By Susan Tucker
LinkedIn recently made a big announcement – all members using their platform now have the same publishing power as Bill Gates, Richard Branson and other well-known Influencers.
So, what does this mean for you?
Longform Publishing on LinkedIn
This new blogging tool is a feature that you can add to your personal page. The website is doing this so that they can be perceived as more than just a place to search for professional contacts and resumes. They are moving the site towards becoming the place to go to find professional content on the web.
Small businesses like yours can use it to connect with people who are serious about business. This is different from just starting your own blog – which can sometimes prove to be more challenging to find a targeted reader – because this content already has a ready-made audience. By publishing your blog posts on LinkedIn, you can share the content with the professional contacts you have already built up on your LinkedIn account.
The new blogging feature on LinkedIn gives you a chance to put a voice to your brand; educate people and let them know what your company does; and helps to set you apart from your competitors. It also offers you the chance to start conversations with others in your industry. Any good blog article should be a jumping off point for a lively discussion about the different ways to approach business and grow the market.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Starting on the home page of your LinkedIn account, go to Share an Update.
- In the box, click the pencil icon*.
- Once the writing tool opens, upload your post – or write it directly there. You’ll have the ability to add images by clicking the camera icon and uploading an image directly into your post.
- Proofread and check formatting.
- Click Publish to share with your connections.
*The blogging feature is being rolled out in stages. If you do not see the pencil icon, don’t worry! It will be available to you soon.
Using the new blogging feature on LinkedIn is a fantastic opportunity for small business owners. Not only will it help position you as a thought leader in your field, it will help grow your business and connect with the leaders in your industry.