Public relations professionals are no strangers to social media channels. As strategic communicators, most PR practitioners frequently tweet, pin and post on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
LinkedIn appears to be one medium where PR pros could stand to be more active. Even within my own network full of marketing and social media experts, LinkedIn profiles become outdated or incomplete.
Professionals join LinkedIn at a rate of more than two members per second and the channel boasts more than 313 million users in more than 200 countries and territories. For PR pros, LinkedIn is clearly not an outlet to be missed.
Below are three tips for staying active on LinkedIn as a public relations professional:
1. Update your profile picture. This may sound elementary, but I’m constantly surprised at the quality of LinkedIn profile pictures across all industries. Remember, LinkedIn isn’t the place for your bathroom selfie or wedding photo. Keep this medium professional with a basic headshot (one that’s less than five years old!)
2. Join—and regularly post in—industry groups. LinkedIn Groups are perhaps the least utilized feature of this channel. Joining groups is a strategic way to learn from industry leaders and peers, as well as showcase your own expertise. Unsure where to start? As a PR pro, start with larger groups such as “Public Relations and Communications Professionals” and “Public Relations Professionals.”
3. Tweak profile content for better SEO results. Use keyword rich headlines and claim your custom LinkedIn URL. Having a profile that is easy to find is one way to gain more relevant connections and ultimately grow your network.
How do you participate on LinkedIn? Be sure to share with us on our company LinkedIn page or on Twitter via @ECPRaustin.
-Natalie Bidnick
Digital Strategist, Elizabeth Christian Public Relations
