How To Use LinkedIn To Grow Your Business/Career

I bless the day I joined LinkedIn. It is via this platform that I made very useful connections to interact with clients, potential clients, and even land employment.

But, I did not just wake up and get all these things. I put in hard work and constant engagement.

Today, I want to help you use LinkedIn to get clients, your next job, and meet mutually helpful people.

LinkedIn is a social profile for professionals. This means that LinkedIn is like your online Cv/portfolio.

Here's how to use Linkedin for your business or career.

1. Get a professional profile picture.

I mentioned that LinkedIn is a professional platform. This means that your profile needs to be professional, otherwise potential clients or employers will not take you seriously.

Get a profile picture that you would use on your Cv/resume. 

2. Get a professional cover image

A cover image should be catchy, yet professional. Just like other social platforms, a cover image provides more info about what you do and have to offer.

Clearly indicate the work you do and have a catchy call to action on your cover image. You can create a free cover image using canva.com.

3. Optimize your account

Optimizing means making your profile appear on search results with the help of keywords. Use keywords related to your business or area of your career. Every time a person searches a query with the keywords you have used, your profile will be part of the search results.

This makes you more discoverable to potential clients and employers.

4. Build your connections

LinkedIn is great in that you can search for people you want to connect with. Either by name if you know them, or by their job titles, and even location. 

Eg, if you are a career coach, you can search for "students" and connect with students who require your services.

Once you connect with a professional, send them a thank you note. This will trigger them to check out your profile. Once they get to your profile, make sure you have content that will push them to contact you for your services.

5. Engage, engage, engage

Engaging is simply being active on LinkedIn. Comment, like, share other people's posts. The more you engage, the more people will know about you.

6. Post valuable content

Your content will determine if a client/employer will reach out to you. Make sure that your content clearly shows your capabilities. 

Be consistent.

7. Use LinkedIn groups

LinkedIn groups are working very well in terms of giving you exposure. Search and find groups related to your business and make sure to not only market yourself but also share valuable content.

8. Use LinkedIn DMs.

Be cautious about how you use this feature. Remember that you are going to someone's DM, so be sure you are respectful.

Do not waste your connection's time, instead, present what you are offering and why they should listen to you.

When you do it right, LinkedIn will work very well for your business and may help you land a job.

I speak from experience: I have landed a job, and just signed my first client, prospected from LinkedIn.

We can connect here on LinkedIn!