Okay, real talk for a sec. Have you ever Googled yourself? If not, you need to Google yourself immediately. No seriously, go ahead, I’ll wait 👀.

Done? Cool. Now, if you cringed at what popped up, you are definitely not alone. But here’s the thing—Googling yourself is one of the smartest things you can do as a professional. Why? Because guess what? Potential employers, clients, and even coworkers are probably doing it too. Yep, your online presence is your 24/7 personal brand, and the first impression it makes could either open doors… or slam them shut.

Want to make sure your search results scream “hire-worthy professional” instead of “Starbucks’ #1 Customer”? One word for you: LinkedIn.

Why LinkedIn Matters When You Google Yourself

If you’re a job seeker, a young professional, or a business owner, your LinkedIn profile has to be on point because, spoiler alert, it’s always one of the first results to pop up when you search your name. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing.

LinkedIn is like the holy grail of professional information. It’s where people go when they’re curious about your career, your skills, and what you bring to the table. An up-to-date and optimized LinkedIn profile can be the game-changer that propels you forward in your career or business.

But just having a random LinkedIn page floating out there isn’t enough. It needs to be strong, optimized, and bursting with all the good stuff that makes you stand out. I’ll dish some tips below that we used in-house at Webology to optimize our LinkedIn profiles (which, BTW, was one of our company’s big goals for 2025). You’re welcome in advance.

LinkedIn Optimization Tips (a.k.a. How We Leveled Up)

Update Your Profile Picture

- - First impressions matter, and so does your LinkedIn profile photo. Ditch the blurry selfies or vacation pics and upload a professional, high-quality headshot. Something warm and inviting but still screams, “Feel free to connect with me—I’m confident I can bring value to your network.”

Custom URL

- - You know that messy URL LinkedIn gives you by default, like www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith134987? Gross. Be sure to customize it to something sleek and professional, like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname. Professional branding, baby.

Strong Headline

- - That generic “Marketing Specialist” headline isn’t going to cut it. Use this space to show off your niche and what you actually do. For example, “Creative Content Strategist | SEO Expert | Helping Brands Tell Stories That Convert.”

Powerful About Section

- - This is where you tell your professional story. Keep it conversational (but polished), highlight your strengths, pepper in some keywords for SEO, and express how you bring something unique to the table. By highlighting your distinct qualities and delivering value in ways others don’t, you’ll capture attention and stand out.

Experience Section Glow-Up

- - Don’t just list your job titles. Include specific accomplishments, numbers, and responsibilities to showcase exactly how you crushed it in previous roles.

Skills & Endorsements

- - Add your top skills (think quality over quantity here) and get endorsements from coworkers, clients, or managers. These act like mini testimonials for your professional abilities.

Keep Engagement Alive

- - Share articles, post updates, and interact with others. Being present on LinkedIn tells your network (and potential connections) that you’re engaged a
    nd active in your professional community.

What Else Comes Up When You Google Yourself?

Not everything in your search results is going to be LinkedIn. Here are a few likely candidates, and why they matter for your personal brand.

1. Personal Website

If you have one, this is where you should shine the brightest. Your personal website is the ultimate branding tool because you control everything on it. Use it to showcase your portfolio, achievements, and even a blog to establish your thought leadership.

Pro Tip

If your personal website isn’t ranking well, make sure it has SEO-friendly content and links pointing to it from your LinkedIn or other platforms.

2. Social Media Accounts

Sometimes your Instagram or Twitter (er, sorry, X) might show up in the mix. While social media is not your LinkedIn, it matters. Clean up those old posts if they’re… less than on-brand. Employers and clients scrolling through your 2015 party pics? Yeah, not the best look.

3. News Mentions/Blog Features

Written an article? Been featured in a blog or publication? If these appear in your search results, congrats! Leverage them! Share these on LinkedIn and mention them in interviews or meetings to demonstrate professional credibility.

4. Old Stuff That’s Not Flattering

Sometimes, our past comes back to haunt us. Whether it’s crusty old blog posts or random forum comments from your college days, these can be… yikes-worthy. Use Google search tools to clean up anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see. Or better yet, bury them with positive content updates on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

5. Google Business Profile (For Entrepreneurs)

If you’re running a business and your Google Business Profile isn’t popping up first in your search results, you’ve got homework to do. Your profile is often the first stop for potential customers, so make it count with sharp images, accurate information, and up-to-date reviews.

Why Googling Yourself Is a Power Move

Googling yourself isn’t vain. It’s strategic. It’s about taking control of your personal brand and making sure what the world sees reflects the incredible person you are. Whether you’re chasing a promotion, navigating the job market, or building a business, your online presence is everything.

Trust me, a polished LinkedIn profile and a clean Google search can open doors faster than cold emails or networking events. By consistently updating your digital footprint, you’re not just keeping up with the competition; you’re staying ahead.