LinkedIn Marketing 101: Boost your Business with Proven Tactics

Are you making the most of LinkedIn?

I’m a millennial, in other words, I’m old enough to remember MSN chat rooms and yes Bebo! I’m going to be completely honest here and say that growing up with social media wasn’t easy but I don’t think it was as toxic a place as it can be now for young people.

Many people are concerned about the effect of social media networks on young people and are cautious of it as a result.

I know many business leaders who are wary of social media due to negative experiences and therefore use it to promote their businesses but perhaps don’t put as much thought into the strategy behind what they are doing. It’s a case of using social media because we feel we have to instead of using it with purpose.

That’s why I wanted to speak with Elaine Walsh-McGrath. Elaine is a LinkedIn expert and is incredibly generous with her knowledge. For instance, did you know about #socialsaturday?

LinkedIn is my preferred platform these days because I find it most useful for my purposes but also because I enjoy the conversations. However, it is a little bit different to other platforms in how it works and it was great to speak with Elaine about how to use LinkedIn to Cut Through the Noise.

Knowing how to use LinkedIn will benefit your business and in this episode we discuss some top tips for getting the most out of the platform.

Why LinkedIn?

LinkedIn has evolved significantly in recent years, especially in Ireland. Once perceived as an American-centric platform, it's now a bustling hub for professional networking and business growth. As Elaine explains, LinkedIn’s straightforward approach makes it a valuable tool for finding great clients and building your professional network. People are on LinkedIn for business, so the interactions tend to be more focused and professional.

Five Tips to Cut Through the Noise on LinkedIn

Elaine shared five actionable tips to help you stand out on LinkedIn. Here’s a summary of our discussion:

1. Craft a Compelling Headline

Your LinkedIn headline follows you everywhere on the platform. It's like a trailer for a movie—your movie. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and focused on the specific result you provide. Avoid generic titles and instead highlight what sets you apart. For example, instead of "Graphic Designer," specify "Print Graphic Designer Specializing in Brand Identity."

2. Diversify Your Content

Content on LinkedIn should serve three purposes: showing you understand your audience, selling your services, and sharing your values. This approach ensures your content is engaging, informative, and relatable, helping you build a strong, authentic presence.

3. Engage Through Comments

Comments on LinkedIn are powerful. They count as content and can significantly boost your visibility. Thoughtful comments show your expertise and empathy, expanding your reach and building connections. Remember, engagement is a two-way street—commenting on others’ posts helps them and enhances your visibility.

4. Capture Daily Life

You don’t need a professional setup to create engaging content. Use your daily activities to generate posts. Show behind-the-scenes moments or share insights from your workday. This makes your content relatable and humanizes your brand, creating stronger connections with your audience.

5. Schedule Content Wisely

Scheduling tools can be a lifesaver for busy professionals. While there's debate about the impact of scheduling on reach, consistency is key. If scheduling ensures you post regularly, use it. Consistent, reliable content helps maintain your visibility and engagement on LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

From Elaine's insights, here are three key LinkedIn tips to implement today:

1. Optimize Your Headline: Ensure it’s clear, specific, and reflects the unique value you provide.

2. Engage Generously: Comment on others’ posts to expand your reach and build connections.

3. Use Scheduling Tools: Maintain consistency in your posting, even if it means using third-party apps.

At The Communications Coach, we're committed to helping you cut through the noise with strategic communication and marketing advice. For personalised coaching tailored to your needs, book a discovery call by emailing hello@thecommunicationscoach.ie 

If you would like to learn more about using LinkedIn and what to say on LinkedIn Elaine and I are running a webinar on June 11th where we will answer all your questions. Sign up here for my special discount. 

Remember, while content is king, clear communication is key to reaching your target audience. This blog post is based on the podcast episode Cut Through the Noise with Aisling O'Rourke, featuring Elaine Walsh McGrath. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.