LinkedIn is a powerful tool for online growth

As promised in the last issue of The Spark, this issue will focus on LinkedIn and offer tips to help you use the popular social media network to grow, in whatever direction you desire.

Whether you’re a creator, an entrepreneur, a business owner, or a freelancer, LinkedIn has the power to help you reach your goals and grow…a lot.

So, how are you using LinkedIn? If you aren’t seeing results, you’re likely doing it the wrong way. Let’s dig into some important things you need to understand to leverage the full potential of LinkedIn.

Where to start? Fix these things first…

The first thing to handle is your profile. If it’s been a while since you updated your profile, this step may be a bigger lift for you. If you stay up-to-date, this part may be fairly easy.

Do these five things first before you jump into promoting:

1. Update Profile Pic and Header - Clear, professional photo (of you) along with a crisp, cleanly designed header with a brief message (3-5 words works).

2. Tell Your Story - This is where your About section comes into play. Tell the story of how you help people. Weave a tale about the value you add to the market.

3. Craft a Clever Bio - Your bio should contain links to relevant content like your website, portfolio, or whatever you want to present, and it should have a short, clever comment about you, what you do, and why you matter.

4. Complete Your Experience - In the experience, education, and other sections, make sure you fill out as much info as possible. This is a living resume, so make it look good, and add some juicy insights into how amazing you are.

5. Use Keywords - Determine what words people would use if they were searching for someone like you. Then work those keywords into all your copy to ensure you show up in all the right places.

Now comes the fun part…creating!

Once you have your profile where you want it, you’ll want to start creating content regularly. Create articles, newsletters, posts, videos, and other types of content to help attract the right audience.

Focus on presenting yourself as an expert in your space (without saying you’re an expert), and grab the attention of the people you want to work with (or for).

Beyond traditional posts, think outside the box with your content by doing things like the following:

• Get Personal: Share your own stories and experiences. People connect with people, not just polished profiles. Let your personality shine through.

• Mix It Up: Don’t stick to just one format. Post a blend of articles, videos, infographics, and even memes. Variety keeps things fresh and engaging.

• Be Bold with Visuals: Use eye-catching images or design your own graphics. A pop of color or a striking visual can make your post impossible to scroll past.

• Start a Conversation: Ask questions or throw out intriguing ideas to spark discussions. Engaging with your audience in the comments can boost visibility and create meaningful connections.

• Showcase Your Uniqueness: Share what makes you or your business different. Whether it’s a quirky approach to problem-solving or a unique perspective, let that special something come through in your content.

Are you ready to get serious about LinkedIn?

I’m standing by to help, so feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. Or, you can connect with me on LinkedIn for more content to help you grow. Just click the image below, send me a connection request, and let’s get moving!