8 Things You Need to do on LinkedIn Now

What is LinkedIn? If you don't already know, LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. The goal of the site is to allow registered members to establish and document networks of people they know and trust professionally. Every second, two people join LinkedIn. The site now allows teenagers to create a LinkedIn account.

If you are on this platform - great! Below are some tips to see how you're doing on the site. If you're not on this platform, then check out the tips below to see what you need to do to get started.

If you still need convincing, then click here to read about the 5 reasons why you should be on LinkedIn.

Here are 8 things you need to do for your personal LinkedIn page:

1. Create an account and fill out all the sections

Make sure you add in all of your business experience. Include the dates your worked there, tag the name of the business and write about what you were responsible for. Fill out the education section, volunteer experience and skills.

2. Have a professional profile picture and add a header image

Your profile picture on LinkedIn probably won't be the same as your other social platforms. This one needs to be business-professional. A head shot and it should not include other people (or pets). Add a header image, even if it's something basic with the field you're in. Example: a stock photo of salad if you're in health & fitness or a picture of bowling pins if you work in the bowling industry.

3. Edit your custom URL

This is super important! When you're on your profile page, there should be a link on the right that says "edit public profile & URL". Have a simple and professional URL that's easy to find. If you don't do this it'll be a bunch of random numbers attached to your name. My custom URL is https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockybush.

4. Add a headline

On your profile page there's a pencil icon on the right side. Click this to edit your headline. The headline is short (120 characters) and describes what you do. This is important because when you comment and engaged on LinkedIn it shows your profile picture, your name and your headline. Some examples of a great headline are, "Seeking Entry-Level Opportunity", "Senior Accountant at ________ and Financial Expert", or "Reliable pet-sitter who will find out and report back to you exactly what your dog is up to when you’re not home."

5. Connect with people!

Send invites to connect with people you already know and work with and then expand your reach. The goal is 500. After that, it shows as 500+ on your site. My best recommendation is spend 2-3 minutes every day sending out connections until you reach that number.

6. Ask and give recommendations and endorsements

Write recommendations for people you've done business with or who have worked for you. A few simple clicks and you can give an endorsement for someone based on their skill set. You can request recommendations as well.

7. Engage and be active

A simple click of the "like' button shows support on this platform. Comment on people's posts to show the same support, but remember, it also will show your face, name and headline. This is great for brand awareness. Share other's posts. And create posts of your own that showcase what you do and what you offer.

8. Add your custom URL to other places

Have your LinkedIn URL on your website, business card, and other social platforms. (Remember, have the link on your website open in a new window or tab to keep the traffic on your website.)

TIP: When you collect a business card, send an invite to connect with that individual on LinkedIn.