More Than a Résumé: 12 Creative Ways to Build a Bold LinkedIn Presence That Actually Connects

By: Kimberly DeShields-Spencer

Let’s be honest: LinkedIn has evolved. It’s no longer just the digital equivalent of a résumé, where you quietly list your job titles and hope a recruiter reaches out. It’s a global networking event, a leadership stage, a story-sharing space, and a brand-building machine—all rolled into one.

But if your profile feels like a sleepy corner of the internet, or your posts sound like copy-paste clichés, it’s time for a refresh.

Let’s explore 12 creative (and non-cliché) ways to build your LinkedIn presence with power, purpose, and a dash of personality—so you’re not just showing up, but standing out.

1. Turn Your Headline Into a Promise, Not a Position

Most people default to their job title: Marketing Director, HR Professional, Business Analyst.

But a title says what you do—not why you matter. Your headline is your hook. It should speak to the transformation you offer.

Before: “Financial Consultant at ABC Firm”

After: “Helping Busy Professionals Build Wealth Without Losing Sleep or Sanity”

Before: “HR Manager | Leadership Development | DEI”

After: “I Design People-First Workplaces Where Teams Don’t Just Work—They Thrive”

Think of it as your LinkedIn tagline—make it sticky, bold, and benefits-driven.

2. Transform the “About” Section into a Story Worth Reading

Skip the bullet points and lifeless bios. Your About section is your moment to narrate your journey.

Think: Who were you before? What happened? Who are you now?

Example:

"Ten years ago, I was drowning in spreadsheets, managing a team of five, and wondering if I’d ever break through the ceiling. Fast forward to today: I help mid-level managers become transformational leaders who inspire, not just instruct."

Use first-person. Add texture. Be real. People remember stories more than stats.

3. Use the “Featured” Section as Your Digital Museum

This section is prime real estate. Instead of only linking to your website, curate a mix:

• A short video where you speak to your mission

• Screenshots of glowing client feedback

• A powerful post that sparked real conversation

• An excerpt of a recent presentation or panel talk

  
  

Each feature should tell a piece of your brand story.

Pro Tip: Add a caption to every item explaining why it matters or what problem it solves.

4. Post a Bold Mini-Series (Even If You're Not “a Creator”)

Don’t overthink it. Pick a topic that aligns with your zone of genius and post 3–5 short, themed posts over a week.

Example:

• “3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a First-Time Manager”

• “A Week of LinkedIn Myths: What You Think Works (And What Actually Does)”

• “Behind the Brand: 5 Stories from Building a Business That Didn’t Break Me”

  
  

Mini-series = micro-momentum. They keep people coming back for more.

5. Turn Comments into Content Gold

If you leave a thoughtful comment on someone’s post—don’t let that brilliance vanish.

Example:

You respond to a post about burnout with:

“Sometimes burnout isn’t about overwork—it’s about misalignment. When your day doesn’t reflect your values, even small tasks feel heavy.”

That right there? It’s a full post in the making.

Scan your comments weekly and repurpose the best ones as stand-alone insights.

6. Ask Real Questions That Spark Real Dialogue

Polls and questions get engagement, but avoid lazy prompts like, “Do you prefer coffee or tea?”

Instead, try:

“What’s something you’ve unlearned as a leader that changed everything?”“Do you believe quiet team members are undervalued—or quietly running the show?”“Is ‘culture fit’ a disguise for bias? Let’s talk.”

Then follow up with your perspective the next day.

This isn't just engagement—it’s relationship-building.

7. Create a Signature Content Series or Hashtag

This is a great way to show consistency without being boring. It builds recognition and ownership around your voice.

Examples:

• #MondayMomentum – weekly mindset tips for professionals

• #BrandTruthTuesdays – short, honest takes on brand building

• #FaithAndFocusFridays – reflecting on faith, clarity, and leadership

  
  

You don’t have to post every week—but naming a series builds equity.

8. Go Visual, But Keep It On-Brand

Don’t settle for corporate headshots and pixelated selfies. Use Canva or another simple tool to create bold, branded posts with:

• Quotes from your talks

• Tips from your consulting sessions

• Insights from your journals or books

  
  

Example: Turn your five-part leadership framework into a carousel post with visuals. Add one big idea per slide and a call-to-action at the end: “Which part do you need to grow in right now?”

9. Use Voice Notes to Personalize New Connections

When someone accepts your connection request, send a short voice note:

“Hi Sarah! I loved your post on redefining leadership—it resonated. Just wanted to say hello and let you know I’m rooting for the work you’re doing.”

It’s unexpected, human, and more memorable than any script.

10. Share Micro-Moments That Reflect Macro Lessons

Instead of announcing a promotion, share what it took to get there.

Example:

“Last month, I was told ‘you’re not ready’—again. I almost believed it. But today, I accepted the role. And here’s what I learned about preparation, perseverance, and my own power.”

Or:

“I didn’t land the client I wanted—but I gained the clarity I needed. Saying no was hard. But saying yes to misalignment costs more.”

These aren’t just personal posts. They’re leadership moments.

11. Start a Conversation Series with People You Admire

Message five professionals whose voices you respect and propose this:

“Would you be open to a 15-minute LinkedIn Live with me where we talk about what no one tells you about [insert industry/topic]?”

You don’t need to be an influencer. Just be curious, generous, and prepared.

Tip: Use StreamYard or LinkedIn’s native Live feature. Promote each session as a mini-event.

12. Do a Monthly "What I’m Learning" Recap

These posts don’t need to be deep—just real. Share what you’re reading, unlearning, implementing, or struggling with.

Example:

“3 Lessons from This Month:

1. Working more hours doesn't mean I'm making more impact.

2. Collaboration > control—every time.

3. If I need a break, I don’t need a reason. I need to take one.”

   
   

Reflection posts create shared humanity—and build trust faster than bullet points.

It’s Not Just About Being Seen. It’s About Being Understood.

You don’t need to be famous or flawless to shine on LinkedIn. You need to be clear, consistent, and courageous.

You need to care about what you say, how you show up, and who you’re speaking to. The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. And that kind of presence? That’s power.

Because the truth is:

• A great résumé gets you hired.

• A great presence gets you remembered.

  
  

A great voice gets you invited back.