LinkedIn is not just a social media site; it’s the world’s largest professional network, and it’s packed with opportunities.
Here’s an interesting fact to consider: every minute, approximately 8 people are hired through LinkedIn. Yes, it’s that powerful!
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your personal brand or enhance your employer branding, it’s a no brainer that LinkedIn should be an essential part of your strategy.
So, let’s talk LinkedIn. Think of it as your live CV, an always-on, digital representation of your professional identity. But simply just having an account won’t open the doors to this powerhouse of opportunity. LinkedIn is, at its core, a marketing platform, and it needs your active participation to effectively tell your professional story.
If you’re not entirely confident in your LinkedIn game, don’t worry. We’ve put together 5 easy, quick wins to make your LinkedIn activity the best it could be:
- Be you
LinkedIn may be a professional platform, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your personality. Share your passions, interests, and insights to create genuine connections.
Being yourself allows both you and the employer to assess whether you naturally fit within the organisation’s values, beliefs, and working environment.
Here’s an example of our Marketer, Rhianna’s, profile.
Rhianna has used a photo of her horse in her profile banner, paired alongside a text box with the caption “Jumping Into Marketing Success”. Allowing aspects of your personality, like Rhianna’s passion for horses, to shine through on professional platforms not only adds a touch of humanity and memorability to your profile but also sets the stage for meaningful conversations.
- Have a fully complete profile
If your LinkedIn profile is fully complete it will appear 40 times more in search results. In an era of short attention spans, make your profile scannable and engaging by highlighting only the most relevant information. Less is often more when it comes to LinkedIn.
We’ve previously covered creating a profile in detail, which you can find here.
- Network effectively
Building a powerful network is about seeking purposeful connections. Be proactive but avoid mindlessly sending connection requests. Who can you learn from? Who has access to a network of people you want to connect with?
Also, don’t forget to keep those email notifications on for the latest opportunities. You never know what you could miss!
- Ask for recommendations
When it comes to recommendations, remember that quality trumps quantity. Seek endorsements from colleagues and mentors who can genuinely vouch for your skills and expertise. Honesty and transparency are essential for building strong working relationships.
Here’s an example of Helen the Founder and Director of GoGecko’s profile. Each recommendation offers a detailed insight into her professional capabilities, reflecting a thorough and genuine endorsement from the reviewer. Helen’s reviews include feedback from both candidates and clients, showcasing a diverse range that confirms the authenticity of the endorsements she has received.
- ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE
Don’t just scroll or post. Listen and learn by sparking conversations in the comments. When you participate in discussions, you can gain insights from others in your field, stay updated on industry trends, and discover valuable resources.
Also, engaging with content on LinkedIn increases your visibility within your network which can lead to more profile views and opportunities. It’s a win-win!
Whilst we said LinkedIn isn’t something you should be afraid of, there are a couple of things to stay away from doing…
DON’T …
- Don’t forget to update your profile: Keep it fresh with the latest dates, numbers, and other relevant information. You want to show off your continuous growth and achievements.
- Don’t be dishonest: Be transparent and truthful about your professional background, skills, and experience as it will all come out in the wash.
- Don’t engage in controversial or offensive topics: Keep your interactions and discussions respectful and aligned with your industry and career goals.
Remember, we’re always here to offer advice and assistance. If you ever need guidance or support in the professional world of LinkedIn, don’t hesitate to contact us.
