4 Tips for Online Networking Success

This post was most recently updated on July 30, 2020

Building relationships online has never been easier with the help of social media, but turning those online connections into real life connections can be much more difficult than clicking a button. With these 4 tips to help you network online successfully, you’ll be able to manage those connections to unlock your next door to success.

Choosing The Right Platform 

Social networking can help you come face to face with those who can help your educational career, your professional career, or even your personal life. Here’s how to turn your social networking sites into the business cards you need to open your next door to success. 

Not all social networking sites are created equal. Social media can be a great place to establish digital relationships, but choosing the right platform takes some thought and consideration.

Varying social networks can be used strategically depending on what type of brand or business you are trying to establish and connect with others.

Best Social Media Sites for Social Networking

LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a great place for those looking to advance in their professional career. With over 61 million users who have senior positions, LinkedIn is a promising place to connect with someone who has the ability to hire, recommend, or invest in you or your business. 

By utilizing your profile like an online resume filled with your best work and experience, you’re able to let your work do the talking for you. LinkedIn is best suited for those looking to connect with others who could positively influence their professional career. 

One of LinkedIn’s most valuable features is that it allows you to view possible connections you might have with others based on similar educational institutes or involvement in organizations. This allows you to find connections you already have and use them to your advantage.

For example, if you are looking to apply for a job at Google headquarters and see that your old classmate from college already works there, you’re able to utilize that knowledge and connect directly based on it. LinkedIn allows you to open the door to the right people. 

Instagram 

Instagram is a fantastic platform for small businesses and freelancers. The creative nature of the platform is based on visuals, both images and videos. This allows small businesses and entrepreneurs to really fine-tune their brand and share it with their target audience. 

By utilizing hashtags and geographical locations, you’re able to connect with others based on interests and location – both perfect for finding the right people who might want to learn more about your products or services. Over 60% of users log into Instagram daily, making Instagram the second most engaging social network following Facebook.

Not only is Instagram great for brand awareness, it’s also a helpful tool to help you connect with like-minded businesses, brands or other creatives to help form partnerships. Connecting with others of similar interests helps build the validity of your brand, and can be a source of inspiration and support. 

Facebook 

Although more catered towards a social platform instead of professional, Facebook can still be very useful for businesses and brands. Facebook is a very user-friendly platform designed to help form connections online with ease. 

It’s also designed to be a very engaging platform, allowing users to “react” to posts however they see fit. People love to be heard, and Facebook is a great place to get users engaged in your content. 

By utilizing the engaging features Facebook has to offer, brands and businesses can easily get users involved in spreading awareness of their brand with every like, comment and share. 

How to Network Effectively Online 

Now that you know which platforms are best from online networking, make sure your profile is ready to stand out and make a great first impression. 

Write Engaging Information About Yourself

Make sure your online profile is filled out with as much information as possible. Keep the information engaging, insightful and interesting while developing the uniqueness of your brand. 

Add Your Contact Information

Try adding contact information if you are looking to get more direct connections. This could be by adding a website link or your email information. It’s important to respond in a timely manner to any new connections. 

Remove Any Negative Content from Your Profiles

Make sure every piece of content on your profile reflects a positive online personal reputation for you and your brand. Remove any images, comments, posts, links etc. that might not accurately reflect the professionalism you’re trying to convey. 

Manage Your Followers

Only follow and accept accounts you are genuinely interested in creating connections with. Users can also see who follows you, so it’s in your best interest to be conscious of what types of accounts you follow. 

How do You Network for Job Opportunities?

Networking for job opportunities comes from various places, with 1 common goal in mind – getting you that job. 

To network effectively, you have to understand that there is no single secret to getting the job overnight. 

However, the more you pay attention to improving your own personal online image and improving your online search results, the more likely you are to create those pasting connections and make a positive impact on someone who might just lead you to that next dream job. 

Consistency is key when it comes to online networking for job opportunities. Taking the time to make a positive and lasting impression takes patience and intention. 

You can take the approach of casting a wide net, and introducing yourself to anybody and everybody online in your professional online bubble, but odds are you won’t get the results you’re looking for. 

Instead of casting a huge net and catching measly fish, try finding better bait, a stronger line and a good fishing spot. That means choosing the right online platform, improving and catering your profiles to show off just how awesome and desirable you are as an employee, and making a professional first impression that sticks out to those who matter most. 

Online Networking Mistakes 

Some of the biggest mistakes businesses, brands, and individuals make on social networking sites can easily be avoided. Whether preventing online networking mistakes or cleaning up a social networking disaster, working with a professional that delivers reputation management services could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Your social profiles could be holding you back from excelling in your career and personal life; let us help you get on the fast track to success with Career Reputation Management! Or explore more of our personal reputation management services to improve your online reputation.