LinkedIn can be a great platform for small business owners – if used correctly. Unlike other social platforms, the business-oriented aspect of LinkedIn makes it a preferred solution for like-minded professionals looking to grow their business. Here are 5 LinkedIn best practices for small business professionals.

1. Keep Your Profile Updated.

It all starts with your profile. As you interact with others on LinkedIn and expand your network, your profile is your starting point. Be sure to keep it up to date. This includes your current work history, professional photo, certifications, etc. Fill out as much information as you can and use engaging, yet professional, language throughout.

2. Post Often.

With any social media platform, the newsfeed is the center of activity. In order to remain on the radar of people in your network, you must post status updates. Remember that people only see the most recent content when they log in, so it’s important to post often. Ideally, you should post once a day and at different times throughout the day. You can share personal updates, industry news, helpful resources, and the like. Think about what types of information your network might benefit from or be interested in. Posting content is one of the most important LinkedIn best practices for small business professionals.

3. Include Images.

When posting or sharing any content on LinkedIn, be sure to include a photo. If you are sharing an article, LinkedIn will typically grab an image from that article. You can also upload your own image if you prefer. Images are more likely to catch people’s attention as they scroll through the newsfeed than text alone. An image with informational text overlaid on top is even better!

4. Engage with Others.

The benefit of social media comes from engagement. Clicking like, comment, and/or share is a great way to connect with others. Users will receive a notification about your activity and can respond. Not only will you appear on people’s radar by engaging with them on LinkedIn, but it can also open the door for other communications. Those same folks may start to like, comment, and share things that you post as well.

5. Expand Your Network.

LinkedIn is about connections, so the more people you are connected to, the better. You’ll see their posts and they’ll see yours. Anytime you meet someone new, such as at a local event, meeting, party, or conference, make a point to connect with them on LinkedIn. Your network will continually grow over time. Just be sure to keep your connections to people you know or have a business relationship with. Be wary of approving random requests as those individuals may have less interest in connecting with you and more interest in gaining access to your connections.

With the right strategy for sharing information and communicating with others, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for advancing your small business. Remember that it’s your network and you can be selective about who you allow into it. Post interesting, entertaining, and helpful content (and always include a photo) and you’ll connect and reconnect with your network on a regular basis. We hope you find these LinkedIn best practices for small business professionals helpful and that you follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media platforms for even more useful tips.