LinkedIn is the world’s largest social networking platform for professionals across different countries. With over 1 billion users from 316 different industries, LinkedIn is a haven for job seekers, industry experts, and professionals who want to grow their networks and advance their careers.
The growth of LinkedIn’s user base has captured the attention of both multi-billion dollar companies and startups, utilizing this platform to connect with the right audience. Over 70% of marketers state that LinkedIn is the ideal platform for their business marketing needs in 2024.
- Why is LinkedIn Different from Other Social Media Platforms?
- LinkedIn’s History – Complete Breakdown
- What is LinkedIn Used For in 2024?
- What is an Impression on LinkedIn?
- What is My LinkedIn URL?
- What is LinkedIn Inmail and How to Use It?
- What is LinkedIn Premium?
- What is LinkedIn Learning?
- FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About LinkedIn in 2024
Why is LinkedIn Different from Other Social Media Platforms?
The major difference between LinkedIn and similar platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X is user intent. LinkedIn is primarily built for students and professionals who want to advance in their careers.
Most active users on LinkedIn are actively looking for opportunities to learn new skills, find new opportunities, and expand their networks with the right people.
In contrast, users on Facebook and Instagram primarily share entertaining and personal content, while X is specialized for microblogging and sharing perspectives.
The quantity of fake accounts on LinkedIn is far less compared to other social media platforms. They employ strict security measures to restrict fake sign-ups, resulting in a safe haven for other users, which is one of my favorite aspects of this platform.
Apart from that, LinkedIn offers similar features to other social media platforms. You can post, engage with others’ posts, message your connections, connect with new users, and much more.
It also serves as the world’s largest recruitment platform, competing toe-to-toe with Indeed and Glassdoor.
LinkedIn users can optimize their profiles to increase visibility by following these 25 steps of optimization
LinkedIn’s History – Complete Breakdown
LinkedIn’s story began in December 2002, founded by Reid Hoffman and a team of tech veterans. Initially launched in 2003, it aimed to disrupt the traditional networking landscape by offering a digital platform for professionals to connect.
Initial growth was slow, as the concept of online professional networking was new.
In 2005, LinkedIn introduced key features like company pages, groups, and InMail (initially free). These features allowed users to connect with companies, participate in industry discussions, and reach out directly (limited messages).
These advanced features captured the attention of businesses worldwide and helped monetize the platform with subscriptions.
It was not until 2007 that LinkedIn witnessed its first month of profitability after five long years. Keeping up with current trends, LinkedIn introduced its mobile app amidst the booming mobile era in 2008.
It was a huge success, and LinkedIn began to transform into a dynamic platform by introducing articles, industry insights, and many more features.
In 2016, Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for a staggering $26.2 billion, recognizing the potential of the professional networking platform. Since its acquisition, Microsoft has integrated its own tools such as Office 365 and consolidated Lynda into LinkedIn Learning.
As of 2024, LinkedIn has evolved into a one-stop platform for professional networking, job seeking, recruitment, gathering industry insights, B2B and B2C marketing, and business branding.
What is LinkedIn Used For in 2024?
There’s no one answer for this. Let’s explore multiple practical benefits of using LinkedIn in 2024:
Professional Networking
Connecting with the right people in your industry can expose you to a whole new level of opportunities. From advancing your career to acquiring new clients for your business, an array of possibilities is waiting to be unlocked.
A rule of thumb to increase connection request acceptance rates is to create a customized note. You can utilize a free LinkedIn Connection Request Generator to make sure your requests are accepted.
Job Seeking
Over 67 million companies have listed jobs on LinkedIn to find candidates who meet their requirements. LinkedIn allows its users to apply for these jobs free of charge. You can upload your resume and apply instantly to any job with the LinkedIn Easy Apply feature. There is currently no limit to the number of jobs you can apply for in a day. So, why not optimize your LinkedIn profile and impress your recruiter right away?
B2B Marketing and Lead Generation
With tools like Sales Navigator, you can generate leads for your B2B marketing efforts. Acquiring a handful of the same leads from other means would cost thousands of dollars.
Although you can export the leads in bulk directly from Sales Navigator, you can use tools like Dripify or Evaboot to integrate with other platforms and automate your outreach process. You can learn more about LinkedIn Marketing in 2024.
Career Advancement
LinkedIn offers all the means necessary to advance in your career. It provides a robust learning platform, LinkedIn Learning, with over 21,000+ on-demand videos developed by industry experts. You can apply for better jobs or network with founders to gain C-suite positions in their businesses.
What is an Impression on LinkedIn?
If you have turned on your LinkedIn creator mode, you can see the number of impressions your post received in real time. Impressions represent the number of times your post is featured on someone’s LinkedIn feed.
In a way, it can be considered the number of times someone viewed your single image post. However, an impression doesn’t necessarily mean someone engaged with your post or viewed it completely.
Where Can I Find Impressions for My Post?
You can find the impressions your post received by following these steps:
1. Go to the post you want to see the impressions for.
2. At the bottom of the post, you can view the number of impressions.
3. Click on “View analytics” to gain more insights on KPIs for that post.
What is My LinkedIn URL?
You can find your LinkedIn URL by clicking on the “View Profile” option at the top right. It will take you to your profile, where you can copy your LinkedIn URL.
How to Edit My LinkedIn URL?
Your current LinkedIn URL might look like this – linkedin.com/first_name-last_name-390285060u
The default URL is annoyingly long to share with anyone and reduces the visibility of your name. It may sometimes be perceived as spammy by the receivers. You can edit your LinkedIn URL in 2024 by:
1. Go to your profile by clicking “View Profile.”
2. Click the “Edit” option of your Public Profile and URL at the top right side.
3. Click on “Edit Your Custom URL” at the top right side of the screen.
4. Enter the alternate URL. Keep it short with your names only.
5. You can also add any relevant keywords if you would like, but having just your name as the suffix of the URL is advised.
What is LinkedIn Inmail and How to Use It?
LinkedIn InMail is a special messaging feature that allows you to send messages directly to other users, even if you aren’t connected with them. This enables you to reach out to recruiters, business decision-makers, and high-value users without needing a direct connection.
InMails are bonus features given to LinkedIn Premium users. With Sales Navigator, you receive 150 InMail credits per month. You can learn more about other LinkedIn Premium subscriptions and their InMail quotas.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a subscription service offered by LinkedIn that unlocks additional features and benefits beyond what’s available with a free account. Here’s a breakdown of what LinkedIn Premium offers:
Enhanced Profile Visibility:
- See Who Viewed Your Profile: This allows you to see a list of people who have viewed your profile in the past 90 days (with limitations depending on your Premium tier). This can be helpful for understanding who’s interested in your skills and experience.
- Appear Higher in Search Results: Premium users generally get more visibility in search results, potentially making them more discoverable by recruiters and potential employers.
Advanced Networking Features:
- Sending InMail Messages: The free account limits you to connecting with people you know. With Premium, you can send direct messages (InMails) to anyone on LinkedIn, even if they’re not in your network. This is valuable for reaching out to recruiters, potential employers, or industry leaders. (Number of InMails varies depending on the tier)
- Learning LinkedIn Learning Courses: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers a vast library of online courses on various professional development topics. Premium users typically get access to a selection of these courses for free.
What is LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is a comprehensive online learning platform acquired by LinkedIn in 2016. It offers a vast library of video courses on a wide range of professional development topics. Here’s a closer look at what LinkedIn Learning provides:
Course Variety:
LinkedIn Learning boasts a rich library with thousands of courses covering various professional fields, including:
- Business: Courses on management, marketing, finance, communication, project management, and more.
- Technology: Learn about programming languages, software development, web design, data analysis, cybersecurity, and many other tech-related topics.
- Creative: Develop skills in graphic design, animation, photography, video editing, 3D modeling, and more.
Learning Format:
The platform primarily uses video-based learning, offering high-quality, engaging content from industry experts. Courses are typically broken down into bite-sized modules, making it easy to learn at your own pace, even with a busy schedule.
Benefits of Using LinkedIn Learning:
Benefits of Using LinkedIn Learning:
- Develop in-demand skills: Stay ahead of the curve by learning new skills relevant to your industry.
- Advance your career: Enhance your professional profile and potentially increase your job prospects.
- Learn at your own pace: Flexible learning format allows you to fit learning into your busy schedule.
- Expert-led instruction: Gain knowledge from industry professionals and instructors.
- Credibility and Recognition: Showcase your completed courses and certificates on your LinkedIn profile.
Whether you’re looking to upskill for a new career path, refresh your knowledge in your current field, or simply pursue personal development, LinkedIn Learning offers a valuable resource for continuous learning and professional growth.
Bonus Tip: LinkedIn Learning is free for all LinkedIn Premium users.
Did you know that 82% of B2B marketers on LinkedIn achieve success through the platform? You can generate more leads, close more sales, and significantly increase your revenue. Book a call with me, and let me help you with LinkedIn marketing.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About LinkedIn in 2024
What is LinkedIn used for?
LinkedIn is primarily used for professional networking, job searching, and career development. It allows users to connect with colleagues, industry experts, and potential employers, share and discover professional content, and showcase their skills and experiences. Businesses also use LinkedIn for B2B marketing, lead generation, and recruiting talent.
What is the full meaning of LinkedIn?
The full meaning of LinkedIn is derived from its purpose: “Linked In” refers to being connected or “linked” with other professionals in your industry or network. It emphasizes building professional relationships and connections.
What is LinkedIn for beginners?
For beginners, LinkedIn is a social networking platform focused on professional networking and career development. New users can create a profile highlighting their work experience, education, skills, and achievements. They can connect with colleagues, join industry groups, follow companies, and search for jobs. LinkedIn also offers resources for learning and career advancement, such as LinkedIn Learning.
Why is LinkedIn so famous?
LinkedIn is famous because it is the largest professional networking platform globally, with over 900 million users. It provides a unique space for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and advance their careers. Its effectiveness in job searching, recruiting, and B2B marketing, along with features like LinkedIn Learning and the ability to publish content, has made it an essential tool for professionals and businesses alike.
What are the top 5 types of LinkedIn users?
- Job Seekers: Individuals looking for new job opportunities and career advancement.
- Recruiters: Professionals searching for potential candidates to fill job openings.
- Sales Professionals: Users who leverage LinkedIn for lead generation and B2B sales.
- Industry Experts and Influencers: Professionals who share knowledge, insights, and content to build their personal brand.
- Businesses and Companies: Organizations using LinkedIn for branding, marketing, and recruiting.
Who is the owner of LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in 2016 for $26.2 billion.
Does LinkedIn pay for views?
No, LinkedIn does not pay users for views on their posts or content. While LinkedIn can help users increase their visibility and professional opportunities, it does not offer direct monetary compensation based on the number of views. However, increased visibility can lead to job offers, business opportunities, and other professional benefits.
With a passion for SEO, digital branding, and social media marketing (SMM), this expert brings extensive experience in driving online visibility and engagement.
As the founder and CEO of Rank Brand Social, they leverage expertise in SEO strategies and digital branding to help businesses achieve their marketing goals effectively.
With a proven track record of success, they are dedicated to delivering impactful solutions that elevate brands and drive measurable results in the competitive digital landscape.
Connect With Me on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezekiah-livingston/
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