LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals. It’s where we go to connect, find answers from others whose opinions we value, look for those who can help us fill an open position and when we are ready for a change, seek out a new partner or employer. It is also where we can go to find potential clients. If you are interested in attracting highly competent professionals to be future clients, do not ignore the potential that exists on LinkedIn.

To be successful with anything takes time, and the more time you dedicate to this social network, the better your results. Your focus should be on expanding your network, letting your voice be heard, and building trust with those you want to serve.

Follow these five tips to help increase your success with prospects on LinkedIn:

1. Visit Daily

Only 40% of LinkedIn users visit daily¹. If you are not one of them, schedule 15 minutes on your calendar to connect with others on LinkedIn. The more active you become, the more you will learn about your connections and make new ones. Following just this one tip can boost your prospecting efforts.

2. Improve Your Profile Strength

49% of LinkedIn profiles are not complete, meaning they are not at the All-Star level². The more content you enter, the more comprehensive your profile becomes. Want to know what your profile is missing? Check out the LinkedIn Profile Strength Meter on your profile page. There are five levels of profile strength, which include Just Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, and All-Star. Hover over your ranking and LinkedIn will tell you what you need to do next to improve your profile.

3. Create a Custom URL

Another exciting feature you may have overlooked is the ability to create a custom LinkedIn URL. When you sign-up for LinkedIn, a URL for your profile is auto-generated. You can easily modify this URL by doing the following:

1. Go to your profile.
2. Click on “Edit public profile and URL” found in the top right corner.
3. Click on “Edit public profile URL” in the top right corner.
4. Create your custom URL. Add keywords to the end of your name that better represents what you do. Suggestions include “Wealth manager” or “Financial planner.”
5. Click Save

4. Like, Comment and Connect

When we share our thoughts about something of meaning or interest to us, we are looking to connect with others who share our views. Sometimes, we are eager to challenge and demonstrate our knowledge of a topic. Pay attention to what your connections are sharing and their comments. Like what you like and comment when you have something to contribute. Remember that the more you engage, the more you will attract those who best align with you as an ideal client.

5. Don’t Ignore the Business Brand

The brand of your firm is more than you alone (unless you are a team of one). If you have employees, the brand of your business encompasses the values and expertise of your team, and the complete client experience those who engage with your business can expect from you and everyone else at the firm. Your company page is where company news is shared. You can deliver expert thought leadership and people can visit your website by accessing a blog post or event announcement.

Your company page also enables visitors to connect with your employees. Every employee of the firm should have a LinkedIn profile because the more your employees engage on LinkedIn, the more comprehensive your net is cast. 

You’ll have more success on LinkedIn if you start by doing what you have found to be of greater interest to you. For example, if you prefer to watch videos on LinkedIn over reading articles, make a plan to record some videos. After all, LinkedIn is a social site, and when marketing your firm, it’s best to stay true to yourself.

If you would like to receive a complimentary LinkedIn profile review from our Marketing Team, reach out to us at 360-866-2345, ext. 439.

• 40% of LinkedIn users visit daily…#4: https://99firms.com/blog/linkedin-statistics/
• 49% of LinkedIn profiles are not complete: https://careerconfidential.com/linkedins-profile-strength-indicator-how-do-you-measure-up/