I’ve been using LinkedIn for five years now. In that time, they’ve made quite a few changes. Some good. Some bad.
In the good column: Allowing users to add video and presentations from Slideshare to your profile.
In the bad column: Eliminating events
The latest change seemed great at first – LinkedIn streamlined its home page to make it easy to keep track of your latest activity, including who viewed your profile, and how your profile has ranked in the last 30 days. It also made it easy to share an update, upload a photo, and publish a post, as you can see below.
But it’s this last change that seems to have Linkedin users confused the most. And I have to say, it’s driving me crazy.
Too many users are publishing posts that are status updates, or even worse… an advertisement for their services!
Here’s an example that is really an advertisement masquerading as a post:
Here’s an example of a post that should have been a simple status update from a golfer who was testing new clubs.
Finally, here’s an example from a real estate agent who is using LinkedIn’s publishing platform to advertise a home for sale:
Publishing Platform Allows Users to Share Expertise
LinkedIn opened up the publishing platform to its users to allow them “to publish long-form posts about their expertise and interests.” The social networking site said the intention was to allow users, “to further establish your professional identity by expressing your opinions and sharing your experiences.”
I think people are misusing the publishing platform for one of two reasons:
1) They don’t know any better
Or
2) They think it will bring them business because…
When you publish a long-form post on LinkedIn:
- Your original content becomes part of your professional profile. It is displayed on the Posts section of your LinkedIn profile.
- It’s shared with your connections and followers.
- Members not in your network can now follow you from your long-form post to receive updates when you publish next.
- Your long-form post is searchable both on and off of LinkedIn.
If you published a post that should have been a status update because you were confused, that’s ok. Just don’t do it again.
But if you’re publishing posts deliberately as advertisements, STOP!
You’re not doing yourself any favors. You’re not going to win customers this way. Trust me. The only thing you are going to do is harm your reputation on LinkedIn.
My advice is to use the LinkedIn publishing platform as it was intended. A method for sharing long-form posts that will educate your prospects about your business and your industry.
Don’t be SALESY! Instead…
Be provocative. Be authoritative. Be creative.
I can almost guarantee that you will be rewarded for the effort you make.
Get More Leads from LinkedIn
If you are publishing informative articles on LinkedIn, but you’re still not getting the results you want, I can help. Join me this Thursday, April 9th at 12 noon for my free webinar: 3 Massive Miskakes LinkedIn Users Make that Keep You from Attracting Your Ideal Client… and How to Avoid Them.
During this webinar, you’ll discover…
- how to create an irresistible profile and make sure it gets seen by your ideal prospects
- how to nurture your LinkedIn prospects so they’ll buy from you when they need your products or services
- how to turn people’s questions, comments and frustrations into solid income
- and much more!
Great advice.