We all know that LinkedIn isn’t Facebook or Instagram, and that the casual updates which suit the other platforms won’t work here. Recognising this, it can be hard to work out exactly how to engage on this professional platform. Stumped for what to say and nervous of making a faux pas, many prefer to remain quiet on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and updating your status is key to maintaining a professional presence. If there’s tumbleweed blowing through your part of the newsfeed, your contacts may assume you’ve fallen off the radar or, worse still, they may even have forgotten about you. This is a situation you need to address. Here are 11 LinkedIn status update ideas to help you grow your visibility and credibility on LinkedIn:
#1 Share current and emerging industry trends
Demonstrate that your finger is firmly on the pulse by sharing helpful industry insights and emerging trends. This kind of status update can be based on sharing a blog, news article, infographic, video, or SlideShare presentation. Setting up Google Alerts is one way to keep abreast of your evolving industry, with relevant news sent direct to your inbox. The Daily Infographic is another good source for visual content.
#2 Upload a photo of your workplace, your products, or yourself in action
People love to see behind the scenes, so why not upload a photo of you at work, the current view from your desk or location, your team, workspace, or products? A visual insight can bookmark your skills and expertise in the viewer’s memory. Although you may have seen these things a thousand times or more, what’s old news to you will be fresh and interesting to your network.
#3 Talk about a time-saving or effort-saving tool or resource
Busy folk love a shortcut, so if you are already using a tool or resource that saves you time, effort, or money; share it. If your connections can reap the benefits, they will remember your valuable insight and support.
#4 Give a shout out to one of your connections
Whether you wish to congratulate a peer on a job well done, highlight a great achievement, or simply say ‘thank you’, this kind of status update will define you as someone who recognises, values, and champions good work.
#5 Reflect on times gone by
If you’ve reached a career milestone, you could reflect on what’s happened since the last anniversary, or take a trip down memory lane to revisit times gone by. A little nostalgia can draw in the most aloof of your contacts.
#6 Use a teaser
Do you have any projects in development which you intend to share once complete? Why not use a teaser to pre-empt interest? If you are writing a book, share a progress status. If you are looking forward to a team building event or conference, say so.
#7 Share a blog post
If you write a blog or produce a video blog or podcast, share a link to your content. Better still, why not use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to position yourself as an expert in your field? Also, consider sharing valuable content produced by others, assuming it’s relevant, adding your own insight or take-away.
#8 Recommend a business or self-improvement book
If you’ve read something life-changing or skill-enhancing, you could recommend it to your network. Someone, somewhere may be looking for new reading material.
#9 Précis insights from an industry event
Sharing silver bullets from a conference workshop or keynote speech can be of great interest and benefit to your network. You could even mention and tag the speaker or trainer by typing @ then the individual’s name in your status update.
#10 Outline what’s new for your company
What’s happening within? Have you got a new team member? New services? New clients? Is your company currently recruiting, or has it been nominated for an award? Have your colleagues played an active role in supporting a local cause? Have your team received positive press coverage? As long as you are sanctioned to share this information and it’s not confidential, go ahead and share.
#11 Predict the future
Anticipate and share emerging trends for your industry over the next 12 months. You may be right, you may be wrong; the point is that you are thinking about it and are willing to share an opinion, conveying true interest in your field.
I hope these 11 content concepts have sparked some ideas and encouraged you to update your LinkedIn status today. Aim to adopt a regular habit of posting, at least once a week if you are a passive candidate and more often as an active jobseeker.
Lis McGuire
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