10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When When I Became Active on LinkedIn

This is the article I wish I read when I first got started on LinkedIn. I've been active on the platform for about 3 months. I've made mistakes, learned a ton, and here are some tips I wish I knew from day one.

1. Create Content that People Will Want to Talk About: It’s called “Social” media?? for a reason. Create content (media) that will spark ?? a conversation (social)! something relatable, something novel(new and interesting), something controversial, something vulnerable, something unusual, something insightful, something funny, something unbelievable, something tactical (tips from your area of expertise) - give them something that will GRAB their ATTENTION and GIVE them VALUE!!!

??Be intentional about what you want them to take-away from your post or article

1. Engagement Matters More Than Views: Views are nice, it boosts our dopamine level, but it’s mainly a vanity metric - engagement ?? in your content is far more important!

??Use this equation to determine your engagement %:

Likes + Comment + Shares ÷ Total Views = Engagement %

1. Include a Call to Action in Your Post: This is asking them to engage ??? in some way...

??“Do you have a similar experience?”

“What can you add?”

“Tell me your story about…” 

1. Use Carefully Selected Hashtags and Tag People That You’d Like to Comment: Don’t abuse either of these, limit it to 3 hashtags in the post itself and don’t tag the same people over and over (that may annoy them) - also, put links in the comments, not the post itself as the algorithm doesn't seem to like when hyperlinks are in the post.

??Pick relevant hashtags (on topic) that have high follower counts

1. Build Relationships with People by Having Genuine Conversations: online AND offline - have conversations using the messaging feature, comment on their posts, THEN set up a Zoom ???or phone?? call to get to know them better

??Meet the people who you "connect" with the most through comments ?? and messages to deepen your relationship!

1. Like Every Comment On Your Post: Even the ones that aren’t great. When you like someone's comment they will be notified. It pains me to see content great creators not take the time to at least like the comments in their post. I understand if you are getting thousands of comments, but...

??Many great creators are not getting big engagement ??and still aren't liking the comments in their posts!

1. Comment on EVERYONE'S Comment on Your Post: their comment is an opportunity to engage and get to know them better

??Treat every comment as an opportunity to engage and deepen your relationship ??

1. Ask Them A Question Or Get Clarification When You Reply to Their Comment: this will encourage more engagement 

??Be genuine and ask questions ???you are actually curious about

1. Ask People Who Have Engaged With Your Post to Connect: Pay them a compliment, say something nice about their comment, and politely ask if they are open to connecting

??If they commented ??once it is highly likely they will comment again!

1. Comment On Others Posts: Especially people in your niche/industry. Don’t just say “nice post” or “good share” - actually write something with substance…add to the conversation in a meaningful way.

??Become obsessed with adding thought provoking??and meaningful comments on others posts

Remember the 5 Bees ??to get the HONEY POT ??

??Be kind.

??Be positive.

??Be helpful.

??Be curious.

??Be consistent!!

Anything to add? I would love to hear from the #LinkedInFam to see what other suggestions you have!