Did you know LinkedIn has its own proprietary search algorithm?

The details are top secret, but according to Yumi Wilson, manager of corporate communications at LinkedIn, there are several ways to use LinkedIn to get the most from the platform.

#1 Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

If you want to get found on LinkedIn, complete your profile. It’s surprising, but according to this infographic, close to 50% of LinkedIn profiles are incomplete.

Check the “Profile Strength Meter” located on the right side of your profile. The meter shows its strength and increases as you add more content.

There are many online resources on how to achieve a complete profile. LinkedIn suggests including:

  • Your industry and location
  • An up-to-date current position
  • A profile photo
  • Two past positions
  • Your education

For more in-depth ideas on getting the most from LinkedIn, read Neal Schaffer’s book, Maximizing LinkedIn for Sales and Social Media Marketing. Although Schaffer wrote the book several years ago—and LinkedIn is constantly changing—he offers valuable suggestions still relevant for LinkedIn networking effectiveness.

#2 Include Keywords in Your LinkedIn Profile

What keywords will a recruiter, a new client, or a potential employer use to find you on LinkedIn? Brainstorm all the keywords you can think of, along with different variations.

Do a quick search on LinkedIn using these words. Consider where the keywords appear in the profiles on the first page of results. You’ll typically find them in headlines, company names, job titles, and skills, since these areas rank higher in LinkedIn’s search algorithm.

If your profile isn’t showing up on the first page of results, incorporate your keywords into these 4 important sections of your profile in a natural way. Keyword stuffing is a no-no on LinkedIn, just as it is with Google. While LinkedIn doesn’t penalize, you will definitely leave the wrong impression … and look foolish to business professionals who want to connect with you.

Search your keywords again and your profile will immediately place higher in the results.

#3 Join LinkedIn Groups and Engage

Groups are one of the most powerful tools available on LinkedIn for business professionals. There are more than 2 million of them, including groups for administrative assistants, mining industry professionals, telecom executives, and luxury/lifestyle professionals.

In addition to increasing your findability, groups offer additional benefits:

  • Build trust with like-minded professionals by participating in discussions
  • Increase your network (LinkedIn considers group members 2nd degree connections)
  • Get answers to tricky problems common in your industry

Like all social media platforms, LinkedIn has many nuances. Actively participating with daily updates, adhering to group etiquette, strategically expanding your network, or even creating your own LinkedIn group are important considerations to improving your findability and networking success.

What approaches have worked for you in helping you get found on LinkedIn?

If you need help networking on LinkedIn, get in touch.