8 simple ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile

This is part of the series the 31 Day Challenge To Optimize Your Blog With Social Media.

LinkedIn presents a wealth of untapped potential for non-profits. It’s the most respected professional social networking site, with more than 55 millions professionals from 200 countries. LinkedIn‘s tagline says it all: “Relationships Matter.”

Here are a few more tips on using LinkedIn to promote your blog.

Titles are everything

The short title of your LinkedIn profile is the first thing that gets seen in searches. Make it interesting.

List prior lives

If your profile only lists your current position, you’re limiting the power of LinkedIn.

When you include past employers in your profile, LinkedIn automatically alerts you of past colleagues. Including your complete professional history will help you build a network of those prior connections.

LinkedIn email signature

An embedded email signature is an easy way to promote your skills and experience (and your blog) in the course of doing business.

Improve your Google rankings

Because LinkedIn profiles rank very high on Google, exposure for your blog goes along for the ride. However, to maximize this potential, select “Full View” in your profile settings. Also, customize your public profile’s URL to be your actual name – then put this link on your website and use this link when you comment on blogs.

Edit “My Website”

LinkedIn profiles allow you to list blogs or websites. Edit the “My Website” section and include your non-profit (multiple websites can be listed so make sure your board members list yours). In addition to your url, edit the text to include keywords for your organization. Again, this will help SEO.

Import your blog

LinkedIn has several applications, including a WordPress blog import. This allows you to feature your most recent blog posts on your LinkedIn profile.

Tweet your status

You can also post your tweets to your LinkedIn status. But be careful with this one – especially if you’re on Twitter a lot. Select the option that allows you to pick which tweets you wanted copied over to LinkedIn.

What cool thing have you done with LinkedIn?John Haydon delivers social web strategy solutions for “the quick, the smart, and the slightly manic.” Curious? Then visit the John Haydon blog, follow him on Twitter or leave a comment.