How to Add Keywords to Your Social Network Profiles

Add the right keywords to your social network profiles.

Using the right keywords and phrases in social network profiles will help to increase your online visibility, improve your job search efforts and generate leads for your business. Leveraging search engines and search functions within websites has become a standard practice to find people and information. By including the right keywords and phrases, your profile is more likely to be found when these searches take place. Keywords can help within all social networking websites including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Set up accounts and create profiles on social networking websites. Your profile language should emphasize your unique skills, training, education and qualifications. Ensure your profiles have no grammatical or typographical errors.

2. Identify the keywords and phrases that align with your goals. If you are looking for a new job, find out what keywords recruiters and hiring managers use to source candidates with your set of skills and qualifications. If you are trying to generate business leads, identify the keywords prospective customers use to search for the services you offer.

3. 

   Create a master list of keywords.

   Prioritize and create a master list of 10 to 20 of the most important keywords. For example, if you are an accountant, your keyword list might include "accounting," "tax," "taxes," "tax preparation" and "bookkeeping." If you are a career coach, your keyword list might include "resume," "resume writing," "interview" and "cover letters."

4. Insert the appropriate keywords throughout your profile content. Include the keywords without "overstuffing," creating run-on sentences or repeating the words too frequently. You want the profile language to sound natural.

5. Test the success of your profile keyword additions. Use the search functionality within the social networking websites and popular search engines like Google and Yahoo, and see where your profile lands within the search results. Make edits to your profile as appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• To find keywords for your job search, read at least five different job postings for your target role. Notice which words are repeated in all five, then add them to your master list.

References

• LinkedIn: How Recruiters Use LinkedIn to Find Candidates
• Job Hunt: 8 Twitter Power SEO Tips for Job Seekers
• J2B Marketing: The Power Of Keywords in Your Social Networking Profiles and Online Resumes