LinkedIn is the proverbial dark horse of social media. We all know it’s there, but few of us use it to its full potential.

With just a little bit of effort you will see how the powerful social site can help you market yourself and your business far more than you imagined.

 LINKEDIN BOOT CAMP

LinkedIn is the proverbial dark horse of social media. We all know it’s there, but few of us use it to its full potential. This is a major mistake, especially when it comes to marketing yourself or your business. This Linkedin basic boot camp training will give you the tools necessary to use the site for all your business and personal needs.

When it comes to marketing yourself and your business. most people go straight to Facebook because of the sheer size of its user base. But demographically speaking, Linkedin has a leg up.

Linkedin has over 170 Million worldwide members {Up date – 200 million January 2013}  – 77% of Linkedin users are age 25 and above. – The average household income of a Linked users is $109,000

A RUN THROUGH THE LINKEDIN GAUNTLET

Linkedin is a network full of people who love, you guessed it, networking. They are the movers and shakers of their industries. These are the people you want to know about you and your business. Yes, Facebook ad Twitter can be powerful tools, but Linkedin users are know to be especially serious about their jobs, industry and social networks. With that in mind you must shift tactics when it comes to marketing yourself on Linkedin, as conversations and content are geared toward cultivating partnerships and advancing business than posting silly pictures from parties.

The following will get you in shape for the trials ahead.

CORE CONDITIONING – Complete your profile

Because your Linkedin profile generally ranks in the tops five google search results for your first and last name, your profile must be completely filled out. First impressions are everything, skimping on your profile will quickly decrease your value. Before moving on, take a moment to complete your profile.

AMMO – Customise your URL and websites

Neglecting this no-brainer move is a rookie mistake. Luckily it only takes a few moments to correct. When filling out your profile, customise your URL to reflect your name. Find this in the “edit profile” screen. If you have a blog or a web site to add, select “other” in the drop down menu and customise it. Don’t leave “Company Website” in there. The first web site is used by search engines. Call it what it is, allowing your page to rise in the rankings.

TONING – Spice up your image

Your profile now needs some pizazz, style, value. A bland lifeless profile turns of potential contacts, so let your personal creativity shine through. Use stories, video, recommendations etc., to quicly tell others who you are, what your about and how you can HELP THEM

STEALTH TATICS – optimise your search rankings

Many people use Linkedin to search for experts in their field, a new job, or connections. They search for keywords on Linkedin that you can rank highly in. Optimisation takes a bit of time and effort,, but it’s well worth it when you rank number one when someone searches for “social” or “management” for example. Incorporate key words into – Your headline / Your current work experience / Your past work experience / Your summary / Your specialties

HEAVY WEIGHT – Join groups

Linkedin groups give you the most mileage out of your experience. What ever your industry or business, join groups that will put you in touch with other experts in your industry. Try starting your own group and establish yourself as an expert in the field. Like a mini social network, these niche groups will foster discussion, spread your message and connect you with key people

SPECIAL WEAPONS – Add applications

There are a variety of applications that Linkedin has integrated into its site that make it easier for you to promote your work and improve your profile’s overall visitor experience. Browse through the applications and see which ones work best for you, your industry and your overall message.

All apps have been removed, we are yet to learn if they, or new ones will make a return. If you are still wanting a secret weapon that no one knows about – read this blog post “Smoke Signals”

What other hints and tips have you got……