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For small business owners, leveraging LinkedIn can be a powerful strategy. Unlike platforms that primarily focus on casual interactions, LinkedIn fosters an environment specifically designed for networking, collaboration, and business growth. By using LinkedIn’s latest features small business owners can effectively showcase their expertise, build a robust professional network, and engage with potential clients or partners in a meaningful way. The benefits of using LinkedIn include the opportunity to establish credibility through shared insights, and access to a community that is genuinely interested in professional development and collaboration. This unique focus allows businesses to thrive and cultivate relationships that can lead to new opportunities and sustained success.

Some recent changes:

Custom action buttons: boost engagement and drive results

One of the standout updates recently is the introduction of custom buttons on LinkedIn profiles. These buttons allow you to direct visitors toward specific actions—be it visiting your website or scheduling a consultation. By integrating these buttons, you can effectively turn casual profile visits into concrete business opportunities

Profile verification badge: fostering trust

LinkedIn now provides a profile verification badge that appears next to a user’s name once their identity or employment details are confirmed. This badge serves as a visible assurance of a user’s authenticity and transparency, enhancing their profile’s credibility and helping potential clients feel secure in their engagement.

NOTE: Obtaining this verification badge necessitates submitting valid identification, such as a passport, through the LinkedIn mobile app. This feature is accessible to both free and premium account holders.

Highlighted profile content: showcase your value

The featured content section allows you to prominently display important elements like recommendations and certifications at the top of your profile. This is a powerful way to highlight your expertise and achievements, making a strong first impression on visitors. By strategically curating this content, you can effectively communicate your value proposition and establish yourself as an industry leader.

Algorithm update: emphasis on knowledge sharing

LinkedIn’s algorithm currently favours posts that emphasise sharing valuable insights and expertise. Creating content that discusses industry trends and knowledge not only keeps you relevant but also increases your visibility and engagement within your network.

Enhanced highlights section: encouraging connections

The Highlights section has also been updated to offer prompts for asking mutual connections for introductions and the ability to “Say hello” to 2nd-degree connections. This feature promotes meaningful conversations so you can build a strong professional network.

Personalised invites: advantage for Premium users

LinkedIn is trialling limiting the number of personalised invites for free accounts, leaving premium and Sales Navigator users unaffected. Maintaining a premium account grants the ability to send unlimited personalised invites, strategically growing your network.

Company page management: prioritising quality

LinkedIn has also begun pruning inactive accounts from company pages, ensuring your audience reflects genuine interest and engagement. While the changes might not drastically impact all users, maintaining a lively and relevant follower base is critical for successful outreach.

Final thoughts

When engaging on LinkedIn, it’s essential to be authentic while still enjoying the process. Think of your profile as a digital representation of yourself; just as in person, you want to convey who you are and what you stand for. By embracing the features outlined, you can significantly enhance your online presence, build trusted relationships, and foster meaningful connections.

LinkedIn is more than just a platform—it’s a powerful instrument for shaping and demonstrating your professional success.