With its focus on business networking, LinkedIn is the perfect social media outlet for a business owner. Having a presence on LinkedIn can net you more followers, increase your sales, and even result in possible business contacts or opportunities. There’s too much to miss out on by not getting involved. But there are good and bad ways to interact on LinkedIn. Let’s look at some mistakes you should avoid so that your business can see positive results.
1. Unprofessional Profile Picture
Your profile picture is basically the first impression your business makes. Having a professional online presence is what you’re aiming for, so make sure your picture matches that. Your business profile picture should be a high quality photograph of you. Avoid having family members, pets, or random things in the picture, as this is not suitable for your business page. Smile for the picture and make sure your eyes are open so you exude energy and initiative. If you choose to use your business logo for the profile picture, make sure it is legible and clear in the smallest thumbnail sizes LinkedIn uses.
2. Trite Headline
The headline section of LinkedIn is meant to give a basic overview of your job. Use a creative slogan to stand out and make use of all the characters you’re allowed. Be different—everyone is going to put the standard job titles and roles.
3. Summary Is Uninteresting
Having an interesting summary is vital to getting noticed on LinkedIn. Your summary section is the place to inform people of your past jobs and accomplishments, but don’t make it read like an application. Inject some humor and make a story out of it. Get your capabilities and talents across, but avoid being arrogant about it. Keep it entertaining and informative and include your future goals to show that you’re going somewhere in life. Be sure to put your contact information in your summary.
4. Stagnant Status
When someone finds your business page, they’re likely going to look at your recent updates for more information before contacting you. If your status sits there without updates, it’s going to appear that your business is inactive and that you’re not available or contactable. Keep your status up to date with relevant business content, such as blog posts, articles, or updates on your services.
The business-focus of LinkedIn means it can be very helpful to your company. Follow the tips above and provide value to your followers so they’ll keep supporting you. Stick to your branding when you use LinkedIn or other social media outlets. A consistent branding style is key to being memorable in the minds of your customers. Keep up your efforts and you’ll become well-established as a thought leader in your industry. If you need more information, contact us. We’d be happy to help you out!