The views expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In today’s professional landscape, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for networking, job hunting, and personal branding. However, many professionals fail to tap the full potential of this powerful tool. In the past eight months alone, LinkedIn has enabled me to recruit and hire seven new professionals and generate over $30 million in new business from LinkedIn. To help you maximize your LinkedIn presence and unlock its hidden benefits, here are five overlooked hacks that will take your LinkedIn game to the next level.
Related: Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn: How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage the Platform for Growth and Success
1. Make your profile stand out
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume and the first impression you make on potential connections, employers, and investors. Get noticed. Be different. Think about what types of people you want to connect with and what words or phrases they are looking for. Optimizing your profile with relevant keywords is key to increasing your visibility in search results and attracting the right audience. Think of keywords that align with your skills, industry, and career aspirations, and strategically incorporate them into your title, summary, experience, and skill sections. By doing this, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in searches related to your experience, leading to more relevant connections and potential job offers.
Instead of using your boring, traditional job title, use the title section to share what you do best and who you do it for. Take the time to research commonly used and researched keywords in your industry and make sure they are reflected. By optimizing your profile, you will position yourself as a credible professional in your field and increase your chances of making valuable connections.
2. Share often, engage often
While having a well-optimized profile is important, active engagement on LinkedIn is equally essential to building a strong professional network. Beyond simply updating your profile, make a habit of constantly sharing valuable content with your network. This may include industry insights, thought leadership articles, relevant news updates, or even personal achievements or reflections on professional experiences; don’t be afraid to show your personal side! I’ve made it a habit to post once a day for the past seven years and my goal is to teach, inspire and sometimes even entertain.
When you share content, you’re providing value to your audience and giving them a reason to pause scrolling and engage with your post. Don’t forget to add meaningful captions or questions that encourage discussions and invite others to share their thoughts.
Also, take the time to comment and interact with each other’s posts. LinkedIn’s algorithm will hide your posts if you’re just posting without ever commenting and engaging on others’ posts. Offering thoughtful and insightful commentary not only showcases your expertise, but also helps you make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals.
3. Leverage LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups often go unnoticed, but they can be powerful platforms for networking and knowledge sharing. By joining industry-specific groups and actively participating in discussions, you connect with a community of like-minded professionals who share similar interests and goals. Engaging with group members by sharing valuable insights, asking questions, and offering support helps establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Actively contribute to group discussions, showcase your expertise and provide valuable input. By doing so, you not only expand your network, but also gain new perspectives, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and build relationships with influential professionals. Remember to approach LinkedIn Groups with a genuine intention to contribute and connect rather than simply promoting yourself. The value you provide within these groups will help you stand out.
Related: 7 Steps to Stand Out on LinkedIn
4. Get specific – use the advanced search features
LinkedIn’s advanced search capabilities are often overlooked, but they can be powerful tools for finding and connecting with relevant professionals. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the various search filters available, such as location, industry, job title, and company. Refining your searches using these filters will allow you to identify key contacts, potential mentors, or employment opportunities that align with your career goals.
When conducting research, think strategically about the professionals you want to connect with and the industries that interest you. Use specific keywords, along with filters, to narrow your search results and find the most relevant connections. You can get so specific in your searches and find exactly the right people you are looking to connect with. I have found so many great professionals to help clients in different parts of the country through LinkedIn search.
Also, update your search criteria regularly as you refine your professional goals. Leveraging LinkedIn’s advanced search capabilities can save you time, connect with the right professionals, and unlock new opportunities in your industry.
5. Give and request personalized advice
Endorsements for your skills and roles are common on LinkedIn, but personalized recommendations are often overlooked. These recommendations are of immense value as they provide credibility and serve as social proof of your skills and achievements. Encourage professionals within your network to provide personalized advice by sending them personalized requests.
When requesting advice, please specify any particular projects or experiences you would like highlighted. This will ensure that the recommendations offer specific insights and showcase your strengths. As my mother always said, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.” By receiving personalized advice, you enhance your professional reputation, demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients, and set yourself apart from others in your field. Remember to reciprocate by offering advice to deserving people in your network. These recommendations strengthen professional relationships and create a positive approval cycle within your network.
Related: 4 tips and tricks to up your LinkedIn game
By implementing these five often overlooked hacks, you can unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn profile. Optimizing your profile with relevant keywords improves your searchability while engaging in thoughtful content sharing builds you into a thought leader. Leveraging LinkedIn Groups expands your network and knowledge base, and using advanced search features helps you connect with the right professionals. Finally, requesting personalized recommendations adds credibility and social proof to your profile.
Incorporate these strategies into your LinkedIn routine and you’ll enhance your networking efforts, increase your visibility in your industry, and open the door to new opportunities in your career. No social media platform has made a bigger difference in my professional career than LinkedIn. It’s often the first place people go to find out who you are. Don’t overlook these hacks — start maximizing your LinkedIn presence today!
