"How to Get Discovered on LinkedIn: A step-by-step guide"

Get noticed! One of the most powerful professional platforms is LinkedIn. Whether networking, job searching or personal branding, LinkedIn features millions of users and competition is steep. It is important to stand out using strategy. LinkedIn not only features job seekers, LinkedIn is a place for entrepreneurs and industry experts alike. This guide will be a walk-through of steps that you can take action on to optimize your profile's engagement, as well as show you some techniques using keywords through posting and commenting and liking others posts that will boost your impressions rate. 

Step 1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile:  Utilize your tools either through the free version or do a free trial for the premium buy to see what LinkedIn has to offer. Because LinkedIn is basically your digital resume it's important to show who you are. A high-quality  professional picture is important. Looking professional and polished with a creative compelling headline to make people stop and look. Use keywords that highlight your expertise and value proposition. Keeping neutral on stances like politics or religion if you're just looking for a large following, that may be unappealing for some. Unless that is the avenue you are gearing towards as this could be an advantage to make strong connections with people that share your values and vision. 

Step 2. Build a strong network: As I stated if you are building a network that falls in line with the future you are creating for yourself then the headline and summary can easily help you do that by choosing keywords. Personalize connection requests with a brief note explaining why you want to connect, prioritizing quality over quantity. Regularly engaging with your contacts and their content through likes, commenting and reposting will not only build your impressions for views but it will help you build relationships and keep you at the top of mind of others. 

Step 3. Share valuable and consistent content: By posting regularly will position you as an active and knowledgeable professional that shares industry insights, personal experiences in the professional realm, and helpful tips about your field. Use a mixture of content types such as articles, short posts, videos, and reposts to keep your audience engaged. Add relevant hashtags for reach and tag people and companies when it seems appropriate. Focus on providing worth that encourages interactions.

Step 4. Leveraging features and tools on LinkedIn: There are many tools that can boost your presence on the platform. There are groups and newsletters that you can be a part of as well as following companies, industry leaders, and employers. Participate in groups related to your industry or the industry you hope to get to later, through sharing insights and knowledge. Utilize the “open to Work” feature if you are job hunting, or the option “ Open to Collaborate” for possible business opportunities. Update your profile often with new experiences, skills, and certifications to stay relevant. 

Step 5. How to engage with others strategically: Beyond posting your own content, when you comment on other posts from leaders in the industry, clients, or potential employers you are able to demonstrate your interest and capabilities. Send messages that are personalized that invoke relationships yet are not overly sales like or generic in nature. It's important to build authentic connections and relationships that increase your reach through visibility that can lead to future opportunities. 

Step 6. Monitor your analytics and adjust for reach: Keeping an eye on your analytics will help you understand how your interaction impacts your reach. Use the data to understand what content resonates with the algorithm and refine your strategy accordingly. Paying attention to trends and knowing the best times to post and types of posts that receive the most engagement can be a game changer. Learning the platform and being willing to participate and adapt to the knowledge you gain will help you maximize your impact on the platform. 

Getting the desired effect on LinkedIn that you are looking for is a mixture of creating a strong profile, building authentic relationships, sharing content that is valuable, then leveraging the platform based on the combined work you put into it. If you follow these steps and are consistent, you will enhance your professional reputation, unlock new opportunities, and expand your network. Your next career breakthrough is just a connection away, start today and engage with your community.