3 LinkedIn Profile Mistakes Even the Most Accomplished Female Founders Make
Photo by Vitaly Gariev Hire on Unsplash
Last week, I reviewed 15 LinkedIn profiles from some of the most impressive women I’ve come across in business:
Founders running high-demand consultancies
CEOs of rapidly scaling startups
Industry-leading strategists and operators
These weren’t new entrepreneurs or beginners. These women were powerhouses. I reviewed their profiles as part of a feedback initiative inside Dreamers & Doers®, a private community I joined earlier this year.
But here’s what surprised me:
Even when you're that accomplished — your LinkedIn profile can still be quietly holding you back.
In some ways, especially when you're that accomplished.
Why?
Because when your career has been built through reputation, referrals, or traditional networks, your profile often hasn’t had to do much heavy lifting. Your work has always spoken for itself.
But in today’s business world — your digital presence matters more than ever.
And your LinkedIn profile is often the first (and most powerful) impression you make.
1. Redundancy That Wastes Space (and Attention)
One of the biggest missed opportunities I see on LinkedIn profiles is repetition.
For example:
The headline says the exact same thing as the banner
The banner just features a big headshot or company name
The featured section is packed with past posts that already appear in your activity tab
Remember: every element of your LinkedIn profile is a chance to tell a different part of your story.
Use each section strategically:
Headline: Explain what you do and who you do it for, using clear, benefit-driven language
Banner: Build curiosity or authority — add logos, press mentions, taglines, or a positioning statement
Featured section: Guide visitors toward action — like a free resource, case study, or link to book a call
LinkedIn gives you prime real estate. Don’t waste it with redundancy. Maximize every section to boost visibility and communicate value clearly.
2. Too Much Friction to Reach You
The second mistake I see far too often?
It’s way too hard to contact you.
Your LinkedIn profile should work for you — 24/7. If someone finds you and wants to reach out, they shouldn’t have to hunt through your website or DM you just to figure out how.
Here’s how to make your LinkedIn profile more actionable:
Add a CTA in your banner or headline: “Book a consult” or “Download my guide”
Use the premium contact button (if available) to link directly to a calendar or intake form
In your featured section, limit to 2–3 key actions you want visitors to take (too many = overwhelm)
Want more speaking opportunities? Let people know how to pitch you.
Want more leads? Direct them to a clear conversion point.
LinkedIn is both a search engine and a discovery platform. If you’re not optimizing for connection, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.
3. No Social Proof or Results Data
Here’s what I don’t see enough of on LinkedIn:
Testimonials
Metrics
Transformation stories
Press features
Logos of clients, partners, or speaking events
I know you have them — they just live on your website, pitch deck, or tucked away in a Google Doc.
Bring them front and center to LinkedIn.
Be specific and visible:
Helped a brand increase retention by 37%? Say so.
Served 100+ founders through your programs? Show it.
Been featured in TechCrunch or Fast Company? Add those logos to your banner or featured section.
You’ve worked hard to earn this social proof. Don’t make people dig for it.
LinkedIn is the perfect platform to showcase your authority. Make it easy for people to trust your work and take the next step.
Final Thoughts: Your LinkedIn Profile Is Your Digital First Impression
In an era where credibility, visibility, and referrals all start online, your LinkedIn profile needs to reflect the level you’re operating at in business.
And the truth is — most accomplished founders haven’t updated their profile in years.
So if you’re a powerhouse in your industry, but your profile still looks like a digital resume from 2017 — it’s time for an upgrade.
To recap, here are the top 3 LinkedIn profile mistakes:
Redundancy – Don’t repeat the same messaging. Use each section to tell a different part of your story.
Friction – Make it easy to reach you or take the next step.
Lack of Proof – Show the press, show the numbers, show the impact.
Ready to Elevate Your LinkedIn Profile?
Want expert eyes on your LinkedIn profile?
I offer profile audits and strategy intensives for female founders, consultants, and leaders ready to elevate their presence and attract aligned opportunities.
Book a 1:1 consult with me to learn more.
Your work speaks volumes.
Let your LinkedIn profile do the same.
