LinkedIn’s Newest Feature and Why Your Business Needs It
As one of the boldest social media platforms of its time, LinkedIn has grown from a few professionals trying to stay connected to a global arena appealing to the business masses. CEOs, entrepreneurs, students, and marketers all find their home on this platform. All the more, the platform has transformed from purely professional networking into content-assisted networking. The newest move in this transformation comes from the addition of LinkedIn Stories.
LinkedIn Stories: Staying Engaged with Everything Virtual
Social media content creation and consumption is constantly shifting and it’s once again time to embrace a new frontier at LinkedIn. 2020 has seen the workplace culture further shift to the most authentic, personal brand we have ever seen. Those who want to further embrace this authenticity have the opportunity to do so with LinkedIn Stories. Showing your whole self to the world is the new normal.
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Not Another Instagram
It’s true that Instagram may have started the story trend but the feature is unique to every platform using it and LinkedIn is no different. The only thing similar to the popular Instagram feature is the format itself. We still have the 10-second video and photo clips and all stories disappearing after 24 hours. However, the mentality and vibe are completely unique to LinkedIn. This newest feature is just another way to connect and communicate on a professional level.
Your LinkedIn Story Mentality
Just like any other feature on social media, remember that your story content is all about the platform and its unique audience. LinkedIn is your online business card, portfolio, and resume. Everything we do on this platform is about building meaningful relationships with the professional community. Your LinkedIn Story makes that even easier. Your audience is looking for tips on everything business: travel efficiencies, marketing insights, new terminology or best practices in your industry. Most of all, this is a great opportunity to share yourself with the group and every type of business can benefit.
What are some new things you are learning? Some crazy work experiences? Exciting things you have accomplished? Let others into your everyday professional moments! Be helpful, professional, and authentic. This is a chance to really bring others into your professional world.
Five Insights to Get You Started
The story feature is all about you and whatever you want to highlight or share about yourself, your business, or your profession. It’s important to make it unique to your brand. However, here are five basic areas that you should definitely highlight for a great start to your story journey.
Educate Your Audience
This feature offers an excellent opportunity for “snackable” insights into your business. Showcase your in-house knowledge by giving resume advice, creative design pointers, and specific field dos and don’ts. Use the AMA (ask me anything) sticker option to gather customer insights, answer the most-asked questions, and build trust between you and customers or other professionals. If you are looking for a new way to showcase brand announcements or exciting product news, this format is the perfect opportunity.
2. Utilize the 24-Hour Lifespan
LinkedIn stories are ideal for less polished, off-the-cuff content from live events or fun office moments. Update your brand audience and create extra hype for events with quick “sneak peaks” with speakers, organizers, or behind-the-scene coworkers. Give shoutouts to those working with or around you. After months of working alone or in complicated situations, we are all craving a few accolades. Cheer others on, bring positivity, and the world will want to watch.
3. Inspire Your Community
Emotional storytelling is one of the best ways to bring people together and interest others in your brand. Tell a professional story and talk about the lesson you learned. Take this opportunity to build camaraderie with others around you who have experienced similar setbacks and achievements. What inspires you? With the workplace culture of today, it is essential to be vulnerable and authentic. LinkedIn’s story feature allows you to accomplish this in a professional way.
4. Highlight Personal Achievements
You have put in the hours, the sweat, the tears, the effort. Now it is time to let the world know and maybe encourage a few others along the way. Showcase any career updates in real time: accolades, promotions, awards, published articles, etc. Use a selfie video to show your enthusiasm and excitement and get others engaged in your world. Make the most of the wide range of fun filters, emojis, and music available on the feature to hype the moment. Just remember your strong call to action at the end to encourage viewers to learn more.
5. Go Behind the Scenes
Your loyal customers and fellow professionals invest in your products and services. They enjoy what you create and want to know more about you and your business. So take a moment and show a bit of your less curated side. Bring others into your workplace, talk about apps that boost your productivity, try a few “day in the life” videos, and introduce the people that make it all happen: family, friends, coworkers, and employees. Letting the world into your spaces is relatable and helps strengthen those necessary connections. Shed the worry that you may not be professional enough. Others need to see your human side. This is a business platform, but professional culture has shifted. Our LinkedIn community is focused on learning, engaging, and understanding how the changes around us affect our businesses and careers. Whatever you choose to share, capitalizing on this new channel and further engaging your audience is a great move for you and your business. Build your personal brand by showcasing your authentic, vulnerable self. This is a new workplace and LinkedIn is here to make it yours.
