How to Create A Public Profile On LinkedIn

Creating a LinkedIn public profile allows others to view your information online. Control what aspects of your profile you would like display. Decide what points you want to share with the public and know that you have the option of changing them at any point. You will receive a link for your profile--you can even choose to personalize it. Making your profile public makes it easy for others to find you. To get your business out there and expand your visibility, simply create a public profile.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• LinkedIn account

Choose a Public Profile

1. Visit the LinkedIn Web site (see Resources below).

2. Create a LinkedIn account and profile by entering your personal and professional information and pressing the "Join Now" button or open your existing LinkedIn account.

3. Go to your home page and locate the site map, a rectangular box that is made up of several categories.

4. Find the "My Profile" category within the site map and click on the "Edit My Public Profile" link.

Make it Public

1. Create your public profile via the "Edit My Public Profile link.

2. Keep the current URL designated to you or choose your own.

3. Customize your URL by entering 5 to 30 alphabet letters, numbers or a mix of both. Only follow this step if you did not pick to keep the designated URL.

4. Click on the "Set Address" button to personalize your URL address.

5. Pick a "Basic View" or a "Full View" of your public profile by selecting 1 of the radio buttons labeled so. You may also opt for the "None" radio button, which turns your profile off from public view.

6. Choose the "Basic View" for a default public profile. The "Full View" profile is recommended to maximize your exposure on the LinkedIn network.

7. Check all the categories you wish to include in your "Full View" public profile by clicking boxes within the checkbox.

8. Press the "Save Changes" button to successfully update your public profile.

9. Click on the "View My Profile as Others See It" link to review your public profile.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose to "Customize Buttons" by clicking on said link. These buttons are a great way to promote yourself and your business. You can paste them on resumes, your blog and your Web site!

• When editing your public profile, limit your personal information such as your home address to protect your privacy.