How to Write a LinkedIn Profile That Attracts Leads, Not Just Connections

LinkedIn isn’t just for resumes anymore. And if you’re like me and created an account because someone in college said, “You need one,” well, it’s time to update your perception of LinkedIn. 

Here’s the thing: 

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just your online CV or resume — it can serve as a landing page for your brand.

And if you're a business owner, consultant, or service provider, your profile should do more than just connect you with past coworkers. It should attract the right people—those who need what you do and are ready to pay for it.

So how do you turn your profile into a lead-generating machine? Let's break it down.

1. Start With a Headline That Solves a Problem

Your headline follows you everywhere on LinkedIn—comments, posts, DMs—so make it count.

Instead of this: “Founder | Consultant | Speaker | Coach”

Try something like: “Helping service businesses generate leads through monthly done-for-you LinkedIn content” or “Fractional CMO helping B2B companies grow without bloated marketing teams”

Tip: The people you want to hire you aren't searching for your job title. They're looking for solutions.

2. Make Your ‘About’ Section a Conversation Starter

This is where most people either ramble or paste in their résumé summary.

Instead, think of this section as your brand’s pitch:

  • Who do you help?

  • What problem do you solve?

  • What’s the outcome of working with you?

  • Why should someone trust you?

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

  1. A quick hook: the problem your audience faces.

  2. Your unique solution or process.

  3. Real results (or credibility markers).

  4. A soft call to action: “Let’s connect” or “Message me to learn more.”

And please, write like a person, not like you’re submitting a grant proposal to a stuffy English professor in tweed. 

3. Optimize Your Featured Section

Think of the Featured section as your LinkedIn storefront. It's prime real estate.

What to include:

  • A lead magnet or free guide.

  • A link to book a call.

  • A popular post or article.

  • A case study or client success story.

Tip: If you’re already creating content elsewhere (like your blog or podcast), this is a great place to repurpose it.

4. Add Social Proof Without Bragging 

You don’t need to name-drop or list every client. But do show you know your stuff.

Consider:

  • Pulling in a few short testimonials.

  • Highlighting specific client wins (in metrics, if possible).

  • Listing notable industries or niches you’ve worked with.

Even subtle credibility cues like “We’ve helped businesses across SaaS, real estate, and coaching” go a long way.

5. Keep It Skimmable and Mobile-Friendly

Most people read LinkedIn on their phones—so keep your writing tight and scannable.

✅ Use short paragraphs
✅ Add line breaks for breathing room
✅ Avoid giant walls of text
✅ Use bullet points (sparingly, but strategically)

6. Use Keywords, But Don’t Overdo It

Yes, LinkedIn is searchable. No, you don’t need to stuff every title or industry you’ve ever worked in into your headline.

Think like your ideal client. What would they type in to find someone like you? Use those keywords naturally throughout your profile.

7. End With a Clear Call to Action

You’ve caught their attention—now what?

Let people know exactly what to do next:

  • DM you

  • Visit your site

  • Book a call

  • Download something

  • Answer a question (This is a “call to engagement”)

Don’t leave them hanging. Lead them. 

So… What’s Next?

Writing about yourself is hard.
It’s even harder to do it in a way that’s strategic, clear, and lead-focused.

That’s where we come in.

At Murphy Marketing, we specialize in crafting high-converting LinkedIn profiles that captures the voice of the founder and works to attract your best-fit buyers. 

We’ll help you define your message, shape your story, and keep your content consistent (without adding yet another thing to your to-do list).

👉 Ready to turn your profile into a lead magnet? Let’s talk.
👉 Want us to handle the content too? We’ve got you.

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