LinkedIn doesn’t get enough credit compared to more trendy social media sites like Twitter. Most people tend to ignore it, very rarely logging in, updating statuses, accepting connections, and replying to messages. But if you Google your name right now, more than likely your LinkedIn profile page will appear at the top of the search results.
That’s prime real-estate for you and your business.
But how can you make LinkedIn work for you and help you get more speaking engagements? Here are 5 ways to get more speaking engagement opportunities from LinkedIn.
1. Make sure that your headline and profile mention that you are a speaker
LinkedIn gives you 120 characters to let people know what you do.
It’s basically like your name tag on LinkedIn. You know, the stick-on ones you get a really cheesy networking events that say “My Name Is…”? But what you probably didn’t know is that your headline is the preview that shows up in the search results when someone searches your name. Don’t try to be too creative and unique with this space. Use it to clearly state exactly what it is that you do. Instead of “International Magnate, Expressionist, and Destiny Coach” ( I made these up but I see stuff like this all the time) you need to lead with a phrase that people are actually searching for.
Your headline should contain words that people would actually search for in Google (or search on LinkedIn). In order to select the appropriate keywords, you need to understand your avatar, and what terms they search for online. In other words, who are you targeting and if they were looking for a solution like the one you provide, what would they search for? If you are a plumber, this is easy, your keywords would be around typical plumbing problems. If you are looking to get speaking engagements, use words like “speaker”, “keynote speaker”, “dynamic speaker”,and “workshop facilitator”. And be sure to include your topics of expertise like “business” to “business marketing speaker” or “cyber crimes speaker”. Whatever your speciality, people should be able to tell by reading your LinkedIn headline.
2. Use a creative header image
LinkedIn has added new features allowing users to use more visuals, like a header image. Use this space wisely. Maybe you could add an image of you actually speaking at an event if you are trying to book more engagements. The recommended dimensions for your LinkedIn header is 1400×425. You can also be creative and come up with another eye-catching image to use as your header image, but make sure it’s professional, appropriate, and in line with your goals for LinkedIn.
3. Add some of your speaking presentations to your profile
You can upload presentations, PDFs and videos to your profile. Use them to show potential clients that you can deliver. You can also share video clips, photos and exclusive content from your previous speaking engagements. Use LinkedIn’s “Professional Portfolio” to add these items to your profile. They’ll show up in your “Experience” section.
4. Get testimonials from former clients
Ask meeting planners, event organizers, and audience members to give you testimonials and even recommend you for your service on LinkedIn. The best proof that you’re a good speaker is a strong recommendation or referral from someone who’s already hired you to speak at their event, or attended one of your talks.
5. Share highly beneficial and relevant content in LinkedIn Groups
There is a group for basically every single niche on LinkedIn, and if it doesn’t exist yet, even better, create it and invite all of your connections to join in the conversation. You will set yourself apart as an industry leader and expert if you offer extremely beneficial content in these groups. Stay away from groups for “speakers” as they tend to be a little oversaturated. Instead, target groups where your actual target audience would hang out. Helping people that are a lot like your target market will help you cater your content, develop better programs and over time, book more engagements.
This week, pick at least two of these tips and try them out on LinkedIn. If you haven’t been to LinkedIn in ages and are not really sure how to use it, you can download our free complete guide to getting started on Linked In. It will help you create a well-developed profile and develop a growth strategy for LinkedIn. With a great LinkedIn profile, it will be easy to implement these tips and strategies to book more speaking engagements from LinkedIn.
