LinkedIn Answers is a feature where members can ask questions, answers questions posted by other members, or simply browse through all the queries and solutions already posted on the site. It’s actually one of the more popular features of LinkedIn and is very similar to Yahoo! Answers.
If you are knowledgeable about a certain topic or industry, you can make use of the feature to build credibility not only for yourself but for your business as well.
All you have to do is dive in and start answering questions that you have answers for. Be careful though as there are certain rules and regulations that you need to follow. Read these guidelines very carefully before you start typing away. A lot of users get banned from the site for not abiding by the rules. You don’t want this to happen to you so read the rules.
Here are a few practical strategies on how you can get the most out of LinkedIn Answers:
1. Focus on topics related to your industry or niche. You are building credibility for yourself and your business, remember? So if you want to increase your credibility as an internet marketer, then you must focus on topics that are related to internet marketing like blogging, affiliate marketing, social media marketing, article marketing, search engine optimization, etc.
The same applies to whatever niche or industry you belong to. As always, you can find your topics of interest by using LinkedIn’s search functions. You can just go to the LinkedIn Answers page and start from there. Browse through the available categories and see where your topic of interest falls.
2. If you are using a feed reader, try to set up RSS feeds for the categories on LinkedIn Answers that you want to follow. Add these RSS feeds to your reader so that you get updated whenever there are new questions in the categories you selected. This gives you the chance of answering the questions first. Let’s face it, the first few answers to the questions are the ones that get the most attention and exposure. If you do this regularly, it’s not that hard to boost your credibility on the site. People will be constantly seeing you posting helpful answers. This builds recognition and influence.
3. Don’t just answer questions. Try posting your own questions as well. Make sure though that the questions you ask aren’t queries that you answered before. Ask questions that you genuinely want to be answered. This is also a great way to find people who are interested in your topics. Those people who answer your questions are likely to be as passionate as you are about certain topics.
4. Follow up your answers to questions. There are instances wherein after you answer a question, the one who posted it will have a follow-up question. This is why you need to monitor your previous answers so that you can elaborate when the need arises.
If you do it right, the simple act of answering questions on LinkedIn Answers can significantly boost your credibility on the site.
In the next article we’ll be talking about using LinkedIn company pages for promoting your business.
Article # 1: How To Set Up A Good LinkedIn Profile For Your Business
Article # 2: How To Make Start Making Connections Via LinkedIn’s Groups And Events Features