In today’s digital age, an up-to-date LinkedIn profile is necessary for professionals across all industries. Whether you’re an employee or a business owner, maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn offers a multitude of benefits.

Below, we highlight five reasons why both entrepreneurs and employees must keep their LinkedIn profiles current, how it can benefit both the individual and the business, and the platform’s simplicity.

1. Professional branding and networking

LinkedIn serves as a digital representation of your professional identity. By keeping your profile up to date, you enhance your personal branding and make a positive impression on potential employers, clients, and colleagues. A well-maintained profile showcases your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, positioning you as a competent and credible professional. This branding can attract valuable networking opportunities and industry connections, benefiting employees and business owners.

2. Recruiting and talent acquisition

For business owners, LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for recruiting top talent. When employees maintain updated profiles, they present themselves as attractive candidates for potential job openings. Businesses can leverage their employees’ LinkedIn networks to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of finding qualified candidates through employee referrals. This collaborative effort helps streamline the recruitment process and enhances the overall talent acquisition strategy.

3. Thought leadership and industry influence

An up-to-date LinkedIn profile also provides a platform for individuals to establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. By sharing insightful content, participating in discussions, and joining relevant groups, employees can demonstrate their expertise and contribute to industry conversations. This boosts their professional credibility and reflects positively on the business they represent. Thought leadership on LinkedIn can elevate a company’s reputation, attract potential clients or customers, and foster partnerships.

4. Business development and lead generation

LinkedIn offers powerful tools for lead generation and business development. An up-to-date employee profile helps showcase the individual’s and organization’s expertise, capabilities, and successes. When employees actively engage with their LinkedIn connections, they can attract potential clients or customers interested in their company’s products or services. Regularly updating profiles with relevant information, such as current projects and achievements, ensures potential leads perceive the business as active and thriving.

5. Simplicity and user-friendliness

One of the most appealing aspects of LinkedIn is its simplicity and user-friendly interface. Creating or updating a profile doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge or design skills. LinkedIn provides easy-to-follow prompts for filling out essential information, including work experience, education, and abilities. LinkedIn also allows users to upload a professional headshot and personalize their profile to reflect their unique personality. Employees, employers, and entrepreneurs can present a polished and professional image to the world with minimal effort.

Contributed to EO by Lisa Bell, the founder and Chief Word Architect of The Word Architect, a digital marketing and copywriting agency that helps build your business or personal brand one word at a time. The Word Architect excels in crafting compelling profiles that enhance your professional branding and are optimized for improved visibility on LinkedIn. The agency manages digital communications for EO’s MEPA Region.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.