The Maine SEO Blog

Step 1: Build out your profile

Add a picture of yourself. I would suggest going with something somewhat more conservative than what you’d use for Facebook or Twitter: a nice picture of yourself so people know who you are!

Include job information and descriptions. LinkedIn likes to have at least three jobs, one being current; but you can list as many as you like! Also, be sure to have extensive descriptions – think of your LinkedIn profile as your virtual resume.

Customize, customize, customize! You can create up to three links to your website/blog, and customize the anchor text. Also, be sure to customize your profile URL with your name.

It’s OK to be personal. Include some personal details, like your hobbies; you never know – you could easily make your next networking contact that way!

Step 2: Start connecting

Connect to everyone you already know who is on LinkedIn, invite people who aren’t there yet to. Convince your coworkers to create profiles, to even further build out your network.

Once you’ve built up your contacts, why not ask for a recommendation? Give your profile an extra boost or vote of confidence by acquiring recommendations from your colleagues, clients, you name it.

Step 3: Join groups

There’s a LinkedIn group for everyone. From the big to the small, there’s something for you. Within groups, add to or start a discussion – a great way to start a good conversation amongst group members and get questions answered.

Groups also have jobs areas – which is one of the reasons LinkedIn is such a great resource for job seekers. If you start joining groups your area of expertise, be sure to keep checking back at the job boards.

Step 4: Answer (and ask) questions

The Answers section of LinkedIn works much like the discussion board of Groups. By either answering or even strategically asking questions, you establish yourself as the expert.

Step 5: Rinse and repeat

For the most part, you can set up your LinkedIn profile and let it be. But, be sure to keep checking back in the Answers section to see if you can’t be a resource. Also, don’t let your status go unnoticed. Make sure you update every so often.

You’ll recieve weekly emails about LinkedIn activity within your Groups and Connections, so make sure you give them a good skim and watch for any opportunities!

Nicki Hicks
Connect with me on LinkedIn

Tags: LinkedIn, Social Media

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 21st, 2009 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Social Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.