LinkedIn has always been the top social network for career-minded professionals, but it has really come a long way since its inception back in 2003. In fact, LinkedIn recently announced some incredibly useful, brand new features that will further help to “bring your professional story to life.”
In our last blog, we discussed why you need to have a LinkedIn strategy in order to establish yourself as a brand authority and industry expert, as well as how to achieve this goal in five steps. And if you are one of the 756 million plus members on LinkedIn right now, these new features can help your newfound strategy soar to even greater heights!
Here are the 4 LinkedIn features you have to try:
- Video Cover Story
- Polls
- Events
- Stories
#1 Video Cover Story
Social media storytelling helps to attract and connect with others through engaging, relatable content. LinkedIn provides an outlet and tools to share your story and professional journey, including your personal career goals, skills, and achievements. One such tool is LinkedIn’s new Video Cover Story feature, which allows you to create a 30 second preview and 30 second pitch.
Including an introductory video on your page is an authentic way to let your personality shine. Not only does it boost the know, like and trust factor, but it also offers the added benefit of organically sharing pronoun preferences or the correct pronunciation of a unique name.
Whether you are seeking a new job, looking to attract more clients, or trying to establish yourself as an industry expert, including a Video Cover Story on LinkedIn is a powerful way to draw people in and solidify your brand identity.
#2 Polls
Polls are another new LinkedIn feature that you can’t afford to miss. Polls are great for quick feedback and finding out more about your audience. You can also use information gained from polls to create content that will help solve the pain points of your target audience. Best of all, this tool is easy to use.
To create a LinkedIn poll from your homepage, follow these 5 steps:
- Click on the icon to start a new post.
- Pick the option to create a poll.
- Ask a question and type in 2 to 4 options.
- Use the dropdown to set the poll’s duration.
- Share it as a regular post or select your target audience.
#3 Events
Did you know LinkedIn also allows you to post and promote your own professional events? From product launches and presentations to training and networking sessions, this handy feature lets you invite your contacts to events in a safe, trusted environment. You can even engage with your network before and after the event! LinkedIn will also send event invites to your inbox after a “Yes” response, plus a reminder just before the event happens.
#4 Stories
Last on our list, but definitely not least, is LinkedIn Stories. This new feature allows iPhone and Android users to share images and short videos of professional moments from the LinkedIn mobile app. Whether you’re posting or viewing, Stories are available on LinkedIn for 24 hours, and they are a great way to start a conversation. Ideas include experiences, insights, poll results, event information, or moments from your day. You can even include text and stickers, or add web links to direct your target audience to events or additional content using the swipe up feature.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social network, so if you haven’t done so already, you really should sign up today to try these fabulous new features — and take advantage of everything else this popular platform has to offer. Also, be sure to connect with Aliya Hammond on LinkedIn by clicking here!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
