Your LinkedIn profile is no longer just a formality, it is your digital storefront, your personal elevator pitch, and a living testament to your expertise. Whether you are actively searching for your next big role, freelancing across industries, or offering fractional marketing services, your LinkedIn profile is often the first place employers, collaborators, and clients will go to learn who you are, what you do, and whether they want to work with you.
Unlike a CV, which typically gets shared after an introduction or job application, your LinkedIn profile is public and always working in the background. It is discoverable through search, referenced during networking events, and used by algorithms to match you with opportunities without you even realising it. That makes it one of your most powerful assets in a competitive market. Yet many talented marketing professionals treat it as a static checklist, filling in the basic fields and moving on, rather than using it as a strategic tool for positioning and brand storytelling.
LinkedIn is not just a digital CV or online job board, it is your personal brand platform. It’s where your voice, value, and vision should come through clearly and consistently. In an industry where perception is everything, you cannot simply tell people you’re skilled at branding, communication, or creative strategy. You need to demonstrate those skills through the way you present yourself online. A half-baked or vague profile sends the wrong message, no matter how talented you are.
You do not need to be an influencer, post daily, or rack up thousands of followers to make LinkedIn work for you. What you do need is a profile that clearly communicates your value, speaks directly to your target audience, and aligns with the roles or clients you want to attract. Done right, your profile becomes a magnet for new opportunities, introductions, and collaborations.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to transform your LinkedIn presence into a compelling, high-converting showcase of your marketing expertise. From writing a standout headline to adding social proof and showcasing your best work, each section is designed to help you attract attention, build credibility, and get results.
Ready to turn your LinkedIn profile into your most effective marketing asset? Let’s dive in.
Start with a Magnetic Headline (Not Just Your Job Title)
Too many marketing professionals settle for “Marketing Consultant” or “Digital Marketing Specialist” in their headline. But this line sits right below your name and follows you everywhere, from search results to comments to connection requests.
Instead, make it dynamic and benefit-focused. Tell people what you do, who you help, and what value you bring.
Better examples:
- “Helping eCommerce brands scale with ROI-driven Facebook Ads”
- “Fractional CMO for SaaS Startups | Branding, Lead Gen, Growth Strategy”
- “LinkedIn Content Strategist | I turn boring B2B pages into high-converting profiles”
Use a mix of keywords and clarity, but do not overstuff it. Keep it human. Keep it relevant. Think of your headline like a slogan. Short, sharp, and benefit-driven.
Choose a Profile Photo That Builds Trust

You do not need a studio headshot, but your profile photo should be clear, professional, and approachable. People are statistically more likely to connect and message others who have a high-quality, friendly-looking photo.
What works:
- Neutral background
- Natural lighting
- A genuine smile
If you specialise in creative or personal branding, feel free to add a bit of flair but do not go overboard. This is still a professional platform. Canva’s Free LinkedIn Photo Guide.
Use a Custom Banner to Reinforce Your Brand

The default LinkedIn banner is a wasted opportunity. Design a custom banner that visually reinforces your personal brand, specialisation, or tagline.
Ideas for your banner:
- A tagline or headline over a branded colour gradient
- Your logo and website if you freelance or run a consultancy
- Icons of services you provide (PPC, content, analytics)
- Client logos or testimonials (if appropriate)
You can easily create these using free tools like Canva. Make sure the design is not too busy and fits neatly on both desktop and mobile views.
Write a Summary (About Section) That Tells Your Story
The “About” section is your elevator pitch, but on steroids. It’s where you combine your professional background with your personality and voice. This is where people either get hooked or bounce.
Structure it like this:
- Start with a hook (your unique positioning or philosophy)
- Back it up with what you do, who you help, and how
- Highlight major wins or credibility signals (awards, results, years of experience)
- Add a human touch on what drives you, what you care about
- End with a call-to-action (e.g. let’s connect, visit my site, email me)
Example:
“I believe marketing should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. Over the last 8 years, I’ve helped SaaS brands humanise their messaging and convert more visitors through content that connects. My work has been featured on HubSpot, CoSchedule, and GrowthHackers, and I’ve built multi-channel campaigns that generated over $1.5M in attributed revenue. Outside of work, I mentor young marketers and host a monthly growth marketing meetup. If you’re scaling your marketing team or need a freelance strategist, let’s connect.”
Optimise Your Experience Section for Results, Not Responsibilities
This is where you prove you have done the work. But instead of listing duties like a job description, focus on outcomes. Think in terms of:
- Revenue generated
- Leads driven
- Engagement increased
- Campaign performance uplift
Bad:
“Managed social media accounts for multiple clients.”
Better:
“Grew Instagram following by 350% and increased lead conversions by 42% within 6 months for a national retail brand.”
Use action verbs, bullet points, and metrics wherever possible. Treat each role like a mini case study.
Add Strategic Skills, But Keep Them Relevant
LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills, but that does not mean you need to fill every slot. Choose skills that:
- Align with your services or career path
- Match keywords that clients/recruiters search
- Reinforce your credibility in a niche area
Examples:
- Google Analytics
- Copywriting
- Email Marketing
- Brand Strategy
- SEO/SEM
- A/B Testing
- HubSpot or Marketo (if relevant)
Top Skills Get You Hired on LinkedIn. Also, reorder them so the top three are your most important and visible.
Use Recommendations to Build Social Proof
Think of LinkedIn recommendations as testimonials. Ask past clients, colleagues, or managers to write a short paragraph about their experience working with you.
Make it easy for them:
- Be specific about what you’d like highlighted
- Offer to write a draft if they are busy
- Reciprocate by writing one for them
Even just 3-5 strong recommendations can add huge weight to your credibility.
Use the “Featured” section to highlight:
- Linked blog posts
- Portfolio pieces
- Campaigns you ran
- Case studies
- Podcast episodes or speaking gigs
This helps visitors explore your work immediately and demonstrates that you’re active in your field.
Also include certifications: Google Ads, Meta Blueprint, Content Marketing Institute, HubSpot, and others to validate your skills.
Customise Your LinkedIn URL
A small but powerful tweak. Edit your LinkedIn profile URL to remove the random numbers and include your name or brand.
For example:
linkedin.com/in/jessicamarkets is much cleaner than linkedin.com/in/jessica-smith-4850290834
This makes you more searchable and looks better on your email signature, CV, or pitch deck.
Use Creator Mode (If You’re Sharing Content)

If you actively post on LinkedIn or want to grow a following, enable Creator Mode. This:
- Allows you to add up to 5 hashtags (topics you post about)
- Turns your “Connect” button into a “Follow” button
- Prioritises your content on your profile
Use this if you publish thought leadership, write newsletter content, or want to be discovered by people in your niche. Use Cemoh’s guide to building thought leadership
Connect with Intent, Not Volume
You don’t need thousands of connections, you just need the right ones. Reach out to other marketers, founders, recruiters, past colleagues, and niche peers.
When sending connection requests:
- Always add a note
- Mention shared interests or communities
- Keep it short and genuine
Example:
“Hi Alex, I saw your recent post about brand strategy and found it super insightful. I’m also in the marketing space and would love to connect!”
Stay Active with High-Value Posts

Posting regularly keeps you top of mind and builds authority. You do not need to go viral. Consistency and relevance win.
Post content like:
- Short how-to tips or frameworks
- Case studies or campaign breakdowns
- Opinions on industry trends
- Behind-the-scenes from client work
- Lessons learned or questions for your network
Aim for once or twice a week to start. Use visuals or short videos for better reach. Commenting on others’ posts with insights can grow your visibility even faster than posting your own content at first.
Join the Right Groups and Follow Industry Leaders
This helps with networking, idea sharing, and algorithmic reach. Join groups relevant to your marketing niche (e.g. content marketing, email funnels, B2B SaaS), and follow key players in your field.
Engage actively, not just passively scroll. The more you participate, the more likely people will visit your profile and reach out.
Align Your Profile with Your Website (If You Have One)
If you freelance or consult, your LinkedIn and website should speak the same brand language. Use the same colours, fonts, tone of voice, and positioning.
Make sure your contact information is visible and up to date across all platforms. Link back and forth to create an ecosystem of credibility.
LinkedIn Is Your First Pitch, So Make It Count
A strong LinkedIn profile does not just get you noticed, it also opens doors. In today’s marketing world, where reputation and visibility often matter as much as skill, your LinkedIn profile is not just a background detail. It is your first impression, your credibility marker, and your positioning statement all in one. It sets the tone for how people perceive you before they ever speak to you.
As a marketing professional, you already know the power of brand storytelling, clear messaging, and strong visuals. Now it is time to apply those same principles to yourself. Your profile should feel like a campaign you would be proud to pitch to a client: polished, persuasive, purpose-driven, and backed by real results. From your headline and summary to your featured work and recommendations, every section should reinforce your expertise and make your value undeniable.
Whether you are actively job-hunting, growing a freelance portfolio, or simply keeping your options open for the right opportunity, investing in your LinkedIn profile is one of the most strategic moves you can make. It is not just about looking good online, it is about being discoverable by the people who matter most to your career.
If you're ready to take the next step and connect with brands that are actively looking for top-tier marketing talent, we can help. At Cemoh, we specialise in matching skilled marketing professionals and consultants with businesses that need exactly what you bring to the table.
Join Cemoh today and let the right opportunities find you.