LinkedIn is more important than any other social network bar none. This is true no matter what your goals online are because it’s who you know – and who knows about you – are the keys to your success.
It does not matter whether you are looking for more customers, a new career, consulting work, or to increase visibility in your chosen field – the world’s biggest professional social network is the best place to accomplish all these goals and more.
This post contains links to valuable tips for optimizing your use of LinkedIn.
Save it somewhere safe so you can refer to it whenever you need it.
Check out the sections below to find just the information you need and see what else you can add in the future. As the platform announces new features, we’ll update this post with the latest strategies.
Lead Generation on LinkedIn
- Lead Generation System: How to grow your income using LinkedIn Groups. Includes scripts to use when reaching out to new contacts.
- Check out our guide on making the most of the “Follow Company” feature.
Resources
Here are some links to help you optimize your profile. A good profile increases your chances of recruiters and employers contacting you – besides meeting people who can further your career.
- Getting Started on LinkedIn [VIDEO]
- Claim a Vanity Profile URL — because it’s shorter and easier to remember and share.
- 8 Tips: How To Choose the Right Profile Photo
- Optimizing Your Profile
- How to: Keep Your Profile Visible to Everyone
- LinkedIn Lets You Show Off Your Best Assets
- Advanced Optimization
- Important Social Networks
Tutorials
- Lynda Training Resources
- Official How-to for Students
- LinkedIn for College Students: Begin Your Networking Early!
- Young Professionals: Getting Started with LinkedIn
- LinkedIn Networking: 4 Tips for finding great people to connect with and meet on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn for Small Businesses and Non-profits
- Profile Editing in the LinkedIn App [VIDEO]
Remember: LinkedIn is what you want potential employers to see. Act professionally, use conservative photos, and do not use profanity or discuss
anything that’s inappropriate for professional circles.
There are two major ways to find a job: You can get recommended or you can go visit the businesses you want to hire you. Use LinkedIn to make sure those who are looking will find you and to meet those in a position to let you know about opportunities and recommend you. That is, unless you only want to work for a handful of local businesses you can visit in person.
Optimization Experts:
Using LinkedIn is so important that if you can’t figure it out or haven’t made the time to create your profile and optimize it, it’s best to hire expert assistance. These are the consultants we most recommend:
- Irene Koehler (@irenekoehler) — LinkedIn Profile Optimization Expert
- Andy Nathan (@andynathan) — Social Media Expert and Lead Generation Consultant
LinkedIn Is Where Employers Look for Employees
If you have experience or training, creating a profile on the platform can greatly enhance your chances of landing a job.
93% of Job Recruiters Use LinkedIn to find prospects
(according to 2012 survey by Jobvite)
“The number one reason networking is so important and effective is that the vast majority of jobs are never advertised — thus, the only way a job-seeker can find out about these jobs is through word-of-mouth.” – Finding the hidden job market
Note: Many positions that are advertised are, in fact, already filled. That’s because even if companies already know who they plan to hire, there is often a requirement to advertise the job anyway. To know about almost all available jobs, you must network!
Do you know a great LinkedIn resource or a talented expert we haven’t included here?
Tell us in the comments!
[…] LinkedIn Resources […]
[…] LinkedIn is best for getting recommended and to participate in groups to expand your audience. Use LinkedIn groups the way you use G+ communities. Use them to reach your target audience and exhibit knowledge of your niche. Be sure to use every section of LinkedIn as the one place to highlight your accomplishments and skills. Create both a personal LinkedIn account and a separate account for your business. For tips and strategies see LinkedIn: How to Maximize Results. […]
[…] How to Maximize Your LinkedIn Presence […]
[…] LinkedIn: How to Maximize Results ~ Most Important Social Network […]
[…] LinkedIn: How to Maximize Results ~ Most Important Social Network […]