Being active and engaging is what really matters. It helps generate more interest in your Linkedin profile.

It is becoming increasingly challenging to stand out effectively on Linkedin. While most users take the time to grow their network and connect with former colleagues or business partners, too many forget to additionally strengthen these connections through comments in the newsfeed, personal Linkedin chats or sharing visual content such as videos or photos.?

Generating continuous and authentic Linkedin content gives you opportunities. Imagine how good it feels when a potential client asks for your opinion or a recruiter offers you an interesting position. Or you have the opportunity to be a speaker in your expert area. Or a journalist contacts you. Where else do you have similar chances of success?

How can you achieve similar success? The following actions will help you make use of the potential:

Share authentic videos which support your goals in your newsfeed and promote them in the focus element of your Linkedin profile.

People don’t just want to look at a rigid profile photo on Linkedin, they want to meet, feel, hear and experience the person authentically in a video. The energy and charisma is an important part of it. And yes, a good smartphone recording with appropriate light and clear and understandable audio is good to go. Subtitles are a must, if possible, as many people watch these videos on the go. It can also be a professional recording in between.

I now frequently share videos in the newsfeed that I recorded in a hotel room on the go. Here's my first video with Linkedin Advice, which I edited with a video app. And yes, the end is not yet perfectly cut. I got out of my comfort zone. I'm learning and growing. The second video will be almost perfect.

“The most important part is to have courage to stand out in a professional way.”

Comment with images on a post in the newsfeed

When you comment on Linkedin posts, it is displayed to some people from your network. The profile photo and the first part of the headline is the first impression. Position yourself! When people read your interesting comments, they will want to learn more about you and your experience and interests. They will visit your profile and read your short description.?

It's true that not all contacts will see all your comments. But Linkedin's content algorithm shares content with more people the more popular a post is. You will stand out when you share valuable knowledge and in a positive way. And you will become better known outside your network.

Photos are emotionally appealing and make your comments more interesting. This helps to attract readers' attention and ensures more clicks to your profile and more quality contact requests.

Photos are emotionally appealing and make your comments more interesting.

Use Linkedin Messenger as a communication tool

Linkedin chat is a quick and simple communication tool that helps you stay in touch or build relationships with your network. It's just as easy to use on mobile. You can also record voice messages or videos on the go. Again, you can stand out and do so in an authentic and professional manner.

Linkedin Messenger can be used to:

• Share helpful links from a post or article
• Send a presentation, images or screenshots
• Ask a recruiter questions about the company culture
• Set up a new-biz appointment or meeting
• Make a specific offer to a potential client
• Get to know new contacts better by asking specific questions
• Start a group discussion and facilitate professional introductions
• It can also be something personal from time to time, if you know the person. I sometimes send dog photos because I love dogs.
• And much more...

Linkedin chat is a quick and simple communication tool that helps you stay in touch or build relationships with your network.

Share up to five images in the news stream

Did you know you can share more than one image in a post on your mobile device or desktop? Avoid sharing two photos as Linkedin cuts them in half and it often doesn't look good.

It's a great possibility for sharing pictures of a conference, corporate event or training you attended and want to share your experience with your network. Or Behind the scenes posts that show high interest and get amazing reach through engagement. This is every time a wow effect every time.

Tell your story with pictures

Add a video to your Linkedin profile photo and show yourself in action

If you have Linkedin Creator Mode turned on, you can upload a 30 second video from your mobile phone. Create a story and record the video with your smartphone.?

• What is your goal with the video??
• What target audience do you want to reach??
• What main messages do you want to get across??
• What is the call to action? What do you want interested people to do??

Visit my profile and watch the video. Please send me a personalized contact request or comment if we are not yet connected!

What will you implement and how will you stand out? I look forward to reading your comments. Thank you.

If you would like to learn more about Linkedin, please visit my Linkedin company page or follow it.?

I'm Erica Kessler?the founder of Social Media Leaders GmbH, and a Linkedin strategist, trainer, guest lecturer at Swiss universities and speaker since 2013. I empower companies, CEOs, recruiters, marketing and sales teams and executive job seekers to boost their influence, earn more business, find a job or find talent or leads using Linkedin marketing. Learn more: www.erica-kessler.com