Many feel that Facebook and Twitter rule the internet universe.  However, there are many other tools which can help your business tremendously.  One of these networks is LinkedIn.  According to The Social Media Examiner, over the last few months, LinkedIn has made upgrades and undergone changes.

If you already have a profile created on the site, now is a good time to revisit and refresh your presence.  This is an important procedure to take because LinkedIn is the largest professional social network online today, with over 100 million professional users.

In addition, this platform allows business owners and professionals to have the opportunity to build relationships with potential customers, clients, partners, and peers.  Ultimately, it is a powerful audience that you can engage, interact with and influence.

The following are 5 simple steps you can take to make the most of your time and effort on LinkedIn:

#1: Complete your LinkedIn “profile box.”

Given the importance of first impressions, the information in your “profile box” should be complete, current, and optimized.  Here are some steps to complete your LinkedIn Profile:

Upload a professional image. This is your very best opportunity to make a great first impression and is essential to attracting connections.

Create a compelling headline. You only have 120 characters at the top of your profile to describe who you are, whom you serve and how you help.  Use brief, descriptive, compelling keywords so the right professionals on LinkedIn can discover you.

Include a link to your Twitter profile. Add your Twitter handle to your LinkedIn profile. Visitors to your profile can now follow you on Twitter directly from within your profile box!

#2: Use keywords within your profile summary section

The summary section on your LinkedIn profile is where you have the most flexibility to expand upon who you are, whom you serve, and how you help your clients.

Write the text in your summary section in the first person, as if you were talking directly to potential clients. Your summary section should include keywords that describe how you help your clients in language that resonates with them!

#3: Leverage your existing natural network

Your existing contacts—your “natural” network—can provide a rich online networking experience.  This foundation network is key to creating a powerful presence on LinkedIn.  You can find all of your connection opportunities by going to “Add Connections” in your navigation menu.

#4: Focus on timely and relevant status updates

LinkedIn is a professional business network.  Therefore, your status updates should add value to your target markets.  A best practice is to update your status two to three times daily. Also, spread out your updates rather than posting them all at once.

#5: Join and participate in groups

Make it a goal to review and participate in group discussions at least once per week. You can join up to 50 groups, but your time will be best spent focusing on three to five.  Also, join groups that are relevant to your business and target markets and think about groups where your target markets might be hanging out.  This way, you can find ways to be creatively visible and valuable to them with insights to share.

There are so many features and tools available with LinkedIn, which makes it extremely valuable to those in the business field.  As an insurance agency, it is always important to build connections and engage your audience.  By utilizing this network for your insurance social networking strategy, you will begin to see many opportunities arise as well as learn about your target markets!