Social media back to basics: LinkedIn
As the most extensive professional network on the planet, getting your profile to stand out against the other 500 million LinkedIn users is the tricky part. We’ve already told you why your company should be on LinkedIn, but do we really need to tell you that you need to be on the professional platform? With potential prospects and partners looking at your profile on a daily basis, what can you do to make a mere look at your profile turn into a direct message, an email, or even a phone call?
Keep it professional
The first thing anyone sees when they visit your profile is your profile picture. A picture can say a lot about who you are, so make sure your picture is helping not hindering you. So, if that professional headshot is old enough to buy you a drink in a bar, it’s time to get rid of it! Keep it updated, skip the selfies and get that professional headshot that makes you look the part. Above all, appear approachable and confident to get those profile views rolling.
Stand out
Get ahead of the headline. Your headline is a chance to tell everyone who you are, what you do and most importantly why you are worth connecting with. Don’t look less impressive than you really are, so make sure you are specific – but don’t babble. The question everyone wants the answer to is: how do you make yourself unique and interesting in 120 characters? Use keywords and descriptors that will get you found and get your personality across – but above all, avoid jargon! Make them want to open the book and read more…
Reach out
It’s true what they say: your network really can be your net worth. As well as a place to advertise yourself, LinkedIn is a great way to reach out to almost anyone in the business world, so make the most of it. However, although it’s not about how many people you connect with, but who you connect with, too few connections won’t help you reach your goals anytime soon. Maximise your network, but connect with them for the right reasons.
Join the conversation
With millions of professional conversations taking part on LinkedIn, you don’t want to miss out. The key is share, comment and like. Sharing company articles or any compelling content will keep you looking active and is a great way to spark engagement, increase your current reach and even build brand awareness for your company – which is the end goal, after all. Also, following channels and influential thought leaders can help inform others about your views and interests.
