LinkedIn SOP

Standard Operating Procedures

SOP 1: Name Cleansing

Purpose: To standardize the naming format of LinkedIn accounts for consistency and compliance with LinkedIn's policies.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Standard Naming Format
    • The first name and last name should follow this format:
    • First Letter: Capitalized
    • Remaining Letters: Lowercase
    • Example: John Harrison (correct)
    • Incorrect: JOHN HARRISON or john harrison
  2. Identify Common Naming Issues & Fix Them
    • ALL CAPS NAMES
      Convert: JOHN HARRISON to John Harrison
    • All Lowercase Names
      Convert: john harrison to John Harrison
    • Multiple Middle Names
      Reduce excessive middle names:
      John Paul David Harrison to John Harrison
    • Nicknames or Aliases
      Ensure the name matches their legal ID (passport/driver's license)
      Example:
      - If the ID says Jonathan, but the profile is John, ask the provider which one they prefer
      - If there is a nickname like "Johnny", change to formal name from ID
  3. Communicating with the Account Holder

    "Hi [Name], for verification purposes, we require LinkedIn names to match your official ID (passport/driver's license). Please update your name to follow the standard format (First & Last Name only, no middle names or extra characters). Let us know once done. Thank you!"

  4. Final Review Before Approval
    • Ensure the name is properly formatted.
    • Verify it matches their legal ID.
    • Confirm with the account holder before proceeding.

SOP 2: Photo Polishing

Purpose: To ensure all LinkedIn profiles have a professional, high-quality headshot for a polished and trustworthy presentation.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Review the Existing Profile Photo

    Check if the profile already has a professional headshot that meets these criteria:

    • Clear and high-resolution
    • Well-lit with no shadows
    • Business casual or neutral clothing
    • No sunglasses, hats, or heavy filters
    • If the current photo meets these standards, approve it.
    • If the photo is low-quality or missing, request a new one.
  2. Requesting a New Photo from the Account Holder

    If a new photo is needed, send this message:

    "Hi [Name], to complete your profile, we need a professional headshot. If you don't have one, a simple selfie with a neutral background will work. Please send us a photo, and we will polish it with our AI tool for a professional look. Thank you!"

  3. Photo Guidelines for the Account Holder
    • Shoulders and face clearly visible
    • No heavy filters or editing
    • No sunglasses, hats, or excessive accessories
    • Decent resolution (no pixelation)
  4. Processing the Image
    • If the image meets the criteria, upload it to the AI tool for enhancement.
    • If the image is too low-quality, request another one.
  5. Final Review Before Approval
    • Ensure the final processed image looks professional and clear.
    • Upload it to the LinkedIn profile.
    • Confirm with the account holder before proceeding.

SOP 3: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Setup & Activation

Purpose: To enable and activate 2FA on LinkedIn profiles using the Authenticator App only to ensure secure access for management and optimization. Other methods (Email/SMS/Tap Yes) should not be used, as they can cause access issues.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Requesting 2FA Setup from the Account Holder

    "Hi [Name], as part of the onboarding process, we need to activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your LinkedIn profile. Please ensure you select only the Authenticator App option during setup. Other methods (Email/SMS/Tap Yes) will cause access issues. Below are the steps to set it up. Let us know once done!"

  2. Enabling 2FA on LinkedIn

    The account holder should follow these steps:

    1. Log in to LinkedIn.
    2. Click on their profile icon (top right) and go to Settings & Privacy.
    3. Navigate to Sign-in & Security, then Two-Step Verification.
    4. Click Turn On and select Authenticator App (Do NOT choose Email, SMS, or Mobile App "Tap Yes").
    5. Copy the 2FA Key (Secret Key) before proceeding.
    6. Open Google Authenticator or Authy and manually enter the 2FA Key or scan the QR code.
    7. Enter the verification code to complete the setup.
  3. Sharing Access for Secure Management

    Once 2FA is activated, the account holder must provide:

    • The 2FA Secret Key (to be stored securely for future access).
    • A one-time login code to verify setup.
    • A backup code for emergency access.
  4. Verifying & Activating Access

    The broker should test access by:

    1. Logging in using the provided credentials.
    2. Entering the Authenticator App-generated code for verification.
    3. Ensuring that Email/SMS is NOT being used for login verification.
    4. If Email/SMS is still required, ask the account holder to disable and re-enable 2FA, selecting ONLY the Authenticator App.

    If successful, confirm with the account holder that onboarding is complete.

    Important Notes:

    Always select "Authenticator App" only.

    DO NOT select "Email," "SMS," or "Tap Yes" on mobile apps.

    Ensure the account holder copies the 2FA Secret Key before finalizing the setup.

SOP: Recovering a Restricted LinkedIn Account

To guide LinkedIn account holders through the process of appealing a restricted account using three available methods: Official LinkedIn Appeal Form (Recommended), Direct Message (DM) via X (Twitter), and Email to LinkedIn Support.

Method 1: Submitting an Appeal via LinkedIn's Official Appeal Form (Recommended)

Link to submit an appeal: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-f-appeal

  1. Click the Appeal Link above and log in if required.
  2. Answer the Appeal Questions as follows:
    • Does the name on your LinkedIn profile match the name on your photo ID? - Yes
    • Are you currently traveling? - Yes
    • Have you accessed your account through a VPN? - No
    • Specify your current location (Country): - United States
    • Did you make recent updates to your profile after creating it? - Yes
  3. Provide a Short Explanation for the Appeal:
    • Option 1: "I was traveling for work, and my LinkedIn account is important for my job. I have not violated any guidelines. Please restore access as soon as possible."
    • Option 2: "I rely on LinkedIn for my professional work, and I believe my account was mistakenly restricted while I was traveling. I kindly request a review and reinstatement."
    • Option 3: "I am unsure why my account was restricted, but I assure you that I use LinkedIn professionally and in compliance with all guidelines. Please review my appeal and restore access."
  4. Attach a Copy of a Government-Issued ID (Passport or Driver's License).
  5. Agree to the Required Statements (Check the box).
  6. Enter Your Full Name as it appears on your ID.
  7. Click Submit.

Processing Time: LinkedIn typically responds within 48-72 hours.

Method 2: Contact LinkedIn via X (Twitter) DM

LinkedIn Help on X: https://x.com/LinkedInHelp

  1. Go to LinkedIn's official support handle on X
  2. Click on "Message" (DM) and send a direct message with the following: "Hi, my LinkedIn account has been restricted, and I need assistance restoring it. I submitted an appeal via the LinkedIn form, but I wanted to follow up here as well. My LinkedIn profile name is [Your Name], and my registered email is [Your Email]. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do. Thank you!"

Note: They usually reply within 24-48 hours, but responses may vary.

Method 3: Contact LinkedIn via Email

Email Address: [email protected]

  1. Compose an email with the subject line: "Appeal for Restricted LinkedIn Account - Urgent"
  2. Use the following email template:
    Dear LinkedIn Support Team,

    I recently discovered that my LinkedIn account has been restricted, and I believe this may have been a mistake. I rely on LinkedIn for my professional work and would like to request a review and reinstatement.

    Here are my details:
    Full Name: [Your Name]
    Registered Email: [Your LinkedIn Email]
    LinkedIn Profile URL: [Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
    Current Location: United States

    I have already submitted an appeal via the LinkedIn form, but I wanted to follow up via email. Please let me know if any further verification is needed.

    I appreciate your time and assistance in resolving this matter.

    Best regards,
    [Your Name]

Attach a copy of your government-issued ID (Passport or Driver's License) to the email before sending.

Final Recommendations:

  • Best Method: Use the LinkedIn Appeal Form first
  • Follow Up: If no response after 72 hours, send a DM on X
  • Last Resort: If no reply after 5 days, email LinkedIn Support

By following these steps, you increase the chances of recovering your account quickly.