What’s in a name? 4 Mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn

by | Nov 9, 2013 | Author Platform, LinkedIn profiles, Personal branding

What's in a name? 4 Mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn

You’re probably wondering what’s the point of this blog post.  Surely, no-one gets their name wrong on LinkedIn.  Well actually, whilst they won’t spell it incorrectly, there are some mistakes that people do make, and because it’s the persons name, when it’s done badly, then it reflects badly on them and may result in people not clicking on their profile.

The following are the most common mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn.  They are made in relation to a persons name. I have found them when analysing someone’s LinkedIn Profile:

1. Incorrect use of grammar
The biggest mistake that people make on LinkedIn in relation to their name is using incorrect grammar.  Your name should have capital letters at the beginning of each word i.e. John Smith, not john smith, JOHN SMITH or John SMITH.2. Using their formal name, not what they are known as
LinkedIn is first and foremost a social network, so use that name that you are known by e.g.. Liz, Lizzie or Beth instead of Elizabeth.  Your name should reflect that of your email signature and business/networking cards.

3. Not adding the letters after their name
LinkedIn doesn’t have the facility for people to add the letters after their name such as Jr, Snr, MBA, BSc, CIPD. Your name should reflect that on your business card.

To do this, you need to add them to your last name.

4. Adding superfluous information
You will see that some people will add phone numbers, job titles and all sorts after their name, trying to cram all this information in, so that it appears in their search results.  Please don’t.  If you want to give someone who is not a connection your phone number, then set up a public profile and add it to either your summary or additional information – advice for contacting you section.

To update your name:
Navigate to your Edit Profile screen

  • Click on the pen icon to the left of your name
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Make any corrections that you feel are needed

  • Click on [Save]
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Final checklist:

  • Is the name used on LinkedIn the name that you are know by?
  • Is it grammatically correct?
  • Does your name reflect that shown on your business/networking card?

If you found this post helpful, then please let me know, and if you feel you would benefit from some help with your LinkedIn profile, then consider getting a full, systematic review of your profile or some one to one training and support.