Introduction

When someone lands on your LinkedIn profile, you have just a few seconds to make an impression. Whether you’re chasing leads, new roles, or simply trying to grow your network, the way your profile looks and reads matters, a lot. But the good news is, that standing out doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Small, smart edits can take a LinkedIn profile from forgettable to fantastic.

This blog is all about those simple tweaks that catch attention and boost credibility. We’re not here to show you celebrity profiles or huge corporate examples. Instead, we’ll highlight practical, real-world edits that anyone, from freelancers to marketers and founders, can use to improve their visibility and messaging on LinkedIn.

You’ll see what works and why, from headline changes that spark curiosity to summary sections that finally sound like the real you. We’ll show you how to use banners, featured content, and even your skills list to show off what you do without being over the top.

At Delivered Social, we help people and brands present themselves clearly across digital platforms, and LinkedIn is no exception. Your profile is more than just a CV. It’s a living space that reflects your personality, values and direction. And when it’s done right, it becomes one of your most powerful tools for connection and opportunity.

So, if your profile’s been feeling a bit tired lately, or you’ve never really known what to write, stick with us. These examples of excellent LinkedIn profile edits might be exactly what you need.

Headline Tweaks That Make People Click

Your LinkedIn headline is your first opportunity to make an impression—and it’s the key to standing out in a sea of profiles. A headline that simply states your job title won’t capture attention; it needs to highlight what makes you unique and why someone should take notice of your profile. In fact, small changes to your headline can transform your visibility, making it more likely that people will click on your profile.

So, how can you improve it? Let’s look at Examples of Excellent LinkedIn Profile headlines for inspiration:

Before:
“Project Manager”

After:
“Helping Businesses Improve Efficiency Through Strategic Project Management”

The difference is clear. Instead of just stating a title, the new headline focuses on what you bring to the table. It immediately communicates the value you offer, making you much more likely to catch someone’s eye.

A great LinkedIn headline doesn’t just mention your role—it reflects the impact you have. It should describe who you are, what you do, and how you help others. Additionally, include key industry terms or keywords to help your profile appear in relevant searches. For example, a marketing professional might use terms like “digital marketing,” “SEO,” or “lead generation.”

Make sure your headline feels approachable and engaging, not just a list of technical skills. The more specific and targeted your headline, the more likely you are to attract the right connections and opportunities.

Summary Sections That Actually Sound Like You

Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to speak directly to anyone visiting your profile. It’s where you can really showcase your personality, your passion, and what you’re all about. Yet, many people treat the summary like a bland, generic “about me” section, listing achievements without giving any real insight into who they are or how they can help others.

Here’s the trick: your summary should sound like you, not like a corporate brochure. It should reflect both your professional skills and your personal approach to work, making you approachable and memorable.

Let’s look at an example of a before-and-after rewrite:

Before:
“I have over 5 years of experience in marketing, specialising in SEO and content management. I have worked with multiple clients and delivered results.”

After:
“I’m a content strategist who loves helping brands tell their stories. Over the past 5 years, I’ve helped businesses increase their online visibility and connect with their audience through creative content. I’m passionate about solving challenges with fresh ideas and measurable results, whether it’s improving your SEO or crafting a content strategy that speaks to your audience.”

Notice how the second version feels more personal and engaging. It explains who they are, what they do, and why they’re passionate about it, without being overly formal or jargon-heavy.

Remember, LinkedIn is a social network, and your summary is a chance to connect on a human level. Avoid stiff corporate speech, keep it friendly, and don’t shy away from showing your personality. The goal is to make people feel like they know you, even before they hit the “connect” button.

Profile Photos And Banner Edits That Build Trust (Examples Of Excellent LinkedIn Profiles)

Your LinkedIn profile photo is the first thing people notice when they visit your profile, so it’s essential to make it count. A professional, approachable photo builds trust and makes you seem credible. But how do you stand out while maintaining a professional appearance?

Let’s look at Examples of Excellent LinkedIn Profile photos:

Before:
A blurry group photo from a recent holiday.

After:
A high-quality, well-lit headshot with a simple background where you’re dressed appropriately for your industry.

A clear, professional headshot helps people see the real you, making your profile more trustworthy. Choose a background that’s neutral, uncluttered, and consistent with your personal brand. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on professional photos, but it’s worth investing in a good camera or asking a friend to take a proper picture.

But your profile photo isn’t the only visual element that matters. Your LinkedIn banner image is another often-overlooked opportunity to strengthen your profile’s visual appeal. A relevant, high-quality banner can instantly convey more about your professional identity and your interests.

For example, if you work in digital marketing, a banner featuring your company logo, a striking design related to your work, or even an inspiring quote that aligns with your values can enhance your profile. This is your chance to make a statement without words.

By carefully selecting your profile photo and banner, you immediately make your LinkedIn profile more trustworthy and engaging—key components of an excellent LinkedIn profile.

Featured Content That Proves You Know Your Stuff

One of the most underutilised sections of LinkedIn profiles is the Featured Content section. This is where you can showcase your best work, giving potential clients, partners, and employers proof of your expertise and the value you offer. Rather than letting this space go to waste, you can use it strategically to reinforce your personal brand and build credibility.

Think of this section as your LinkedIn portfolio. It’s where you can pin important posts, articles, case studies, client testimonials, or even presentations that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Instead of listing a generic work history, this section allows you to actively demonstrate your ability, impact, and expertise.

Here’s an example of how to transform the Featured Content section:

Before:
The section is empty or filled with links to irrelevant posts, old job descriptions, or generic company pages.

After:
The Featured section is filled with:

A link to a blog you wrote on an industry trend

A case study where you improved client results

A post showcasing a personal achievement or award

An interview you did with a respected thought leader in your field

By thoughtfully curating your featured content, you’re not just telling people what you do, you’re showing them, and that’s far more powerful. You also want to make sure your content stays relevant and up-to-date, so regularly refresh it to reflect your most recent work and achievements.

Remember, it’s about proving you know your stuff in a tangible, accessible way. This helps build trust and authority, positioning you as a valuable connection in your field.

Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations That Matter

Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a snapshot of your experience, it’s a place where you can actively highlight the skills that make you stand out. But to maximise its impact, you need to be selective about what skills you list and make sure others endorse them.

First, start by curating your skills. LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, but don’t just tick every box that comes your way. Focus on your top 10 skills that are most relevant to your industry and the roles or opportunities you’re targeting. For example, if you’re a digital marketer, skills like “SEO”, “Content Strategy”, and “Social Media Management” should be front and centre.

Once your skills are sorted, the next step is to encourage endorsements. Endorsements from colleagues, clients, or partners provide social proof of your abilities. The more endorsements you have for key skills, the more credibility you build. Ask past colleagues or supervisors to endorse you for skills that align with your professional goals, and offer to return the favour.

Finally, recommendations take your profile to the next level. A written recommendation from a past client or colleague is one of the most powerful pieces of social proof you can have. It adds weight to your profile and shows that others have directly benefited from your work. Don’t be afraid to request recommendations from people you’ve worked with, they’ll help boost your profile’s credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Profiles

Q1: How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?
Aim to update your profile at least every 3–6 months. Keep it fresh with any new skills, achievements, or projects.

Q2: Is it OK to be informal in the summary section?
Yes, LinkedIn is a professional platform, but your summary should reflect your personality. A friendly, approachable tone works well.

Q3: Should I bother with recommendations?
Absolutely. Recommendations are powerful social proof that highlight your value. Request them from colleagues and clients to add credibility to your profile.

Q4: Do banner images really matter?
Yes, a professional and relevant banner image can make your profile stand out and convey your personal brand effectively.