5 Things People Notice First on Your LinkedIn (That You Might Be Ignoring)

You might think people scroll through your entire profile.
Spoiler: they don’t. 

Most people make a snap judgment within seconds — and it’s based on just a few key things. 

Here are the 5 things people notice first on your LinkedIn and how to make sure each one works in your favour: 

• Your Headline

This is your one-liner. Your digital handshake.
If it only says “Founder | CEO | Strategist,” you’re missing a chance to stand out. 

A strong headline tells people what you do and what you stand for.
Example: Helping fintech teams scale with clarity | COO at [Company] 

Make it clear, specific, and human. 

• Your Profile Picture

No, you don’t need a professional photoshoot. But yes, it should look intentional. 

• Clean background
• Face clearly visible
• Smile or expression that reflects your personality 

Your face is part of your brand. Make it feel approachable. 

• Your Activity Feed

This one’s underrated.
People often click “Activity” to check if you’re… well, active. 

No posts? No comments? That silence speaks louder than you think. 

You don’t have to post every day. But showing up once a week — even with a comment — keeps your leadership brand visible. 

•  Your Featured Section

This is your personal spotlight. Most people ignore it.
But it’s the best place to highlight you — not just your company. 

Add a post you’re proud of. A podcast you were on. A blog you wrote.
Make it easy for people to get a quick feel for your work and voice. 

•  Your Tone

Even if people don’t read every word, they feel your tone.
Does your profile sound like a human or a pitch deck? 

Write like you speak. Be clear, confident, and real. That’s what builds trust. 

Final Thought? 

And finally, if you’re a leader reading this thinking: 

“I know I need to do all this, but honestly… I have a business to run.” 

That’s exactly where we step in. We’re not just ghostwriters churning out generic content. We help translate your leadership voice into powerful, authentic narratives.

We help you shape your story with clarity and purpose and position your expertise where it belongs-right in front of the people who matter. 

At etch, we help leaders like you show up the way you should, without sacrificing your time. 

Whenever you’re ready, we’re here. 

Storyteller