Levelling Up on LinkedIn IN 2024

Algorithm Tweaks and Strategic Networking Tactics to Elevate Your Career

By Hatty Cadman

The events industry is full of stories of unconventional career paths and chance job opportunities, many of which have sprung from a strong network of fellow professionals. Whether you’re on the hunt for your first entry-level industry foothold or looking to advance a well-established career, the power of networking cannot be underestimated. With LinkedIn offering unprecedented access to industry-specific resources, there has never been a more accessible way to harness the potential of networking. As a professional in the events sector, understanding and leveraging the latest algorithm changes on LinkedIn will enable you to create eye-catching content, maintain engagement, cultivate a rich professional network, and supercharge your career. Here’s all the information you need to amass a thriving online empire in 2024.

Understanding Recent Algorithm Changes:

Improved Visibility:

The latest changes to the algorithm will mean that users are primarily shown content posted by their 1st connections. This means that your connections and followers are more likely to see your posts now than ever before, as their feeds will be less saturated with content from users they aren’t connected with. 

Post Categorisation:

LinkedIn segments posts into three categories: spam, low quality and high quality content. While high quality content gets a boost, spam may be filtered out of your connections’ feeds entirely. Use of more than five hashtags, lots of emojis or requests for engagement can all land your content in the dreaded spam section. The algorithm also prefers certain formats for content. Currently, this is long form text and short form video.

Rewarding Knowledge Sharing:

 One of the key goals of LinkedIn’s latest updates is to surface more content which shares quality information. This means that, in order to extend your reach beyond your 1st connections and followers, you need to be sharing knowledge, insights or advice. This will be shown to users with similar interests and skills. 

Frequency:

LinkedIn rewards quality over quantity. Whilst having a consistent track record is beneficial, the contents of your posts is of key importance. 

Engagement During Golden Hour: 

“Golden Hour” refers to the hour immediately after posting. This is the prime time to demonstrate the quality of your content and ride on that algorithmic slipstream. This also factors in a post's “dwell time,” measuring how long users spend on a piece of content. Understanding when your network is most active will enable you to post at optimal times and boost your engagement when it matters most. 

How to optimise Your LinkedIn Presence in 2024:

Build your Network:

Connections are essential if you are looking to tap into the power of LinkedIn. Not only does it signal to the algorithm that you are trusted by other professionals, but it enables you to get the most from the platform, with increased access to resources, opportunities and industry news. Now that LinkedIn is prioritising sharing content between 1st connections, the more people you connect with within your industry, the more eyes you are likely to get on your content. Continue to strategically build your network, connecting with relevant users, in order to reap the benefits of LinkedIn’s offering.

Create Meaningful Interactions:

Another main goal for LinkedIn’s new algorithm is to encourage meaningful interactions and connections between professionals. As a result, your content will benefit more from endorsements by other professionals in your field than a generic comment from a random person. Try asking questions, engaging in thoughtful exchanges, and tagging people in your posts. The more relevant the engagement, the more your content will be favoured. LinkedIn also tracks your user history, meaning you are more likely to see content from those you have previously interacted with. So, by engaging directly with senior professionals in your industry, you stand a better chance of them coming across your content in the future. 

Generate Quality Content:  

Unlike Instagram or Facebook, quantity is not the goal. Instead, focus on sharing high quality information or insights which are relevant to your network. This will help to further strengthen your connections, as you can facilitate meaningful conversations and demonstrate your knowledge. In order to ensure your post is treated as high quality by LinkedIn, ensure it is grammatically correct, uses minimal emojis and hashtags, and try to avoid outbound links. While frequency is not an essential factor, consistency is. Maintaining a regular posting schedule will position you as a trustworthy user, while keeping you on your network’s radar. 

Know Your Niche:

At its core, LinkedIn is looking to surface informative, relevant content for its users. Creating a thriving LinkedIn presence requires you to be clear about your areas of expertise and share your experiences. This doesn’t need to stop you sharing authentic opinions, but by having a clear idea of what insights you can bring to the platform, you can effectively streamline your content to ensure it is favourable. 

All The Usual Stuff:

It may sound juvenile, but ensuring your profile is complete, free of spelling errors and correctly formatted is just as important as carefully crafted content. Ensuring your profile appears comprehensive and thorough will help others perceive you as a trusted professional and reliable source of information. 

Benefits of Online Networking:

If you’re still in doubt as to whether curating a LinkedIn profile is an endeavour worth the sacrifice of your already limited time, then fear not. Let’s break down some of the key career benefits to giving your page a new lease of life…

Global Reach and Visibility:

Online networking platforms like LinkedIn break down geographical barriers, allowing professionals to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and peers from around the world. With 950 million users and counting, there’s no shortage of potential connections on the platform. This global reach enhances visibility and opens up opportunities that might not be available through traditional networking.

Knowledge Sharing and Learning:

LinkedIn is not just a platform for connecting; it's a treasure trove of industry insights, articles, and discussions.  Numerous webinars, workshops, and online courses are shared through these platforms, providing an opportunity for continuous learning and skill enhancement. Professionals can leverage this wealth of knowledge to stay updated on industry trends, while learning from experienced practitioners.

Access to Industry Leaders:

Online networking provides unprecedented access to influential figures in the events industry. Even if you’re not ready to boldly slide into the DMs of your career idol, being able to peruse their experience and career trajectory can offer valuable insights for professionals hoping to follow in their footsteps. Engaging with industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn can offer inspiration, mentorship opportunities, and even potential collaborations.

Job Opportunities: 

Roughly 72% of recruiters advertise through LinkedIn, with many positions now appearing exclusively on dedicated online platforms. By actively participating in industry-specific groups and connecting with relevant professionals, you increase your chances of discovering job possibilities that might not be widely circulated through traditional channels.

Conclusion:

For professionals in the events industry, online networking is a formidable tool that can pave the way for career success. Remember, LinkedIn is not just a platform; it is a gateway into a flourishing professional landscape. In an industry driven by genuine, meaningful connections, this is invaluable. By strategically harnessing the power of online networking, you can discover new opportunities and fortify your place in the vibrant community of events professionals. Go forth, connect, and thrive!