It's a safe bet you constantly look for ways to use social media to drive traffic to your blog. We also assume you are looking for traffic to your blog from people who are actually interested in the content on your blog. LinkedIn is a great way to drive qualified traffic to your blog.
LinkedIn is the social network where business gets done. If you are really “working it,” LinkedIn is a social media network where business people are interacting with clients, networking with prospective clients and building relationships with referral sources. LinkedIn can be the social network you use to drive traffic to your blog. Here are some of the ways:
Complete a Search Engine Optimized Profile
A weak profile won't generate interest in you, or your blog. If you want people to read your profile and click on the links to your website and your blog, you have to have a robust, search engine optimized, profile THAT INCLUDES A PHOTO OF YOU. This last comment is not just a pet peeve of mine. Many people tell me they ignore connection invitations from people who haven't taken the ten seconds it takes to upload a good photo of themselves. This is also true in other social networks.
Complete 100% of your profile. Take advantage of every available character in every section of your profile. Add the new “Skills” section to your profile. If you have one, attach a presentation about your work. List the books you have read and the books you are reading. Connect your blog to your profile so people get a sense of what you are writing about.
Not only will this help drive traffic to your blog, it enables you to control the message people see when they Google your name. Your LinkedIn profile is often one of the first things that appear in response to a Google search. Because of this, your LinkedIn profile must be complete and filled with the information you want people to know about you and your business. Remember, the content in your LinkedIn profile should be consistent with your profiles on other social networks.
Build Your Network
The more connections you have, the more people have access to your profile, your website and your blog. The same is true with Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Every time you do something on LinkedIn like updating your profile, joining a group, recommending someone, etc. etc. it appears on the home page of your connections. Obviously, the greater the number of connections you have, the greater the number of possible clicks on your profile, your website and your blog.
Customize Your Links
Your profile may display links as follows: “My Blog,” “My Personal Website” and “My Company Website.” If when you are entering this information you click on “Other” you will have an opportunity to customize what people see when they view the “Websites” section of your profile. Instead of “My Company” insert the name of your company. Instead of “My Blog” insert the name of your blog. This is much more interesting for the person reading your profile and tells them exactly what they will see when they click on the link.
Update Your Status Regularly
The LinkedIn profile is not an “If you build it, they will come” situation. You have to work LinkedIn for it to work for you. Update your status regularly. Provide information of value to your connections. No one cares what you had for lunch. Share a newsworthy or industry related article or blog post with people. Remember that your status updates are the first thing that pop up on your connections' home page.
Join And Participate In Groups
Successful users of social media are those who have taken the time to build their credibility. Credibility is not only reflected by the number of connections you have. Credibility is gained from your participation in the social network.
Join industry specific LinkedIn Groups. Join Groups related to your city. But, don't just join a group and list it in your profile. Actively participate in the groups you join. Let people know you are a member of the group through your participation, but don't always participate in a self-serving way though. Take the time to add value to group members.
Join groups where the audience for your blog will be found and drive these people to your blog through your participation in the group. Think about starting a group of your own. Build your network with group members. Spend the necessary time to take full advantage of group membership. Remember, every time you create a new discussion topic in a group it shows up on the home page of every member of the group.
Be Active In LinkedIn Answers
Treat LinkedIn Answers just as you treat your membership in a group. Be active! Answer questions. Ask questions. Add value to the people who are reading what you write. Establish yourself as an expert in your field. Build credibility and grow your network.
LinkedIn is a great place to conduct business, connect with clients, cultivate prospects and build relationships with referral sources. LinkedIn is also a great place to drive qualified readers to your blog. If used correctly and consistently you will see traffic to your blog increase greatly. We've only touched on some of the ways to use LinkedIn to drive traffic to your blog. What other tips do you have?
