- I've suggested using LinkedIn
as a valuable social media channel for a while.
Many people think it is only a source for resumes
and finding a job.
While LinkedIn does service this need,
for self-promotion, it has definite advantages
over other social media channels.
I rely on LinkedIn to reach a different audience
than my Facebook, Twitter, blog, or website.
According to the Pew Research Center,
LinkedIn usage is high among college educated
and high earners.
Those making more than $75,000 a year.
These are potential clients
and other influencers in the design field.
The people you want to connect with professionally.
LinkedIn also SKUs to higher usage
among 50 to 64 year olds
than 18 to 29 year olds.
Again, reaching someone more likely
to have the professional experience
to be running a company.
I break it down like this.
Facebook is the place to post casual
and interesting content.
Sometimes more personal in nature.
Twitter is for fast news
or a driver to your site or blog.
LinkedIn is the place that gives your brand and you
the gravity it needs to be taken seriously.
LinkedIn is a place to bring
all the elements of your brand together.
Your head shot, professional headline,
and experience all come together here.
This is also the place to publish posts
that reinforce your expertise in a specific area.
Post articles specific to a topic that you understand
and have a different viewpoint.
It doesn't need to be how to do brain surgery.
It can be about your ideas around identity design
or current events in the design world.
People want to hear your point of view.
A LinkedIn post will reach the right audience
for this information that gives you relevance.
A 1600 word and 60 frame presentation
on typographic standards today
tends to be overlooked on Facebook.
LinkedIn is also a good place
to drive traffic to your website and blog.
Post a short description and link
to a recent post on your blog
or a specific project on your website.
This is the information that relates
to you and your brand in a professional way.
The story on your blog
about something that influenced you in design
is a good post to promote here.
The blog post about your trip to Hawaii
is better left to Facebook.
Like all social networks,
you need to be involved with LinkedIn.
Make connections, accept invitations, join groups,
and create new ones.
Think of it as the big time grown up party
with potential clients and industry leaders
and behave accordingly.