How to Add Featured Links on LinkedIn

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Featured Links

Creating an impactful featured section requires attention to detail and strategic thinking. Here’s how to do it right (an explanation by Riccardo Pisano, co-founder of Growth-X):

1. Accessing Your Profile

Navigate to your LinkedIn profile through your photo or name in the main menu. This is where your journey to an enhanced professional presence begins.

2. Locating the Featured Section

Scroll down until you find the “Featured” section.

If it’s not immediately visible, click on “Add Section” and enable it under “Recommended” options. Position it strategically near the top of your profile for maximum visibility.

3. Adding Your Link

Follow these essential steps:

1. Click the “+” icon within the Featured section
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2. Paste your chosen URL
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3. Create an engaging, keyword-rich title
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4. Optionally, you can add a compelling description:
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5. Preview and adjust how it appears on your profile

Creating Visual Impact

The visual element of your featured links can make or break their effectiveness. Consider these key aspects:

Design Principles

Strong visuals should align with professional standards while standing out from LinkedIn’s interface. Focus on creating contrast without sacrificing sophistication. Your images should reflect the same level of professionalism as your written content.

Thumbnail Optimization

While LinkedIn doesn’t allow direct thumbnail uploads, you can optimize your images through:

• Meta tag adjustments on your webpage
• Using the Facebook Debugger tool
• Ensuring proper image dimensions
• Testing across different devices

*Extra tip – although there is no direct option to edit the thumbnail, there is still a hack! If you want to add a custom thumbnail, here is a LinkedIn post where we explained how to do it: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rikypisano_linkedinhacks-growthhacking-profileoptimization-activity-7270807960203755520-2aGy

Strategic Content Selection

Your featured content should tell a compelling story about your professional journey. Here are the most effective types of content to showcase:

Professional Portfolio

Your website or portfolio should be a primary feature, offering visitors a comprehensive view of your work. Include interactive elements when possible, and ensure all content is mobile-responsive.

Case Studies and Results

Demonstrate your impact through detailed case studies that:

• Outline specific challenges you’ve addressed
• Describe your unique approach
• Showcase measurable results
• Include client testimonials (with permission)

Thought Leadership Material

Position yourself as an industry expert by featuring:

• Your original articles showing deep industry insight
• Guest posts on respected platforms
• Professional interviews or podcast appearances
• Research papers or comprehensive analysis pieces

Advanced Optimization Strategies

To maximize the impact of your featured links, consider implementing these professional enhancement strategies:

Compelling Calls-to-Action

Create action-oriented phrases that motivate clicks. Instead of generic “Learn More” buttons, use specific CTAs like:

• “Explore My Award-Winning Portfolio”
• “Download Your Free Industry Guide”
• “Watch My Keynote Presentation”
• “See How We Achieved 300% Growth”

Content Management

Maintaining fresh, relevant content is crucial for long-term success. Develop a schedule for:

• Regular content audits to ensure relevance
• Seasonal updates to match current trends
• Achievement highlights as they occur
• Project showcase rotations

Common Questions and Solutions

Many professionals have questions about optimizing their featured links. Here are the most common queries addressed:

Q: How can I feature video content effectively?
A: Videos from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo work exceptionally well. Ensure your video thumbnails are engaging and include clear, concise descriptions that entice viewers to click.

Q: What should I do if my thumbnails aren’t displaying correctly?
A: First, verify your image dimensions meet LinkedIn’s requirements. Then use metadata refresh tools like Facebook Debugger to ensure proper display. If issues persist, consider updating the meta tags on your linked pages.

Q: What’s the ideal number of featured items?
A: While LinkedIn allows multiple featured items, aim for 3-4 high-quality pieces. This provides enough variety while maintaining focus on your most impressive content.

Implementation Strategy

Success with featured links requires a systematic approach:

Initial Setup

1. Begin with an audit of your current profile
2. Gather your most impressive content
3. Prepare optimized images and descriptions
4. Test all links thoroughly before publishing
5. Arrange content in order of impact

Ongoing Maintenance

Create a schedule for:

• Monthly content reviews
• Quarterly updates
• Regular engagement monitoring
• Performance analysis and adjustments

Taking Action

Your LinkedIn profile has the potential to be a powerful tool for professional growth. By implementing these featured link strategies, you can create a compelling narrative that attracts opportunities and strengthens your professional network.

Remember to:

• Start with your strongest content
• Maintain professional quality throughout
• Update regularly to stay relevant
• Monitor and adjust based on engagement

Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence? Begin implementing these strategies today, and watch as your professional network expands and engages with your content in meaningful ways.