Mastering LinkedIn: Best Practices for Building Your Network

Hey, I’m Emma and I’m joined with my co-host Sam. Today, we’re going to talk about LinkedIn and how to effectively build your network on this powerful platform.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a social network where you’re able to connect with other professionals all over the world. Did you know that two professionals join LinkedIn every second, and 50% of Americans with a college degree are on LinkedIn? That’s a huge deal! LinkedIn has a strong presence for all businesses.

Getting Organized on LinkedIn

When hopping on LinkedIn, what are some things you need to do to get organized? It’s important to make sure you describe every role that you had throughout your career. Have a very professional headshot where you’re smiling and look approachable. Also, don’t forget about those keywords! This will help you be found in a search.

Think about what’s relevant to your target audience or the business you’re trying to target. What would they be searching for? For example, if you do a lot with social media, you should include keywords like social media help, social media marketing, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

Building Your Network

A question that comes up a lot is: how do I build my network, and what are some best practices? Honestly, take the same approach as you would with social media. You don’t want to just follow random people to grow your following. Follow people that are relevant to your industry or within your area, especially if you’re a local brick-and-mortar business.

When it comes to LinkedIn, does it matter if you know the person? You can connect with someone you’ve never met, but you should have a reason for connecting. Use the information available on their profile to learn about them. If they’re in your industry and interesting to you, let them know why you want to connect. LinkedIn advises leaving a note with your connection request, which increases the likelihood of acceptance.

Sending a Personalized Connection Request

When sending a connection request, make sure to include a message explaining why you’re reaching out. For instance, if you met someone at a conference or attended their webinar, mention that in your message. This personalized touch makes your request stand out and shows that you’re genuinely interested in connecting.

Maintaining Your Network

Once you’ve built your network, it’s essential to maintain it. Follow up with your connections periodically to keep the relationship relevant and meaningful. A smaller, more relevant network is much better than a large one that’s not engaged.

Just like with Facebook, ensure that your list of followers is pertinent to your network and business goals. This “network hygiene” ensures that your connections are valuable and beneficial.

Creating Content on LinkedIn

Confession time: I don’t post on my LinkedIn, but I enjoy consuming content from others. Is creating content a big deal on LinkedIn? Yes, it is! Creating content makes you stand out. When people like, comment, or share your posts, it increases your visibility. The whole point of being on LinkedIn is to be seen, so creating content is crucial.

LinkedIn is a social media platform, so it’s okay to be personable. Don’t feel like LinkedIn has to be stuffy and overly professional. It’s okay to share personal anecdotes, as long as they’re relevant and contribute to your professional image.

Using Video on LinkedIn

LinkedIn now supports video, which is a great way to showcase your personality and connect with your audience. If you’re comfortable with the idea, consider adding videos to your LinkedIn profile. This can include anything from professional insights to behind-the-scenes looks at your work.

Strategizing Your LinkedIn Content

To beef up your LinkedIn game, think about the type of content you want to create. While it’s important to keep it professional, don’t shy away from showing your personality. Share insights, professional experiences, and even personal anecdotes that tie back to your professional life.

For instance, if you share a photo from a day at the beach, you can mention how taking breaks helps you avoid burnout and stay productive. This approach shows that you’re not all about work and that you value a healthy work-life balance.

Integrating LinkedIn into Your Content Calendar

If you already have a content calendar for your social media strategy, consider adding LinkedIn to it. This helps keep your LinkedIn activity consistent and aligned with your overall content strategy. Set a feasible goal for how many people you want to connect with each week. Start with 1 to 2 connections per week, focusing on quality over quantity.

Conclusion

Building your LinkedIn network responsibly and effectively takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. By following these best practices, you’ll create a valuable network that supports your professional growth. Be sure to leave a personalized message when connecting, maintain your network, create engaging content, and integrate LinkedIn into your content calendar.

This has been a great discussion on LinkedIn. I’ve learned a lot and feel less intimidated by the platform. I’m excited to update my profile and start connecting with relevant professionals.