Updating my LinkedIn profile and tweaking it for optimization and SEO purposes seems to be a never ending (albeit fun) battle for me. I see LinkedIn as a unique resource and one that is an absolute must for anyone needing to give their online presence a professional ‘shot in the arm.’With so many other online resources to choose from, why should you add LinkedIn to your social medial toolbox? In my opinion, one of the best ways Realtors® can use LinkedIn is to promote their business and brand. With over 100 million active members, LinkedIn is no longer just an online resume. It’s a community that when used correctly can successfully boost your online visibility and your sales.
How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business
You Can’t Argue with the LinkedIn Statistics
According to a recent LinkedIn study, people with more than twenty connections are thirty-four times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than five. I don’t know about you, but this is a strong motivating factor to get on LinkedIn and capitalize on this social network. It’s apparent that if I’m not, my competitors are.So where do you begin?
Optimize your profile
- Complete Your Profile
LinkedIn will show you your progress through a percentage bar so you can see where you’re at in the process. You want to achieve 100% completion.
- Add Keywords to Your Title
Your title is the first place to start when it comes to optimization. It’s not just a way to describe what you do, but how and where you do it.
- Include Keywords in Your Summary
Your summary is the first place people will go to learn more about you. It’s your elevator pitch; a short summary of who you are and what your business has to offer. Keep it clean and professional, but make sure the top keywords you are interested in targeting are interspersed throughout.
- Include keywords and phrases in your Bio
Your keywords would look something like this: “Rebekah Radice Social Media Manager” or “Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing”
- Create a Vanity URL
By default, LinkedIn assigns a generic URL to your profile. Make sure you edit this URL and customize it to your brand or name. You want search engines to identify you with your LinkedIn profile.Example: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahradiceGo to profile - public profile – and then edit your profile url, Choose your public url and then click save. Use this link to direct people to your LinkedIn profile within your marketing, on your website and on your business cards.
Make Your Profile Public
Make sure everyone can view your profile. What good is your LinkedIn profile if no one can access it? While you are able to hide certain information, don’t hide content relevant to search engines.Remember: This isn’t Facebook and you don’t have a crazy aunt who says embarrassing things that you need to hide on LinkedIn. Keep your information open and available to anyone looking for you or your services.
Add Your Twitter Feed
Tie your Twitter account into LinkedIn and allow your LinkedIn contacts to keep on top of your Twitter content. You are able to control which tweets are posted to LinkedIn and can edit those settings.
Get Involved with LinkedIn Answers
LinkedIn Answers allows you to build your reputation by answering industry related questions. By responding to questions, you allow others to see your knowledge, education and willingness to give as a Real Estate professional.Added bonus: It will also build internal links to your profile which helps with SEO.
Join Groups
Explore LinkedIn groups and join groups where other industry professionals are hanging out. LinkedIn groups allow you to connect with other like-minded professionals, re-connect with college alumni and even target a specific group of people.While LinkedIn isn’t your final destination in the social media conundrum, I can attest to the multitude of opportunities that have come my way because of being active on LinkedIn.And there it is - your final and most important key to LinkedIn success. Participation and Interaction.It’s not enough to just sign up for your LinkedIn account and let it idly sit. As with any community, what you get out of it is based solely on your level of involvement or lack thereof.Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
About Rebekah Radice
Rebekah Radice, co-founder of BRIL.LA, has traded narcissism for purpose. When not driving growth, you'll find her tricking family into thinking she's Emeril Lagasse - likely covered in marinara. The spotlight was fun, but impact is better. These days she's using 20+ years of brand brilliance for good.