5 LinkedIn Tips for Direct Marketers
I wrote this article for the June KCDMA e-Newsletter. If you haven’t signed up to receive them, you should! Just fill out this form on the KCDMA website to subscribe.
Photo Credit: Christopher S. Penn
LinkedIn has come a long way since its beginnings in 2003. It’s user-friendly interface, Twitter and blog aggregation abilities and enhanced business
profile features are some noteworthy enhancements that have made it more useful for professionals and businesses. It’s no surprise that in March, the social network for professionals reached the 100 million user mark, and has recently gone public.
As marketing professionals, we spend hours fine-tuning our clients’ communications. But when it comes to our own professional appearance, sometimes we put it on the back burner.
It’s important to stay connected with industry professionals and peers (like your KCDMA friends!) so you and your business are involved in valuable conversations.
Here are five quick tips to help you spruce up your LinkedIn page — whether you are seeking new employment opportunities, wish to drive your company’s visibility and sales or just want to converse about industry news with peers you respect and trust:
TIP #1: Update and edit … and repeat.
Your LinkedIn page is an organic resume. As your experience changes, it should change. It’s not just job seekers who need to keep their LinkedIn profile updated. Keeping your profile fresh keeps your network in-the-know, and your name top-of-mind. And remember: nothing says “unprofessional” like a glaring typo. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.
TIP # 2: Showcase your work.
While it’s important to keep the copy of your LinkedIn profile updated, we all know resumes can be … well … exaggerated. When it comes time to revamp your job description, suddenly “filing papers” becomes “strategically organizing plans and documents to leverage business’ success.” So don’t just SAY it, SHOW it. With the appropriate permissions, upload samples of your work using the MyBox application on LinkedIn, or link to your online portfolio.
TIP #3: Get the right recommendations.
Recommendations give you credibility and show that you are respected in your industry. Many people turn straight to coworkers for recommendations. Which is great—just don’t stop there. Ask your boss, or better yet, former boss … or perhaps even better than that … your former client. Have a wide variety of sources to show people how likeable and respected you are in any situation.
TIP #4: Go ahead—be a showoff.
Did your work win an AMBIT award? Did you rock that presentation at that Big-Deal Conference? Update your status on LinkedIn! Think of it as your Facebook profile with a filter for professional content.
TIP #5: Connect with industry and local groups.
There are valuable discussions on LinkedIn. Be a part of the conversation to share and gain knowledge, as well as connect with thought leaders, Kansas City professionals and yes, even prospects. Replace one of your “Facebook breaks” at work with a “LinkedIn break.” You’ll gain a lot more valuable information other than what Sally McTweeter had for breakfast.
LinkedIn is a great business tool for direct marketers. By keeping your page fresh and engaging with your network, your professional success will resonate online.