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:
- 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
- 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
- ALL CAPS NAMES
- 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!"
- 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:
- 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.
- 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!"
- 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)
- 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.
- 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:
- 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!"
- Enabling 2FA on LinkedIn
The account holder should follow these steps:
- Log in to LinkedIn.
- Click on their profile icon (top right) and go to Settings & Privacy.
- Navigate to Sign-in & Security, then Two-Step Verification.
- Click Turn On and select Authenticator App (Do NOT choose Email, SMS, or Mobile App "Tap Yes").
- Copy the 2FA Key (Secret Key) before proceeding.
- Open Google Authenticator or Authy and manually enter the 2FA Key or scan the QR code.
- Enter the verification code to complete the setup.
- 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.
- Verifying & Activating Access
The broker should test access by:
- Logging in using the provided credentials.
- Entering the Authenticator App-generated code for verification.
- Ensuring that Email/SMS is NOT being used for login verification.
- 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
- Click the Appeal Link above and log in if required.
-
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
-
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."
- Attach a Copy of a Government-Issued ID (Passport or Driver's License).
- Agree to the Required Statements (Check the box).
- Enter Your Full Name as it appears on your ID.
- 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
- Go to LinkedIn's official support handle on X
- 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]
- Compose an email with the subject line: "Appeal for Restricted LinkedIn Account - Urgent"
-
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.