How can you successfully expand your network using the LinkedIn platform? VKARD gives you all the advice you need!

Well-known to Internet users for facilitating their job search, the LinkedIn platform is also proving to be a highly appreciated tool for professionals when it comes to establishing and developing their network.

Whether you’re looking for professional opportunities or simply want to make your business known to as many people as possible, we’ve got the answers. We’ll show you how to use LinkedIn to develop your network effectively!

Look after your LinkedIn page

As with all networks, your LinkedIn profile deserves special attention. It’s a reflection of your professional activity, so it needs to project a positive, engaging image!

Your LinkedIn page is a bit like your CV: you have to sell yourself! To give yourself the best chance of attracting visitors, make sure your page is up to date and includes a professional, relevant profile photo.

It’s also essential to write a summary that sums up your experience and skills in your chosen field.

Here are a few points to consider for a relevant and effective LinkedIn page:

• A quality profile photo
• A summary of your professional activities
• Details of your expertise and training
• Visual illustrations
• A URL pointing to your website

Your choice of LinkedIn profile photo

Choosing your LinkedIn profile photo is crucial! In fact, it’s the first thing web users notice when scrolling through profiles, so your image needs to be eye-catching!

Choosing a professional, highly visible photo is the best way to attract the attention of potential prospects to your page. You’ll want crisp, professional photos that reflect a certain credibility: so avoid selfies or vacation snaps!

A convincing summary of your professional activity

To catch the eye of potential prospects, it’s imperative to write a convincing summary of your professional activity. It’s an effective way of introducing yourself and explaining the ins and outs of your work.

In this summary, simply and precisely explain your strengths, the services and/or products you offer and how they can be useful to your customers.

Detail your professional experience and skills

To stand out on LinkedIn, don’t forget to describe your successful professional experiences, past or present. Explain in detail your duties, responsibilities and achievements.

A profile rich in experience will reassure your prospect and enhance your credibility. And don’t forget to mention your skills and expertise!

Write a few lines about your certifications

To make your page as detailed as possible, don’t forget to mention your educational background, diplomas and/or certifications. These details will help potential prospects understand your background and reassure them. It’s sure to boost your credibility!

Provide a link to your website

The LinkedIn platform allows you to illustrate your profile in a number of ways: you can add visual media, such as achievements, articles or videos, but you can also insert a link to your website, enabling platform users to find all the important information about your company, such as your services and rates for example!

Post regularly on the platform

To successfully develop your network on LinkedIn, it’s essential to be active and post regularly on the platform. Indeed, if you regularly publish quality content, you’ll increase your chances of getting your page seen!

Personalize your networking requests

On the LinkedIn network, you can personalize your matchmaking message. In fact, when you send a connection request, you can write a short note for your contact to explain your approach: why do you want to contact them? What’s your interest in their page? What is it about their profile that appeals to you? etc. You can also write a short paragraph offering to share advice or discuss projects. This personalized, engaging approach increases your chances of getting a positive response!

Find professionals according to your own search criteria

LinkedIn lets users search for professionals by specific criteria. For example, you can target profiles that interest you, but also a sector of activity, geographical location or skills, for example. This feature enables you to expand your network strategically!

Make your relationships last!

Establishing relationships on the LinkedIn platform is a successful first step, but it’s all about making them last!

Indeed, it’s important to maintain regular contact with your contacts so that they don’t forget you! This can mean sharing from time to time achievements or articles likely to be of interest to your prospects, with the aim of maintaining the link you’ve established. This approach helps cultivate genuine, lasting relationships and strengthen your network!

Attend trade shows

Trade shows are great places to meet and boost your business! They’re a great place to meet people and create opportunities. They’re also the perfect opportunity for you to get the word out about your business, and why not offer digital business cards to get the word out?

On your LinkedIn platform, you can target events and trade shows designed to help you meet new contacts. Don’t hesitate to regularly consult the publications related to event organization on LinkedIn.

The LinkedIn platform opens up a wealth of opportunities! Today, it’s possible to develop your network by boosting your visibility on the networks. By following these tips, you’re sure to offer your contacts a relevant and engaging image of your company!