LinkedIn and go to your profile.
2. Add Profile Section: Click on the ‘Add Profile Section’ button located at the top of your profile. This will open a dropdown menu with various options.
3. Select Services: From the dropdown menu, select ‘Add Services’ (within the ‘Core’ category). This will take you to a new page where you can set up your Services Section.
4. Complete Your Service Section: Complete the details as per the ‘Tips for an Effective Services Section’ above.
In Summary
The Services Section is severely under-utilised by most on LinkedIn.
However, it provides huge opportunities for attracting more profile visitors, building credibility, generating inbound leads, and differentiating yourself on LinkedIn. The Services Section when used effectively, can significantly enhance your LinkedIn game. If you haven’t already optimised it, it may be time to do so today.
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