As entrepreneurs and small business owners, we’re always looking for new ways to expand our network, spread the word about our products and services, and, of course, generate leads. LinkedIn is largely regarded as the professional social network for business, job search, and career, among all others. You’re missing out on excellent opportunities to land more business if you don’t dedicate a portion of your social media marketing efforts to LinkedIn. If you’re struggling to grow your LinkedIn network, you may not be spending enough time on the platform. You must use the social network frequently if you want to become a power player. Below are some of the ways you can increase LinkedIn connections.
WAYS TO INCREASE LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS:
1) COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE AND KEYWORD OPTIMIZE IT:
LinkedIn is currently similar to Google in its early days in that the more keywords you use in your profile, the more weight the LinkedIn algorithm assigns to your page when people search for that phrase. Fill your LinkedIn profile page with a popular search term that others are likely to be looking for. This serves as an ‘always on’ inbound strategy. A well-optimized profile on LinkedIn makes you more findable.
2) INVITE EXISTING CONTACTS TO CONNECT:
Upload your email contacts into LinkedIn to seed your “smart” network. This is low-hanging fruit in terms of building a network of highly relevant relationships. Start by connecting with people you already know on LinkedIn. You can import your current email contacts from Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and other platforms. LinkedIn will find more relevant people to suggest that you build your network.
3) TIME YOUR POSTS WISELY:
Because LinkedIn’s readership is distinct from that of Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+, the optimum times to post are also distinct. You want to time your LinkedIn posts for what’s popularly known in the radio business as “drive time.”
4) USE GRAPHICS:
Using graphics in social media posts can boost interaction with your existing network while also exposing them to new LinkedIn connections. Visual content has the potential to enhance impressions. As a result, make sure to include appealing and engaging graphics.
5) PROMOTE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE:
Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, typically give you space for a bio. Encourage contacts to find you and connect on LinkedIn, too, by using those bio spaces as a LinkedIn connection-driving machine — especially if you have a large following on the other site. This is yet another excellent technique to make the most of your social media presence.
6) EXPLORE LINKEDIN GROUPS:
LinkedIn groups are virtual meeting rooms where people with similar interests can share and chat about things. Using LinkedIn groups allows you to meet new people (and eventually add them as connections), as well as learn and exchange useful information. It’s not enough to simply join a group; you should actively participate in it. This demands concentration and careful selection.
7) USE ADVANCED SEARCH:
Another wonderful strategy to deliberately extend your network is to use LinkedIn’s Advanced Search function. Use LinkedIn filters to search by keyword. When conducting advanced searches on LinkedIn, zero in on more than one search criterion to make the results more specific. Using a simple Connect button, LinkedIn makes it simple to send a quick invitation to the people displayed in your search results.
8) ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE:
Spend a few minutes each day thoughtfully responding to others’ postings, articles, and videos. Send the person a connection request once you’ve done this on a few postings. If you’re a recognisable face, they’ll be far more likely to connect with you. Engagement is the key.
WRAPPING UP:
LinkedIn is the simplest and most powerful networking platform of our time, allowing you to meet practically anyone with a single click without ever leaving your couch. Following these strategies to increase LinkedIn, connections should make expanding your LinkedIn network less daunting, more achievable, and ultimately more enjoyable.
