Are you looking for new ways to grow your business with LinkedIn?

Do you know the proper LinkedIn etiquette for growing a valuable network?

I started using LinkedIn back in 2005 during my first job out of college as a recruiter for the finance industry. The platform was an ideal tool that I used for prospecting top-notch candidates and C-level executives at client companies.

Things have certainly changed over the years. LinkedIn is not only used to find jobs and candidates, but it has evolved into the world’s largest social media marketing network for business professionals. LinkedIn is now the 12th most visited site in the world.

Savvy entrepreneurs and business owners are using LinkedIn to prospect, build valuable networks and generate sales. Today, LinkedIn is my number one social media platform for acquiring inbound and targeted leads for my social media marketing firm.

LinkedIn's Blair Decembrele shared in a post from earlier this year that"One-quarter of professionals globally have established a new business partnership through having a conversation on LinkedIn Messaging," "If you find someone you’re interested in working with, send them a message — they could wind up as your newest business partner."

I am still amazed at the number of entrepreneurs and small business owners who take LinkedIn for granted. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of LinkedIn’s potential to the success of their business. It is much more than just putting your profile out there for people to see. So here are 3 simplified tips on how you can optimize LinkedIn to generate more leads.

LINKEDIN LEADS TO BETTER SEO

Not only can LinkedIn help you prospect for new leads and referrals, but the platform is also a great component for Search Engine Optimization. Basically, if you have a LinkedIn profile linked to your website, it gives your site a better chance of appearing at the top of the Google search list when people are looking online for anything related to the services that you offer.

CREATE A STRONG AND ATTRACTIVE PROFILE

Consider your LinkedIn profile as an online business card. People want to do business with people they can trust, but it’s easier to make a great first impression when you meet face-to-face. So how can we make an impact online? First, make sure that your profile is 100% complete with all sections filled-in. Indicate all your experiences and specialties to establish confidence with your potential clients. Second, upload a professional profile picture. Your picture can either enhance or ruin your credibility from the get-go, so make sure that you choose a good headshot photo. And last but not least is your LinkedIn headline. The headline plays an important role in making sure that you will always appear on top Google search results. When people want to find a “Real Estate Agent”, you want to make sure your name will show up on the search list.

KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL

LinkedIn is not like your other social networking sites where you can post just anything under the sun. It’s not ideal to post a photo of your meal or your cute pet. Instead, post content that will add value to your company or personal brand. You can write about financial tips, home improvement ideas or share your success stories. You may also share links to blogs, videos or other articles that inform people about the latest market trends.

WIDEN YOUR NETWORK

LinkedIn allows you to connect with people. However, unlike other social media platforms, you can’t just randomly see a person’s profile if you don’t have at least a 3rd-degree connection. So start by connecting with people you personally know like old contacts, clients, friends, or colleagues. From there, you can connect with their connections to widen your network. You can also connect with people you haven’t personally met yet by utilizing the search feature. Search for people in your local area, other brokers, attorneys, basically anyone you want to connect with that will add value to your networking efforts. Just make sure that when you send a request, add a brief and personalized introduction to your invitation so that they will know how connecting with you will benefit their network.

There are also several LinkedIn Real Estate groups where you can give advice, share your opinion and answer questions. This is a good way to showcase your expertise in the industry.

These simple tips can definitely help you jumpstart your lead generation strategy as a Real Estate Professional. But, remember that gaining leads and nurturing them are two different things. Once you gain those contacts it’s important to make sure that you establish a good relationship with them and take your networking offline.