Become a Master With These LinkedIn Expert Tips
Are you looking to increase your LinkedIn presence but aren’t sure where to start? Do you want to learn more about some of the LinkedIn features and what they can do for you? If you’re new to the platform, these questions are a great place to begin. If you’re not new, it’s never too late to update your LinkedIn knowledge.
In fact, there’s a lot of people who’ve been using LinkedIn for a long time, who still don’t know how to fully use the platform and all it’s features to build their authority. It can seem like a boring social networking site, but by starting with the following five tips, you can learn how to use LinkedIn to maximize your Profile:
Enhance your profile
Much like any other social platform, your LinkedIn profile is the most important part your LinkedIn experience — especially in the world of career marketing. It’s a chance to demonstrate off your experience and skills, and shows that you’re an active participant within the LinkedIn community.
Since we know the LinkedIn profile is important, what’s even more imperative is having the profile filled out. Your profile is seven times more likely to be found in a search if you add a profile photo! It’s even more likely to be clicked on if information like employment and education is completed as well. Establish your LinkedIn presence with a thorough profile and increase your chances of landing a job.
Publish on LinkedIn
A feature that’s not as well known on LinkedIn is the Publish tool. This tool used to be exclusive, but is now open to all members, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to use it! It allows you to share your expertise on your given field of work with your connections in a blog-type format, instead of just the short statements you can make on your profile.
This feature is so notable because it allows you as the expert to go in-depth with your professional thoughts over any topic of your choice. It shows just how knowledgeable you are on any given subject, which builds credibility. The best part about the publish feature, is that it’s searchable offline, so you can gain connections outside of the platform. Score!
Make connections with meaningful people
Once you’ve optimized your profile (hint, hint to tip one), you’ll be ready to start expanding your network. Since LinkedIn is a networking platform, it you’ll have the ability to connect with thousands of people. Although it’d be easy to just go down the list of who you know and click “connect,” it’ll be most beneficial to you to make meaningful connections.
What exactly qualifies as a meaningful connection? People who are industry leaders, former colleagues, from related professional communities, or past and current clients. By strategically keeping your network up-to-date, you’ll have the opportunity to build your personal brand.
Design a feed that keeps you in the know
If done right, your LinkedIn feed can be informative and educational (not to mention a breath of fresh air from your Facebook timeline). The key is to design a feed that provides you with valuable information from within your field.
You can accomplish this by following people and topics that matter to you most and unfollowing those that don’t. It’s that simple. Following influencers in your field is even a better way to keep up with your industry trends and topics.
Pay attention to your connections’ activities
Have you ever been at a networking event and found yourself coming up short with conversation topics? You’re not alone. Luckily, LinkedIn has made it incredibly easy to see what your connections are up to, including: what they’ve written, what they’ve shared, and other recent activity.
All of this information gives you great conversation ideas, and an even better insight into the needs of your clients. With LinkedIn you can go to meetings with a better sense of someone’s personality and address their interests and concerns.
In conclusion…
Nowadays, the top performing professionals in almost every industry are social professionals. They’ve mastered the world of social networking, and by using these tips, you can too. When you created a LinkedIn account, you’re opening yourself to a world of engagement, interactions and ideas. It’s so much more than a network, it’s a community.
Once you’ve started to build your brand presence, you’ll be amazed at all the career opportunities that come your way. There’s no need to wait now. Start building your brand awareness on LinkedIn today.
If you’re searching for more expertise on building the perfect LinkedIn profile, contact the team at Tintero Creative.