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Is your LinkedIn profile *actually working?*

Twelve questions. An honest score, and a list of what to fix first.

Editing a grid of social media photos on a laptop at an office desk

Most profiles are a *CV, not a pitch*

There is a real difference between a profile that lists your job history and one that positions you clearly, speaks to your ideal client, and makes people want a conversation. Most professionals have the first and assume it is the second.

This scorecard walks the same six-point audit we use with clients. It takes about three minutes, it runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent anywhere or stored. You will get a score and, more usefully, an ordered list of what to fix first.

If you would rather read the thinking behind it, that is in how to know if your LinkedIn profile is actually working for you.

Your profile is doing sales work whether you maintain it or not.

Shop owner photographing a blue ceramic bowl on a phone in an independent gift shop

The *scorecard*

Answer honestly – a flattering score is no use to anyone. Open your own profile in another tab if it helps.

Start with your actual words

Optional, but it is the quickest win. Paste your headline and the opening of your About section and we will tell you what is wrong with the wording itself before you answer anything.

Checked in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere or saved.

0 of 12 answered

  1. Does your headline say what you actually do, or just your job title?

    Your headline follows you everywhere on LinkedIn – the feed, search, comments, connection requests.

  2. Does your headline use the words your clients would actually use?

    Not industry language. The words a client would say out loud when describing what they need.

  3. Do the first two lines of your About section explain who you help?

    That is all anyone sees before "see more", and most people never click it.

  4. Does your About section lead with the problem you solve, rather than your career history?

    History can come later, for the people who care.

  5. Do your last five posts point at one clear area of expertise?

    Look at them as a stranger would, in order.

  6. Have you posted anything in the last 30 days?

    Not a burst three months ago. Something recent.

  7. Does your profile use the exact phrases clients say when they describe what they need?

    Write down how your last three clients described their problem to you.

  8. If you search LinkedIn for the terms your clients use, do you appear?

    Try it in a private window. Search the way a client would.

  9. Is your profile photo a clear, recent, professional-looking headshot?

    Not a cropped wedding photo, not a logo.

  10. Does your banner say something, rather than sitting on the default blue?

    It is free advertising space at the top of your profile.

  11. Is it obvious what someone should do next if they want to work with you?

    Someone is convinced. Now what?

  12. Do you have recent, specific recommendations from clients?

    Recent and specific beats numerous and vague.

Answer every question to see your result. Nothing is sent anywhere.

About this *scorecard*

Know what to fix but not where to start? *We do this with clients every week.*

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
*Let’s chat!*

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