It's not enough to have social media nowadays; you need to utilize it fully and create a presence that says, "Hey, I know what I'm talking about; follow me for more." As discussed in our previous blog, "Leveraging Social Media in the Digital Age," the most important social media platforms are Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Each platform requires a different approach to creating and engaging your posts, but today, we will focus on the heavy hitter, LinkedIn.
LinkedIn, often considered the top social media platform for professionals, offers many opportunities for personal growth and professional development. With a variety of post formats at your disposal, including text and image posts, documents/PDFs, polls, text-only posts, articles, and the emerging video post, you have the power to shape your online presence and make a lasting impression.
The LinkedIn algorithm is constantly changing; no one knows what will guarantee traction, but what is known is to be credible, consistent, and, most importantly, genuine. If you want to build an audience, you need to decide who your audience is before you even begin to think about posting and engaging. And make sure that whatever you're talking about fits in your wheelhouse. Nobody wants GTM advice from someone who doesn't even work in the #Channel!
Regardless of the post format you choose, nurturing your content is essential to keep your audience engaged. When you receive comments, take the time to respond thoughtfully. A simple 'Thanks for your thoughts!' won't cut it, especially if the commenter has contributed significantly to your post. Whether they agree, disagree, or just share their perspective, show that you value their input with a meaningful reply.
If you want to present yourself as an expert, you need to be ready to engage with your audience and prove it. Your reply should be at least 12-15 words, and if you want to really make sure you are driving the conversation, include an @ to catch your commentator's attention and keep them coming back! Cultivate your audience and embrace those who come back for more conversation. The key to expanding your audience is engaging in meaningful conversation in your profile and feed.
In our next blog we will be discussing the importance of stepping outside of your sphere and becoming a part of the greater ecosystem of LinkedIn.
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