LinkedIn is one most popular social network for
professionals and top social networks in the world today. With over 380 million
members, LinkedIn has growing influence as a professional networking tool and
could be extremely powerful when the user is aware of the platform's hidden
features.
Unfortunately, a lot of Nigerians are not fully aware of the
opportunities presented to them by the LinkedIn platform. The few who are
users, do not know how to maximize the platform or optimize their presence.
Certainly, there is a need for business owners and professionals in Nigeria to
tap into these opportunities towards building relationships with potential
customers, clients, partners and peers.
Enhance your profile
for search
Everyone who is conversant with social media trends,
understands the necessity for an outstanding profile. The way your profile is
structured and the information made available on it are key to increasing
online visibility and engaging others, and so there is need to enhance your
LinkedIn profile for search. Very similar to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), all you need to do to achieve
this is research the keywords that relate to your industry or service and integrate
them into your profile as naturally as possible.
Encourage your contacts to leave recommendations and make
endorsements
Recommendations have always been essential to the reputation
and credibility of any professional and so, the LinkedIn platform offers a
unique feature that functions as form of recommendation for users. This feature
enables members to endorse each other’s work within specific job roles and
organizations, sharing evidence that adds credibility to the user’s profile and
reinforcing both current and future applications. It is therefore important
that users ask contacts, from colleagues to clients and even friends to endorse
their profile.
A higher number of endorsements will rank more favorable in
LinkedIn search results.
Use video testimonials effectively.
Another way to up your game on LinkedIn is to use video
testimonials to reinforce the quality of your work. Most users, especially sole
proprietors or small business owners believe they already have a strong,
existing customer base, underuse and undermine the video upload feature on
LinkedIn’s profile pages. The use of video, however, can help distinguish your
brand or service from the vast majority of profile pages that may even be
competitors. Do some research, interview, record and upload genuine customer or
client testimonials which reflect a positive light on your service. You would
be capitalizing on an already existing client base.
Stay active on LinkedIn groups:
A lot of LinkedIn users are not very keen on participating
actively in any of the plethora of LinkedIn groups as it usually seems
time-consuming. However, its benefits and rewards are long-term.
Basically, the
user has to search for relevant professional groups that are within his
industry, make selections based on the group’s popularity, relevance in terms
of keywords and existing membership base, then subscribe to daily updates,
delivered directly by e-mail. The user can also now participate in group
discussions on the go via mobile. It is a great way to remain visible and
valuable in target markets.
The key is being careful not to over commit to too
many LinkedIn groups. Simply take five or 10 minutes off your daily schedule to
respond and interact with other members, as you share your insight and build
strong professional bonds. These interactions usually increase your value on
the platform.
*Contributed by Nkem Ndem, a PR Associate @Jumia Travel
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