Interested in using LinkedIn to cultivate new relationships or recruit sales reps? Read our top tips for getting the biggest bang out of your LinkedIn posts.
If you’re interested in using LinkedIn to cultivate new relationships or recruit sales reps, this post is for you. I was in your shoes a few years ago. Some of the things I struggled with initially were deciding what I should post, when was the best time to post it and how to position myself as a trustworthy connection rather than a spammer.
Here is a quick breakdown of what I’ve learned so that you can get the biggest bang out of your LinkedIn posts.
How long should my LinkedIn post be?
LinkedIn allows a 40,000-character limit when creating a post. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that you have to write a novel though. Be careful of dragging on your point, rambling, or getting off topic. When writing a post for your connections make sure to keep it concise and on-topic.
Spruce posts up with a photo or video
This can help explain what you’ve written about and enforce ideas. It’s an easy process; you begin by creating your post. Next click the “image” button and select the photo or video you’d like to add. Once you’ve selected your media, you’re ready to post. Note that you can also select who can see your posts. You can choose to make your post public for anyone on LinkedIn to see, public only to your connections and your followers on Twitter, or just your connections on LinkedIn.
Best times to post
While there is not necessarily a bad time to post, LinkedIn is generally checked throughout the work day- not after. This means you should aim to post during working hours to ensure your posts are getting as many views as possible. Check out the graphic below for more information on when to post:
General LinkedIn Etiquette
Do use it to make connections and share content that is relevant to your area of expertise.
Don’t treat it like other social media sites. Remember LinkedIn is for business, so try to be professional while being authentic.
Do find a balance of when to post. Once or twice a week assures that your profile stays updated and refreshed (or minimum once a month), while also letting your connections know you don’t have a dead profile.
Don’t overdo it when it comes to posting. This is an easy way to come off as spam and ultimately push potential connections away.
Do make relevant and meaningful connections. Connect with people in your field of work. You’ll make more meaningful connections and you’ll find that your connections will be relevant to your work and interests.
Don’t make a connection with every person that crosses your online path. While it may seem like a great idea to help your connection number sky-rocket, this doesn’t mean this could help your profile.
Gretchen Woods is Senior Director, Pre-Sales Solutions at Clearent. She spends her days leading a team of outside sales representatives and her nights with her family. Gretchen loves spending time with her twin toddler granddaughters who keep her on her toes. Her team appreciates her tell-it-to-me straight approach and sense of humor.
