For many local businesspeople LinkedIn can often be something you set up, gain a few connections but never really use to its fullest potential. For these people you may well be missing a trick, as when used properly (and particularly if you sell to other businesses) it can boost those all important revenue figures.

As the third most popular social network, LinkedIn is filled with thousands of potential customers and business connections. It was launched in 2003 and has been picking up speed ever since. There are now over 433 million users across the world (at all levels of business), and that number is only expected to increase.

So, what should you do to make the most of this online networking site?

1. Customise your URL

As standard, LinkedIn assigns your profile page a URL. This is usually a bunch of random numbers and letters – not the most appealing or memorable thing (particularly if you’re wanting to share it).

You do, however, have the option to edit and customise your URL. I’m not talking funny nicknames or ‘DevonGirl1’; use your name.

To do this simply go on your profile and hover over the URL beneath your profile picture. A small cog icon will appear; we’re going to want to click on this icon.

On the next screen, to the right of the page, you will see an area where you can enter a new URL. Once you’ve done this press ‘save’.

First job done!

2. Show off your work

LinkedIn is not the place to be quiet about what you do (so if you’re bashful you’re going to need to come out of your shell a little!). Share your work through images, updates, articles, documents, videos and presentations. There is so much you can do!

Whether your restaurant has received an exciting award, or your electrical company has gained a glowing review let people know. This can easily be done through a status update in exactly the same way you would on Facebook, or you can do something a little fuller by ‘publishing a post’, which each of your connections getting a notification when it’s been added.

3. Have a good profile image

Most of the time LinkedIn users will not take you seriously if you don’t have a profile picture. This is also the same if you’ve chosen a photo of you on a night out, or a selfie in your bathroom (not a good look in any context!).

A professional photo is the best option. Hiring a photographer for half a day to take some great shots of your team will not only provide you all with top LinkedIn images, but also pictures that you can use in the future.

4. Company page

If your business doesn’t have a company page, why not? A LinkedIn page for your business will show your company as professional and relevant. You will also then be able to link your profile to your company page. All your connections will then have your business right in front of them. If that’s not enough benefit, it’s also a useful link for your website and well aid your rankings on Google.

5. Engage!

LinkedIn provides us with so many ways to engage with other users. Notifications of new jobs, promotions, and posts makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your connections through a simple ‘like’ or message. You can also endorse people’s skills, and in return they will usually endorse you too!

Building strong connections, and maintaining them on LinkedIn can really help your Devon or Cornwall business. Networking is vital to South West businesses, and when we’re based in fairly large counties it can be hard to stay in touch with everyone. A great LinkedIn profile won’t just do this though, it will also support the professionalism and reputation of you and your business.