If Facebook is for friends and family and
Twitter is for a quick comment on any topic, then LinkedIn should be considered
the professionals’ social media networking site. Since its inception, LinkedIn
has developed a solid reputation as a straight forward web portal where
business professionals can connect, share resources and stay up to date with
the latest industry news (whatever industry that might be). There are many
people who have used LinkedIn as a kind of a virtual resume site. Additionally,
many businesses are turning to LinkedIn to enhance their company profile. As
with any other type of social media presence, the more you put into LinkedIn, the
more you’ll get out from it. The following are some helpful hints on how to
build a great LinkedIn presence.
1.
Join In On the Discussion
No matter what
your business niche is chances are there are already dozens of groups on
LinkedIn engaged in the kind of ongoing discussions you should be a part of.
Before diving in, make sure you read through some past posts to get a “feel for the room.” Also, before posting
edit your comments to make sure you’re presenting yourself in a positive light.
Don’t forget to provide a link back to your own LinkedIn page.
2.
Stay Updated
Leave the status
updates about what you’re having for breakfast or what you thought about last
night’s Game of Thrones for Facebook.
On LinkedIn your status updates should be strictly professional. That doesn’t
mean they have to be humorless, but stay focused on your reasons for using
LinkedIn which is to enhance your profile or company brand.
3.
Start A Blog
If you own or
operate a business you’ve got a lot to say. Starting a blog is way for you to
share your insights and begin a conversation. Pick a topic in the news for
inspiration or relate a recent challenge in your business and how you overcame
that. Remember you’re not aiming for a Pulitzer; you just want to stay
relevant. Promote your blog on LinkedIn, either through your company page or
your own personal profile.
4.
Maximize the LinkedIn Apps
Put LinkedIn to
work on your page by including polls, SlideShare and events. It’s another way
of keeping your site active and giving other LinkedIn users a reason for
returning.
5.
Start a Conversation
Just as you
should be joining in on the conversation on other pages, you should start a
conversation of your own. Hopefully, if you get traffic to your page you’ll be
able to pull in other professionals to keep the discussions going. This isn’t
about sales pitches but conversations between professionals.
6.
Create a Strong Headline
Headlines are
what pull users into a profile. Try to create something that is equal parts
catchy and intriguing. Don’t hesitate to rotate out some strong headlines to
keep your profile fresh.
