Young woman using smart phone,Social media concept.
The good thing about Facebook being kinda evil and Twitter going insane (I’m not hip enough to use their new names) and TikTok maybe getting banned is that there’s really no cool social media anymore. That’s great news for LinkedIn, which was never cool to begin with. It was, however, useful. Here are a few tricks for making the most of the internet’s nerdiest networking app:
Define Your Personal Brand
First things first: who are you, and why should I care? Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and personality that you want the world to see. It's about finding your niche—whether you're a marketing maven, a tech enthusiast, or a leadership guru—and owning it. Share content that reflects your professional interests and expertise, but don't forget to infuse it with your personality. Remember, people follow humans, not resumes.
Create Good Content
Always Be Content-ing (ABC). But not just any content—value-driven content that educates, informs, or entertains your audience. Share industry insights, thought leadership articles, personal success stories, or cute dog pics (but not too many of those). Use a mix of posts, articles, videos, and infographics to keep your feed dynamic. And when I say “always,” I don’t literally mean “always.” Try your best not to spam your followers.
Engage, But Nicely
Engage with your network by commenting on posts, sharing others' content, and responding to comments on your own posts. Authentic engagement demonstrates your interest in others and helps to build relationships. But don’t be weird about it, okay?
Join Groups
LinkedIn groups are a goldmine for connecting with like-minded folks. Find groups in your niche in which you can share your insights, thoughts, and questions. Being active in groups is a great way to make your profile more visible. It's networking without the awkward small talk. And again—don’t be weird about it.
Follow Top Industry Leaders
Following and engaging with industry leaders and influencers can increase your visibility. When you comment on their content, you expose your profile to a wider audience. Plus, their insights can inspire your own content and keep you informed about industry trends.
