10 ways startups can get the most out of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked platforms for marketing, and can actually be more successful than other social channels because of the professional environment. LinkedIn users are focused on professional relationships and conversations, meaning chances are your LinkedIn content will get more attention here if conveyed properly.

Want your business to start reaping the benefits of using LinkedIn as a marketing tool? Take a look at this top ten list of hints to help you be successful in doing so.

1. Have a Completed Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is critical to your online business, and must be fully completed to achieve maximum benefits. Your profile is your first impression, so you want to ensure it is complete, professional and a good representation of the business.

2. Customize Your Websites

LinkedIn provides the opportunity to customize how your websites appear on your profile. Creating a call to action is quite simple, and attracts more attention, inspiring others to click the links.

3. Make Connections With Everyone

LinkedIn is home to over 85 million users, and your business should be trying to connect with as many of them as possible. Look at LinkedIn as a live networking opportunity and grow your network as large as possible, as this could inevitably provide a lot of opportunity.

4. Join Targeted Groups

Regardless of the industry or type of business you are in, taking part in targeted groups is essential. Think of targeted groups as smaller, more specific networks. They can be a key part in generating leads and leading the way to success.

5. Include Your Company Profile

One of the newer features of LinkedIn’s ever-evolving platform is the ability to convey your company message and products in the company profile section. Users are able to include video, as well as extensive information on the company, including its products and services.

6. Be Compelling

Many LinkedIn profiles are dull and lifeless, so make sure yours does not fall into this category. Be sure to showcase any compelling attributes and really show your personality throughout your profile. This can be done by using videos, interesting stories, and other information.

7. Recommend Others

Remember that LinkedIn is a network, so be an active part of the process and recommend others as much as you can. You would want others to do the same for you, as it can have a noticeable effect on the business’s bottom line.

8. Use Twitter to Connect

Be sure to attach your LinkedIn and Twitter accounts to keep your message fresh and on top of people’s minds. By syncing your accounts, you will achieve just this.

9. Make Sure Your Search Ranking is Optimized

People are always seeking out others on LinkedIn, and they do so by searching for profiles. Make sure your profile is properly optimized to allow more people looking for your expertise to locate you.

10. Use Advanced Applications

LinkedIn provides users with a variety of applications to help you better promote your business. These can be found under the applications section of your profile; see which ones can benefit you.

Using LinkedIn correctly can help extend your reach, so follow some or all of these tips and you’ll be sure to see results.

One final tip — ensure that you have a professional-looking picture, preferably a headshot, as we all judge on first sight.

This story originally appeared on Tech City News. Copyright 2015