Ever since LinkedIn first introduced its publishing platform over two years ago, LinkedIn Pulse has been gaining in popularity.
In March 2014, the professional social network had 277 million users. In April 2016, they have reported 433 million users. And, the announcement of a Microsoft merger is set to give LinkedIn users even a better platform for professionals.
But, not all 433 million users are making the most out of LinkedIn Pulse. In spite the potential to reach thousands of readers, many are taking this opportunity for granted.
Blake Morgan, Author/Speaker/Adviser, was an early adopter of LinkedIn Pulse, having started in March 2014. When asked why she decided to publish on the platform, she says: “LinkedIn posts can reach people you might not engage on other networks. I like to post my content to a variety of channels to ensure it reaches as many readers as possible.”
After publishing on LinkedIn for well over two years, Blake is seeing the benefits. “You’re reaching people in your professional network (literally) who are more likely to share and comment on the articles than in other places. Another bonus of LinkedIn is people don’t have to sign in a second time to post on the content, they’re already signed in. LinkedIn offers an active and engaged global network. While you might get a ton of readers, the readers you do get are generally valuable because they engage with the content.”
Elena Di Fiore, Director of HR Management Consulting, is another one of those who’s seeing the benefits of writing on LinkedIn. “A distinct advantage is that the published post will reach a wider audience using the Published Posts function given the content sits in Pulse for the world to see. I feel that Status Updates are limiting as a short burst of information and can get lost amongst maths problems and inspiring quotes.”
Another LinkedIn Pulse pro is Erica Stacey, Owner and Digital Marker at Scout Digital Marketing. When asked about the advantages of being on this platform, she says: “The two main advantages to publishing on LinkedIn are: 1) The notification that my connections receive that I have published a new post (which encourages them to read it), and 2) The ability to access a new network of readers, through the viral notifications about my posts in the feed, and other LinkedIn users browsing topics via tags etc. The format also easily encourages feedback in the way of comments, likes and shares which is an advantage, both for wider reach, and understanding what resonates with my readers and why.”
If you’re keen to give LinkedIn Pulse a go, these experts share their top three tips –
Elena says:
Erica says…
Blake says…
If you’re ready to start publishing on LinkedIn, here are some helpful resources –
“I’ve always thought of LinkedIn as the office, Facebook the pub and Twitter as the watercooler. Use each platform with purpose, and you might be surprised who’s attention you’ll grab.” – Elena Di Fiore
“I used to think that publishing Posts in the morning generated the best reach, as it gave most of the working day for people to read (and I used to find that LinkedIn received most of its activity during the working day) but I’m finding these days that people are using LinkedIn throughout the day (and night) so timing doesn’t appear to be as much of a factor (for me now, anyway). Use good quality header images, that you are allowed to use, and credit the creator if they are not your own. Respond to people’s comments and shares. Browse Pulse to read and respond to other people’s posts.” – Erica Stacey
“Don’t add people on LinkedIn without having a reason to, such as you met them or you have a shared connection. If you don’t know them write them a personal note about why you’d like to add them. Another good rule of thumb is to not add someone on LinkedIn and pitch them immediately. Lastly, don’t auto-add the emails of your LinkedIn contacts. I can assure you if you do this to build your list none of these people will ever help you in any way or support anything you do. Otherwise remember to have fun—LinkedIn is a great opportunity to build your network.” – Blake Morgan
Do share your top tips and your profile below. We’d love to hear from you!
Shai Coggins is the Manager and Chief Digital Media Specialist at Vervely, an Australia-based agency serving local and international clients. One of the company's main clients is Microsoft. Shai has been featured in a number of media due to her online work, including being named as one of Fast Company's "Most Influential Women in Technology" list (2009).