Social Media 101 - What Is LinkedIn?

Social Media 101 – What Is LinkedIn?

We have written about bloggingFacebook, Pinterest, YouTubeTumblr, and Twitter in our Social Media 101 series. In this post, we talk about LinkedIn.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the leading social networking site for growing connections in the business world. It is really a gigantic CV reservoir. It is also a place to read career-oriented blogs. This platform has been networking since 2003, which is know as ‘since the beginning of time’ in social media.

Why is it important?

Everyone in business should have a LinkedIn profile. It is the easiest way to keep your CV updated. It is a great resource for showing people who might want to use your services who you are, what qualifications you have, your work history, and what your business does.

How to set up a LinkedIn account

  1. Set up a personal profile.
  2. Complete the profile by following the template, detailing your experience and activities.
  3. Be specific about what you do and what you want. Do not exaggerate your skills or use buzz words like ‘guru’ or ‘wizard’. Do not bore your connections with meaningless phrases such as ‘experienced business professional’ or boast about how ‘savvy’, ’customer-oriented’, ‘innovative’ and ‘brilliant’ you are. Be sincere and keep it brief.
  4. Connect with colleagues and friends by sending invitations. Establish relationships with people in your industry.
  5. Customise your LinkedIn profile URL. Mine is Amanda patterson1

How to use LinkedIn

Make sure you have a great CV. Rearrange your page with the most important information near the top of the page. Post links to articles or blogs so people can read more about who you are and what you do. LinkedIn offers profile-based, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising similar to Facebook, so you can run targeted ad campaigns to promote your work or events.

LinkedIn Tips

  1. Constantly update your CV. Maintain a list of business contact details. Use this list to build business connections, to find jobs, and as a research tool to find out about someone before you do business with them / employ them / start work for them.
  2. Do not spend too much time on this network. Other than making sure your profile is current, it is not the place to pitch your products or services. Do not post amusing pictures or irrelevant links. LinkedIn is about being professional. Do not share personal information.
  3. Join one or two LinkedIn groups in your industry, and start conversations there.

P.S. If you want to learn how to blog and write for social media, join us for The Complete Blogging Course

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Posted on: 7th September 2015
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