LinkedIn is the one social platform that mystifies people. I know people who are not on it because they are clueless, meanwhile, the professional world uses it as a hiring tool and a platform to connect with other professionals.
I think it is one platform that we all should be on. If you a business professional, business owner or even job- seeker, you need to be on it. For one, it makes you more searchable. When I type my name into Google, my LinkedIn profile shows up before my website!
If you have a profile set up but not sure where to go from here, let me share with you some ways to optimize your profile to its fullest…
Keywords
When people search for you or others in your industry, what do they type? “Accounting”, “money management” or “bookkeeping help” if you are an accountant? What about “art”, “unique” or “one of a kind” if you are a jeweler? These keywords are very important. You want to list in your title, your summary and all your job experiences the keywords that will get you found.
For me, as a social media consultant, I consider my top keywords “social media consultant”, “social media strategist” and “social media manager”. In the picture below, see the areas that I placed those…
Detailed Descriptions
You want to put as much information here as possible. When people search LinkedIn, they want someone who knows what they are doing. Having a completely filled out profile with what you do and what you’ve done is essential. You also want to incorporate your keywords here too. Take a look…
Groups
LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with peers. There are thousands of groups to choose from. There are also a lot that are inactive, so you want to make sure you are in an active group. Within these groups, you can connect with others along with participating in discussions.
If you implement what I have listed out, you will be more searchable and have the fullest LinkedIn profile. After all, if you cannot be found, how will people know you are there?
I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn!
Great points! It gives me new respect for Linkedin. I’m going to check out the Answers section, I’ve never done that before. Thanks!
The Answers section is quite fun! Thanks!!
I’m not on LinkedIn (yet!) so this has help demystify the whole thing for me! Thanks!
Thanks Carolyn! Let me know if you have any questions!
Fantastic run-down of all the key elements!! This post should be shared with anyone not understanding how to optimize themselves on LInkedIn. Bravo!
Thanks Martha!!!! I appreciate that since you know A LOT about LinkedIn 🙂
I had forgotten about using the “Answers” section. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Kim!
Linked In is so important. It has gotten better over the years, but the important parts stay the same. Making connections!
That is so true Sally!
Ah, I’ve been having a bit of a battle with LinkedIn lately. They seem to have so many rules, and it seems like many of their services and options come at a cost – and a high one at that! Thanks for the run-down – I’m still learning!
Nisha, I use the free version. You can do everything you need to without paying 🙂 The paid options are nice, but it depends on what you are using LI for.
LinkedIn has been growing quickly over the past year it seems. It’s great that you demystified how best to use LI. I’m bookmarking this, Mandy!
Thanks Lisa!!
Great overview and tips! And, yes, this is the first I’ve heard of the “Answers” section. Thanks for the heads up … I’m going to head over and check it out.
Connect with me: http://linkedin.com/in/DesignerRobRusso
Thanks Rob!
What clarity! Now it makes so much more sense. My dilemma with LinkedIn has always been that I pursue two totally different activities: international petroleum consulting … and money mentoring for women over 50. Unless I can have two profiles, I don’t know how to segregate the keywords, etc. Do you have any ideas?
That is a good question Sharon! I know it would be a pain but since they are two totally different activities, it may be best to have 2 separate ones. If they were somewhat similar, I could see combining them. The connections you would make on one may not apply to the other. Let me think on that some more 🙂
You are Rocking LinkedIN my love.. Big things are coming your way!! :X
I love Linkedin, use visit it daily especially after they started their Linkedin Today feature. Great summary!
Thanks Sherry! Have you seen their new iPad app? It’s worlds better than the old iPhone one!
Great tips for tweaking my profile, Mandy. thanks!
Thanks Marie!
Excellent article! I’ve been on LinkedIn for almost a decade and only now figuring out relevancy and purpose!! thanks for the great info! great job today!
Thanks Patricia!
Can you comment on the differences between LinkedIn and other social media? I wish there was a definitive guide to the advantages/disadvantages of all social media from the pluses of GooglePlus to facing up to the realities of Facebook…I think you’re the person to create this guide and I would love to be on your list to get one!
Thanks Rhonda! I will send you a message on Facebook, my response here would be too long! However, I do have a guide “Why Social Media?” that you can get here on my site (free offer box on the right) that lists out each social platform 🙂
I really like that you used screen shots in your explanations…I find it SO much easier to follow along (especially with LinkedIn…which I find to be a bit challenging sometimes!). Great post, I will put it to use!
Great article and tips! I had forgotten about ‘The Answers’ section! Your screen shot shots make it much easier to digest everything! Thank you!
Haven’t check on the “Answers” section yet. Thanks for the tip.
Great info, this makes me want to redo my LinkIn profile again!! I hadn’t heard about the anwering questions before either. Thanks, this is a bookmarking one for me!!
Mandy, thanks for sharing these great points with us! I love LinkedIn 🙂
I love screenshot tutorials ;-). Great info, Mandy!
Great overview–love the explanation of Questions/Answers section. I didn’t even know that existed. I don’t hate Linked In but I do wonder how to use it often 😉
I have had a linkedin account since they first came about YEARS ago but was rather clueless about it all. I’m still rather clueless, but this helps!
Thanks
This is a keeper! Perfect! Frame-able, tweetable, pinnable, and all the rest!
I think my comment sounded like lots of spam I get. They never say anything of substance about a post. So as I submitted it, I figured I’d better let you know that was not spam, and I meant it. It has everything someone needs to know to use linkedIn. I wish I had that last year or the year before. My linkedIn profile languished for a long time!
Christiane
I haven’t used Linkedin yet, so it will be handy to revisit your post Mandy! Thank you so much for sharing you useful tips again! So generous of you! 🙂
This is great Mandy. I will be bookmarking this to use. Thanks!
Thanks Lori!
Thanks for the Linked In tips Mandy. Used them to fine tune my profile and clean up my description.
You are so welcome Carla!
You are helping me understand this so much more! Have to admit I have been a bit intimidated and shying away because of a lack of understanding! Great info! Thanks!
Thanks Denny!
Admittedly, I am not as active on LinkedIn as I should be, getting better though 🙂
That’s good Anita!!
I’ve not really used LinkedIn much yet. It intimidates me just a little, but your post really helps to explain things. Thanks!
Thanks Helena!
Love the simplicity and clarity available from you … makes learning so much more fun & easy!! Thanks Mandy. I have a lot to implement but now I know how!
Thanks Sue!
Always like learning more about Linked In. I only really got my profile done a month ago and haven’t really been back. Confused, intimidated…so this information helps a lot, thanks!
Glad I could help Suzanne! Let me know if you have any questions!
Great info here on Linkedin. Updated a few things! Thanks. x0x
Thanks Norma!!
Thank you for an Amazing post. I will be bookmarking this to use as a reference! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise 🙂
Thanks Susan!
great, great profile optimization tips. 🙂
Thanks Joyce!
Great overview! I’m finally getting going on Linkedin but still needing lots of help! Thank you!
Thanks Carl!
Thanks Mandy, you have really boiled it down to what counts when it comes to LinkedIn. I am trying to participate more there, but it does take some getting used to. You were the first one to introduce me to “Answers” a few weeks back and I really appreciate that advice ~ good stuff there.
Thanks Jennifer!
Yes I am so glad I found this post, however I am not in a group we share and not in a position to know your email so how do you suggest we connect? Sorry I know a bit naughty to post but it says if I do not know you I need an email, what do you suggest?
Lisa – you can use mandy@memarketingservices.com to connect! Would love to!