How Writers and Creatives Can Use LinkedIn Effectively

On March 2nd 2021 I facilitated a virtual workshop on behalf of The Society of Authors for SOA @ Home: How Writers and Creatives Can Use LinkedIn Effectively.

LinkedIn is not just for corporate professionals from traditional sectors –as a social media platform, it can open up a world of opportunity for writers, illustrators, creatives and literary translators. I've written a number of pieces on using LinkedIn effectively for brand awareness and networking; there is no denying that when it is used effectively it can really have a positive impact on your credibility and personal brand visibility from a PR perspective.

The following slides illustrate the scope of the platform from a statistical perspective; it may not be as "fun" as some of the other social media platforms but it is certainly effective.

• How to get the most out of LinkedIn - the key to getting the most out of any network is understanding WHY you're using it in the first place.

• How to create the best LinkedIn Profile to attract opportunities - Tidying up your profile, uploading a quality headshot and using LinkedIn functions effectively are all essential steps to creating the best LinkedIn profile.

• How to use LinkedIn for networking - LinkedIn is a great space to build relationships, use it to make connections without becoming a virtual pest.

• Which LinkedIn tools and resources you can use to share news and updates: LinkedIn has so many useful functions that creatives and writers can use to share news. Try to spend some time each week getting to know each function without becoming overwhelmed.

• How to attract the right connections on LinkedIn: This fundamentally boils down to good networking habits - learn how to network effectively on a holistic level and you will be able to network effectively on LinkedIn.

The images used above are just a few of the slides shared within the workshop. The session was interactive and the delegates had practical takeaways which they incorporated pretty much immediately.

Here is a video I made a few years ago which might also be helpful for those who were unable to attend the session.