You Don’t Need to Be an Influencer to Get Noticed

Let me be honest with you — I’m not a LinkedIn influencer. I don’t have thousands of followers or a fancy blue badge. In fact, at the time of writing this, my connections are under 100, and I have maybe 500 followers, not more. But guess what? That didn’t stop me from getting noticed. It didn’t stop me from landing a job in Saudi Arabia — without any personal reference or connection. The key? I focused on how to optimize LinkedIn the right way — even without being popular.

You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need to post every week or comment on everything that shows up on your feed. What you do need is a well-optimized LinkedIn profile — one that tells your story clearly, honestly, and professionally.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to optimize LinkedIn step-by-step. These are small, practical changes that anyone can make. You don’t need premium tools or content calendars. Just a little clarity, consistency, and the mindset to prioritize quality over quantity — especially when it comes to your connections.

1. Start with Clarity: Who You Are, What You Want, and How to Optimize LinkedIn to Reflect It

This is probably the most important part of your LinkedIn profile — and the one most people overlook.

Let me tell you something honestly. A lot of LinkedIn profiles out there look like a CV dump. Just endless text, packed with every tool, skill, and keyword the person can think of. I’ve seen it personally — especially when I’m looking to hire freelancers or collaborators. If I open a profile and it’s too noisy, with too much information that doesn’t lead anywhere, I just skip it. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who does that. That’s exactly why learning how to optimize LinkedIn the right way matters — it’s about quality and clarity, not just stuffing your profile with every keyword.

The truth is: recruiters and decision-makers don’t have time to figure you out. You have to make it easy for them.

Keep Your Headline Specific — Not a Keyword Soup

This is where many go wrong.

For example, someone who works in digital marketing might write something like:

“SEO | Content Creator | PPC Specialist | Email Marketer | Funnel Builder | Social Media Expert”

Sounds impressive, but also very confusing.

When you try to be everything, you don’t stand out for anything. Instead, choose one area of expertise and highlight it boldly in your headline. The rest can be explained in your About section or Experience — but your headline should clearly say what you’re best at or what you’re aiming for. This focus is a key part of how to optimize LinkedIn effectively and get noticed by the right people.

Even if you’re just starting out, focus on one role you want to pursue first. You can always create multiple tailored CVs or cover letters for different jobs — learn how to do that here — but your LinkedIn profile should be built around a single, clear identity.

Write a Clear and Human “About” Section

LinkedIn gives you space for about 2,600 words (around 5,000 characters) in the About section — but that doesn’t mean you should use all of it.

What matters most is the first 1–2 paragraphs. This is what people see before they click “see more.” So be intentional with it.

Here’s what to do:

• Start with who you are and what you do
• Mention your current role or specialty
• If you’re a fresher, still choose a direction: “I specialize in content writing,” or “I’m passionate about UI/UX design.”
• Avoid listing every single skill. Keep the core role upfront, and mention other skills further down as additional strengths

Remember: Clarity wins over completeness. You’re not trying to show everything — you’re trying to show the right things.

2. Your Profile Photo & Banner Play a Big Role in How to Optimize LinkedIn Effectively

Let’s be honest — most people judge your profile within a few seconds. And the first thing they see is your profile photo and banner.

Now, don’t get me wrong — you don’t need a DSLR or a fancy photoshoot to get this right. What you do need is clarity, professionalism, and a bit of intention.

Your profile picture should:

• Be a clear headshot (your face should be visible even in the small thumbnail)
• Have a clean background that doesn’t blend in with your face
• Make you look approachable and professional — not too serious, but definitely not casual

Here’s something many people miss: LinkedIn is not Instagram or TikTok. Your photo doesn’t need to look trendy, overly filtered, or casual. This is a professional space. You might feel like showing your creative or fun side — and that’s okay — but you also have to think about the recruiters who still think like it’s the 2000s. Understanding this balance is crucial in how to optimize LinkedIn and make a strong first impression.

Not everyone is Gen Z or digital-native. Many decision-makers come from a traditional mindset. So your profile picture should reflect that balance — modern but decent, confident but respectful.

Use the Banner to Highlight What You Do (Not Everything You Do)

Your banner isn’t just decoration — it’s a visual hint of your identity.

A good banner:

• Doesn’t list every tool or job title you’ve ever had
• Focuses on just one core specialty
• Could be a clean background, a short tagline, or a visual icon that reflects your field (e.g., SEO, UI/UX, eCommerce, etc.)

Think of it this way: your profile photo makes them stop, and your banner makes them curious.

Together, they form your silent first impression — before anyone reads a single word on your profile.

3. Optimize Your Experience (It’s Not Just Tasks — It’s How to Optimize LinkedIn Through Storytelling)

The Experience section is where many people lose attention — fast.

Why? Because instead of showing what they’ve achieved, they just list what they were “responsible for.” That reads like a job description — not a story.

Let me be clear: recruiters don’t want to know everything you did. They want to know what came out of it.

Focus on Results, Not Just Responsibilities

Here’s a common example of what most people write:

“Managed the SEO of eCommerce websites, handled on-page optimization, and monitored keyword rankings.”

Now compare that with this:

• Increased organic traffic by 70% in 6 months through strategic SEO improvements
• Boosted conversion rate by 15% by optimizing product pages and metadata
• Ranked 10+ keywords on Google’s first page for competitive eCommerce terms

Which one sounds better? Obviously the second.

Use bullet points, focus on numbers, and show what impact you made — no matter how big or small. Even if you’re just starting out, highlight what you learned, improved, or contributed. These simple steps are essential for how to optimize LinkedIn and make your experience stand out.

Bonus Tip: Use ChatGPT to Organize It for You

Not everyone is good at writing polished bullet points. That’s okay.

One trick I use often is: just type out everything you did roughly, and paste it into ChatGPT with a prompt like:

“Turn this into bullet points focused on results for LinkedIn.”

It’ll clean it up and even suggest better phrasing.

✅ Be Smart About the Skills You Mention

LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, but here’s the catch — not all skills carry equal weight. Don’t try to fill the list just for the sake of it.

Instead:

• Focus on the top 5–10 skills you’ve genuinely mastered
• Choose skills that are relevant to the roles you’re targeting
• Avoid generic terms like “Microsoft Word” or “Teamwork” — unless it’s truly important in your field

Each job experience you add can be tagged with relevant skills. Be intentional here — because these skills help LinkedIn match your profile with job listings and recruiter searches. This is a crucial part of how to optimize LinkedIn effectively and get noticed by the right opportunities.

4. Strategic Keyword Use (Without Sounding Robotic) Is Key in How to Optimize LinkedIn Effectively

One of the most underrated ways to get discovered on LinkedIn is by using the right keywords — but doing it the wrong way can make your profile sound forced or robotic.

So how do you strike the balance?

Understand What Keywords Actually Do

LinkedIn’s algorithm works a lot like a search engine. Recruiters type in terms like:

• “eCommerce SEO specialist”
• “Social media manager Riyadh”
• “Content writer with healthcare experience”

If your profile naturally contains these terms in your headline, About section, experience, and skills, you’re more likely to show up in their search results.

Where to Add Keywords Naturally

• Headline: This is one of the most powerful places. Use a clean and clear format like:
  SEO Specialist for Online Stores | Driving Organic Growth for eCommerce Brands
• About Section: Mention your core skill areas and tools in a conversational tone. Something like:
  “I specialize in SEO for eCommerce brands, with hands-on experience in tools like Semrush, Google Search Console, and Ahrefs.”
• Experience Bullet Points: Show the keyword in action.
  “Implemented technical SEO improvements across Shopify and WordPress platforms.”
• Skills Section: Choose 30–40 strong skills that match the types of jobs you’re targeting. Tools, strategies, and soft skills all count — just make sure you actually know them.

✅ Use Job Descriptions as Keyword Inspiration

If you’re not sure which keywords to use, go through job listings in your field. Notice what words are repeated — those are usually important to include.

You can also use free tools like:

• Jobscan.co — Compare your LinkedIn profile or resume to a job description
• LinkedIn’s own job section — Look at what keywords appear across roles you’re targeting

Final Tip: Keep It Human

Don’t overload your profile with buzzwords. You don’t need to write like a machine:

“Dynamic results-oriented digital growth enabler with holistic content activation across verticals…”

No recruiter is impressed by that. Be simple. Be real. Talk like a person — just with clarity.

5. Make Yourself Searchable — A Simple Yet Powerful Step in How to Optimize LinkedIn

It doesn’t matter how strong your profile is — if people can’t find you, it won’t help much.

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen — and even made myself in the past — is not setting up your profile to actually appear in recruiter searches. Fortunately, LinkedIn offers a few features that, when used correctly, can quietly but significantly increase your chances of being discovered. Knowing how to optimize LinkedIn these features is key to getting noticed without spending hours on outreach.

Turn on “Open to Work” — Smartly

You’ve probably seen people with the green “#OpenToWork” banner around their profile photo. That’s optional. But whether or not you want to show it publicly, the important part is this:

Go to your profile → Click “Open to” → Select “Finding a new job”

Fill it out carefully:

• Choose job titles you’re targeting
• Set your preferred job locations
• Select job types (remote, hybrid, full-time, etc.)

You can choose to show it only to recruiters instead of everyone. That way, you stay discreet but still visible to the right people.

Set Your Location Strategically — But Authentically

If you’re aiming for jobs in Saudi Arabia, but currently working in India or Pakistan, you don’t have to fake your location. It’s okay to keep your current city on your profile — especially if it reflects where you’re presently employed. Recruiters who value your profile will still find you. Understanding how to optimize LinkedIn for your actual situation helps ensure you attract the right opportunities, no matter where you are.

That said, some candidates choose to update their location to their target country to appear in filtered searches. LinkedIn allows this, but whether you do it or not depends on your personal comfort with how you represent yourself.

When I was preparing to move to Jeddah, I was still working in Mangalore, India, and I kept my LinkedIn location unchanged. In fact, I landed the job by applying through a job portal—not through a recruiter finding my profile. So it’s completely up to you how you want to handle it, but knowing how to optimize LinkedIn can help you make the best choices for your unique situation.

Use the Right Job Titles

In your “Open to Work” settings, don’t just add random job titles. Be specific and match them to what companies are actually posting. For example:

• SEO Specialist
• Digital Marketing Executive
• Content Strategist

Avoid vague or made-up titles like “Marketing Ninja” or “Brand Hacker” — they might sound cool, but they’re rarely searched by recruiters.

Bonus Tip: Customize Your LinkedIn URL

It takes 10 seconds, but makes a big difference. Instead of a messy link like:

linkedin.com/in/hisham-hikami-1293171abd

You can edit it to:

linkedin.com/in/hishamhikami

Cleaner. Sharable. More professional — especially when you include it on your CV or email signature.

Bottom line? Don’t just polish your profile — position it to be found. That’s how opportunities quietly come your way.

6. Get Quality Connections, Not Just Quantity — That’s How to Optimize LinkedIn for Real Impact

Let me be honest with you — I’m not someone who’s constantly active on LinkedIn. I don’t spend hours engaging with posts or networking through messages. Even so, my profile still gets noticed.

Why? Because it’s not about how active you are — it’s about who you’re connected to.

Connect With People Who Actually Matter to Your Career

You don’t need to accept every connection request that comes your way. I don’t. In fact, my connections are still under 100, and I regularly review them to make sure they’re relevant.

Here’s what I do:

• I focus on connecting with decision-makers, team leads, HR managers, and professionals in my field
• I avoid connecting with random profiles that have no link to my industry or goals
• If someone seems interested but irrelevant, I don’t accept — I let them follow me instead (followers don’t need to be connections)

This isn’t about disrespecting anyone. It’s about making your LinkedIn network work for you. And the truth is:

A single valuable connection can open doors — more than 1,000 random ones ever will.

Why Quality Connections Help You Get Found

LinkedIn’s algorithm is smart. When you’re connected with higher-level professionals or people in your industry, it starts suggesting your profile to others in that same circle.

That’s how you silently build reach — without needing to post every week or be glued to the platform.

So next time you get a request, ask yourself:

• Is this person connected to the kind of world I want to grow in?
• Will being in their network bring more visibility to my work?

If the answer is no, it’s okay to let them stay as followers.

7. Smart Use of the ‘Featured’ Section Is a Key Part of How to Optimize LinkedIn

The Featured section on LinkedIn is one of the most underused tools — yet it has the power to turn your profile from good to great in seconds.

It’s the only section where you can visually showcase what you’ve done — whether that’s a portfolio, an article, a certificate, or even a personal success story.

Why It Matters

Most people scroll quickly. They may not read your full profile, but they’ll definitely glance at what you’ve featured.

This section acts like a portfolio snapshot — it shows what you’ve done, not just what you claim to know.

What You Can Add

Here are some smart ways to use this space:

• Your updated CV/resume (hosted on Google Drive or a portfolio site)
• Certifications or licenses that back your expertise
• Blog posts or articles you’ve written — especially on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or your own website
• Links to your work (e.g., websites you’ve built, campaigns you’ve run, case studies)
• A screenshot with context — e.g., a before/after of analytics or a growth chart
• A personal achievement post that had good engagement

Make sure whatever you add is aligned with the type of role or industry you want to be seen in.

Keep It Updated and Relevant

Don’t just add once and forget it. Keep updating this section as you:

• Learn new skills
• Finish a project
• Share a milestone
• Publish content that reflects your growth

Think of it like your highlight reel — it should evolve as you do.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Don’t Miss This.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is like planting a seed—it builds your long-term visibility and brings passive opportunities your way if you maintain it well. But when you’re actively applying for jobs, especially in competitive markets like Saudi Arabia, your CV is the weapon you need. That’s where the real action happens. In fact, my own CV played a huge role in getting me noticed and eventually landing a job in Jeddah—all without any wasta or connections.

Read: How to Optimize Your CV: 8 Powerful Tips for Landing a Job in Saudi Arabia — Trust me, if LinkedIn is the slow burn, your CV is the spark. Don’t miss out.

Conclusion: Your Profile Is a Silent Interview — A Crucial Concept in How to Optimize LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile speaks before you do.

It doesn’t matter if you have 50 connections or 5,000 followers — what matters is how clearly your profile tells your story. From your headline to your About section, from your achievements to the skills you list, every part should answer one silent question recruiters have:

“Why should we consider you?”

And the good news? You don’t need to post every day, go viral or to be a content creator.

What you do need is:

• A clear, specific headline
• An About section that highlights what you do and what you bring
• Experience focused on results, not just tasks
• A network of relevant, valuable connections
• And a profile that’s optimized to be searchable and click-worthy

This is exactly how I landed a job in Saudi Arabia — without any connections, and without being a LinkedIn influencer.

Read the full story here: How I Got Hired in Saudi Arabia Without Any Connections

Let your profile work for you — quietly, confidently, and professionally.