How to Get Started on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the new Facebook for business. Well, not new but it’s having a moment for sure. Business owners are starting to use LinkedIn in a much more personal way and it’s certainly attracting a growing audience. I can see people making great connections which I am sure is leading to an increase in sales for business services - coaches, marketers and branding photographers seem to do very well. I’d argue that you could extend that to almost any service based business.

LinkedIn is no longer just for recruitment companies and job seekers. It’s where professionals are hanging out to connect with each other, with bloggers, journalists and also customers. It’s also a further opportunity to improve your visibility in searches.

Here are the essentials to get you started:

1. Fill Out Your LinkedIn Profile

- Add a high quality photo of yourself, preferably one taken by a professional photographer.

- Add a background image to your banner  - this is a further opportunity to showcase what you do.

- Mention your industry and location in your headline. You have up to 120 characters for this.

- Include a clear summary of who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer. You have 2,000 characters to play with, but you don't have to use them all. You can also link to, or upload examples of your work.

- Add your current position and describe what it involves. Be specific.

- Add your previous work history, education details, and at least four skills or areas of expertise.

2. Contact and Connect With Other LinkedIn Users

Make sure to add personal notes to people you connect with. Don’t connect without it. It’s spammy.

3. Share Posts (just like Facebook)

Be clean and professional but also personal and fun. This is the big difference we are seeing on LlinkedIn now. It’s much more social and personal.

4. Respond to Comments

Ensure you respond to comments on your posts - this is where the magic happens.

4. Publish Longer Articles

LinkedIn has a platform linked to your profile where you can publish longer articles, which can be a great way to showcase yourself as an expert or thought leader in your industry.

5. Join Relevant Groups

Find your tribe and others in your market.

Join Me on LinkedIn

Come and connect with me on LinkedIn and get started...