LinkedIn is becoming increasingly more the go-to source for business leads and connections, but only if you can get out of the beginner mode. There are several great features that enable you to make connections, share content and extend your reach exponentially, but to be able to make the best use of these you need to be not only active but smart.
To help you with that, here are 10 awesome LinkedIn tips to get you started.
10 Fantastic LinkedIn Tips for beginners
#1 – Optimize your URL
Take a minute and change your LinkedIn URL to coincide with your company's name or online handle. Be consistent with other social properties if possible.
#2 – Put a LinkedIn Profile Badge on your site
Easy to do and a nifty tool for increasing connections and site authority. Choose from a few different designs.
Related: 5 Reasons You’ll Want to Publish on LinkedIn
#3 – Be sure to optimize your page
Complete and take advantage of all the features you can when it comes to your company page. You definitely want to make a brand statement.
#4 – Get skill endorsements
List your skills when you complete your profile, as many of your connections will not hesitate to make the one + click needed to give you an endorsement.
#5 – Utilize your LinkedIn Groups
Joining and contributing to LinkedIn groups provides you with a couple of great advantages. This gives you the ability to send messages to members of the group who you are not level one connected with, as well as the ability to view profiles.
#6 – Create Showcase Pages
Since LinkedIn got rid of the Products & Services tab, you'll want to use Showcase Pages to promote products and services directly.
Related: 5 Paid Advertising Services to Send Traffic to your Blog
#7 – Directly Email your LinkedIn Group
Known as LinkedIn Announcements, you can mail all the members of your LinkedIn group once per week.
#8 – Get LinkedIn to send you leads with Saved Searches
By saving your searches on LinkedIn they will send you new leads based on the search parameters you entered. Can you say free leads?
#9 – Ask Your Connections for Introductions
Mine your current connections and ask them to introduce you someone they are connected to that you would like to be. You'll be surprised at how many will say yes.
#10 – Reorder Your Skills
Edit your skills to focus on the ones you'd most like to be known for, as well as ridding the widget of the endorsements that have no picture. You might as well have it look good, right?