In today’s issue, I’ll share how you can create a dynamic LinkedIn cover to attract prospects on your LinkedIn profile. I’ll show how you can create a carousel by adding up to 5 images that will automatically slide (feature only available to Premium users).
Most salespeople who use LinkedIn for prospecting don’t optimize their covers. They either use the basic templates provided by LinkedIn, or whatever cookie-cutter banner their employer provides for them.
And this has real consequences. Think of your LinkedIn banner as a highway billboard. If you don’t use that precious space, you’re potentially losing opportunities.
Here’s how to fix this, step-by-step:
Before heading out without a plan to Canva, you need to know exactly what message your banner will display. In the recent revamp I did, I knew I wanted to have a carousel banner that would display a few elements:
Note that you can add whatever makes the most sense to you. Ideally the main cover has to show how you’re helping your prospects, which I described here. If you choose to add secondary covers, make them about your prospects (mention their problems), or your customers (share testimonials).
Now that you have the content of your banner ready, I recommend creating a quick mockup (can be a hand drawing or a Canva) to help you visualize where the elements of the cover need to go. Don’t worry about aligning the text and the visual elements, you’re only doing prep work.
I knew I wanted to have some visual elements in the secondary covers (computer mockups), as well as quotes from the problems my prospects have, and a call-to-action.
Here’s an example of an initial mockup:
The mockup gives a good indication of where all the elements of the cover are going, but I can’t upload it like that on LinkedIn. It’s odd, and the computer visual would be hidden by my profile picture.
I could tweak and move the elements until everything fits, but instead, I recommend using Fiverr, to find a freelancer to help you do that. Specifically, I can recommend this freelancer to help you with a LinkedIn cover. I worked 3 times with him and the results were always excellent.
You can submit your requirements, wait for a first version (typically within 24 hours) and give instructions to fix various elements. For this specific cover, we did 4 rounds of revision (even if the order was only giving me 1 revision possibility), and I’m so happy about the results.
Go check my LinkedIn profile and drop me a DM if you have some feedback for me. I’d love to hear about you!
Finally, you can head to your profile on LinkedIn, locate the pen icon at the top right of your cover, and select “Create Slideshow with Premium”. You’ll have the option to rearrange the cover order, edit the pictures, etc.
You can also ask your freelancer to create covers for your Featured section, to make sure you stay on brand on all your LinkedIn profile.
And this is how you can create a LinkedIn cover carousel. It’s a feature most salespeople ignore, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to stand out. When prospects land on your LinkedIn profile, most of them will immediately stop to read what’s on your cover, and this will quickly help them decide if they should keep reading what’s on your profile, or move on.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Thibaut Souyris
P.S. When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
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