LinkedIn is one of the largest social media platforms. But its reputation and reception have been mixed throughout its history.
Although it’s always had a large number of active members, many see it as lacking the same purpose, features, or benefits as other platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
LinkedIn has seen a recent revival in popularity. Its ability to connect law firms and other businesses to their colleagues, markets, and potential employees makes it a powerful tool for all industries.
Understanding LinkedIn and knowing how to use it can enhance the credibility, authority, and bottom line of your law firm.
The Unstoppable Growth of LinkedIn
LinkedIn saw an increase in visibility this year when Microsoft announced that it was buying the social media platform for a reported $26.2 billion.
This created some speculation about the future of LinkedIn and the ways in which Microsoft will incorporate the platform into its own products suite.
Also, Microsoft stated that LinkedIn would remain its own unique and independent brand, which also strengthens its position as one of the leading social media platforms for law firms and other businesses.
LinkedIn is used by more than 135 million people around the world. It focuses on connecting businesses to other businesses (B to B), but it still has tremendous value for law practices that want to reach new clients.
Many of today’s marketing teams now use LinkedIn as a way to generate leads and connect with their target audiences.
LinkedIn Tools for Law Firms
LinkedIn allows you to provide information related to your professional experience, credentials and education, recognition, and industry affiliations. There are a number of features that support these and the many other benefits the platform offers.
Status updates let you provide information about your practice or area of expertise. It allows you to curate content that potential clients and business partners may find useful.
LinkedIn has a publishing feature that makes it easy to write fresh and unique content. These blog posts are integrated into your profile so that visitors can see any information that you’ve published, which adds to your credibility.
Presentation slides can be uploaded to your profile as a way to provide additional content to visitors and display past workshops or webinars that you’ve provided to your audience.
Other LinkedIn users can provide recommendations for you. This builds credibility and helps in establishing lasting connections that can lead to future referrals or business ventures.
Building Your Network on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has a Groups feature that lets professionals connect and discuss a wide range of topics. More importantly, you can create a group of your own that highlights your knowledge on a specific area of practice.
The benefits of being a part of these groups only come as a direct result of active participation. So take the time to answer questions that people may have, and be sure to provide a few insights or questions of your own.
Your law firm can create its own company page on LinkedIn. This tool makes it easy to research other law practices or connect with industry organizations that can support your objectives.
Your company page can display a wide range of information related to your practice including contact information, location, website URL, and social media profiles. Photos, videos, and other media can be incorporated into your company page as well.
The resurgence of LinkedIn as one of the largest and most effective social media platforms has further fueled its growth.
More lawyers and business professionals are turning to LinkedIn as a way to build their practices and provide greater value to their current and future clients.
If you’re not sure if LinkedIn is right for your law firm, let us know what questions you have in the comments below. Understanding LinkedIn and how it can support your objectives makes it easy to leverage its power and take your practice to the next level of success.
