In a comeback almost comparable to the Crocs revival, LinkedIn has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Once thought of as just a platform to post your CV, the website has turned into much more of a social media platform, competing with Twitter, Tik Tok and instagram for users and engagement.
With its business focussed environment, companies can share information without competing with the entertainment element found on other social media apps. A study conducted in 2020 revealed that LinkedIn was also the most trusted digital platform, when compared to other social platforms. Many business owners are flocking to Linkedin in favour of Tik Tok or instagram to focus on their digital marketing.
Ella Delancey Jones, Journalist and Copywriter, says: ‘I’ve always had a LinkedIn profile, but really saw the impact of using it when I had an unexpected gap in my calendar. The spare time allowed me to focus on my own marketing and I quickly realised the value of posting and prioritising the platform to grow my profile and services. It’s not as straightforward as selling - people don’t really like to be sold to. It’s about adding value. What can I write about my industry that no one else knows? What is very obvious to me but people outside of my circle might find extremely valuable? How can I make sure people know who I am, before they use my services? ‘ It was quite overwhelming at first, as there’s so much noise and competition across the platform. But finding my own voice and being consistent with it has led me to several opportunities and ongoing project work, secured directly off the back of my strategy on LinkedIn. Importantly, they’ve been really perfect new projects and clients, because I’ve targeted my content to speak specifically to them. It’s not just another social media platform. It’s a money-maker and profile-raiser.’
LinkedIn Expert, Lea Turner, says:
‘LinkedIn saw a surge in users during covid when people could no longer network in person and were feeling isolated from colleagues and peers, and concerned about how to find new clients. It’s gained more than 100 million new users over the past 3 years, and with 60% of those users being millennials, it’s become an absolute must-have for entrepreneurs and businesses wanting to boost their online presence and reputation.’
‘Standing out can be tough when there is so much competition for attention, but the important thing to remember is that you don’t need EVERYONE’s attention to succeed. It’s about connecting with active people whose problems you know you can solve, and creating content that speaks to the value you can bring, the solutions you offer, your own integrity and personality, so that the RIGHT customers for you consistently see your name appear, and when they’re ready to work with you, you’re the obvious choice, as you already have credibility to them, and they’ve built trust and familiarity with you.’
Our top tips for getting ahead on LinkedIn Optimise your profile:
Use a professional profile picture that reflects your industry.
Craft a compelling headline that highlights your expertise and value.
Write a concise and engaging summary that tells your professional story.
Ensure your work experience is up-to-date with relevant details.
Add skills and endorsements to showcase your strengths.
Build a quality network:
Connect with colleagues, peers, mentors, and others in your industry.
Personalize your connection requests with a brief message.
Join and engage in LinkedIn groups related to your interests and field.
Follow thought leaders and companies to stay updated on industry trends.
Share valuable content:
Share articles, posts, and updates related to your industry or expertise.
Provide insights, ask questions, and encourage discussions in your posts.
Use hashtags to increase the visibility of your content.
Consistency is key, so aim to post regularly and engage with your network's content.
Engage actively:
Comment thoughtfully on others' posts and articles.
Congratulate connections on their achievements and milestones.
Offer help or advice when you can, and don't be afraid to ask for it in return.
Use LinkedIn's messaging feature to connect and maintain relationships.
Utilise LinkedIn features:
Explore LinkedIn Learning for professional development and skill enhancement.
Use the "Jobs" section to search for job opportunities and set up job alerts.
Share your work samples, projects, or publications on your profile.
Check your notifications regularly to respond promptly to connection requests and messages.
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