2 LinkedIn Updates You Need to Know for Your Profile [Updated 2023]

LinkedIn is and has rolled out hundreds of new features since this was originally posted in 2021.

LinkedIn does not send all members notifications, rather you suddenly notice something different about your profile or a new feature on LinkedIn.

Let’s get you up to speed on a few things that you should know about.

1. LinkedIn Creator Mode

First, this feature started rolling out the end of March and LinkedIn has said everyone would have this feature by the end of May. I know many colleagues who still don’t have this feature, so if you don’t you’re not alone!
LinkedIn describes this feature this way, “Creator mode is our first step in creating a dedicated experience and toolset for our creator community. In addition to an optimized Profile experience, we’ll also give creators who opt into creator mode exclusive access to content tips and tailored best practices.”

What that means is creator mode was really designed for those who are actively posting and engaging on LinkedIn versus those who sign into their account once in a while and are not engaging their network.

Bottom line, this feature will be an excellent addition for those who are active and those who want to be more visible on LinkedIn with their content

What creator mode offers

LinkedIn says, “you can add hashtags to indicate what topics you post about the most — for example, #design or #mentorship. It will move your Featured and Activity sections to the top of your Profile to more prominently display your content, and change the “Connect” button to “Follow,” to help you engage your community and build a following.”

How do you get or turn on creator mode?

There are a couple of indicators to gaining access to this feature. First, check to see if you see the feature on your profile now by looking at your dashboard. (See image below)

To turn on creator mode:

1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Click View profile.
3. Click on Creator mode: Off under Your Dashboard.
4. Click Next on the preview pop-up window.
5. Add topics (hashtags) to indicate the topics you post about the most.
6. Click Save.
7. Follow the prompts to turn on creator mode.

You can try the same steps on mobile. Interestingly I find that sometimes you will see a new feature on mobile before the desktop version of LinkedIn so it is always worth checking both.

Key things you need to know about LinkedIn creator mode

The entire appearance of the top part of your profile changes:

1. Directly under your headline you now see 5 hashtags related to the content you most post about. You would want to use 3-5 of these in all future posts. This signals viewers to your key topics.
2. Your ‘Featured’ section now is directly below the top information header.
3. The ‘Activity’ section changes from 4 to 6 of your latest items are displayed. Also what is displayed your YOUR posts not other activity such as other peoples posts you commented, liked or shared. If someone views your profile they will see your latest content which is a positive for those active with their content marketing.
4. The blue ‘Connect’ button now changes to ‘Follow’ which you have to decide if this is positive or negative for your goals. I suggest you test and see if views to your content improve which and if your invitation requests decline, which I’m sure will happen. This may not matter if you are someone who builds their network by inviting others.

Turning off creator mode can be done in settings if you choose to turn it off.

So should you care about creator mode?

If you are someone who creates content which means you post updates, documents, video etc. this will enhance your visibility. What I think we should understand is that LinkedIn favors content creators because they are keeping people on the platform for longer periods of time.

Just like any social platform, they want users to stay on the platform as long as possible. So the reward comes from the algorithm showing your posts to a wider audience, you appear in search results more often and if your posts are getting comments then the reach of your posts gets larger.

**UPDATE SINCE 2021 – Initially Creator Mod gave a boost to those who had this feature turned on and their posts were seen more often in home feed. This has changed, since the first year of this feature. What you want to keep in mind is that GOOD content will always prevail. People who follow you for your industry information and the trust you have built will continue to find and read your content.

Learn more about creator mode from LinkedIn: https://members.linkedin.com/linkedin-creators-home

2. Cover Story Video [Being discontinued June 26, 2023]

You can now add a 30-second video to the headshot on your profile such as introducing yourself via video.

How it works, you can access this feature via the mobile app only. First, check to see if you have this feature by checking for a + sign next to your headshot.

Next press on your headshot and a box pops up on the bottom, choose ‘view or edit cover story’ with the video icon next to it. You will be guided to your camera and you will see the directions to record your introduction. If you aren’t happy with your recording you can delete it and start over. You can also replace your video anytime.

How do people view your video?

When someone clicks on your profile they will see a brief 3 seconds of the video and then your regular profile picture. They need to press on your profile picture to view the video. It will take some time before people understand this new feature and because it is rolling out now I encourage you to look for it when you are viewing profiles.

You can check it out on my profile if you want to see how this works: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefunch/

Your LinkedIn profile should work for you 24/7

If you are using LinkedIn for business, then having an excellent profile can mean the difference in getting noticed or ignored as a resource or solution.

In my article 6 Reasons Your LinkedIn Profile isn’t Attracting Prospects, I point one of the biggest mistakes people make is that no one knows what you do beyond your title. Your LinkedIn profile should be working for you 24/7 when it has the right key words that people are searching for, a clear and concise story behind your brand and what you solve, and why you are a resource worth considering then you gain a competitive advantage!

Conclusion

LinkedIn continues to invest in profile enhancements that help members develop their personal brand. The importance of a well-crafted profile is evident to those who see the value in LinkedIn for career advancement, job seeking, networking, business development, prospecting and building relationships with people that create opportunities!

**NOTE: Update to Creator Mode in October 2021: https://linkedinforbusiness.net/linkedin-creator-mode/

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