It seems like LinkedIn has now joined the Social Media bandwagon wholeheartedly by launching the feature that we have all come to love and enjoy on Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter in recent years. But why is it a big deal? Or better yet, IS it a big deal?
Let’s start by asking ourselves what’s the most drastic thing that has happened in 2020? Well, it seems obvious to say- everything! But with all that’s changing, another tremendous change could be noticed in LinkedIn members’ ratio. The number of people using LinkedIn increased over 60% this March, as compared to last year!
A hike in unemployment has led users to be more active on LinkedIn, looking to expand their professional networks. While some looked for guidance from entrepreneurial leaders, some seeked hiring tips, and some re-built their skill-base as an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Looking at its latest feature i.e. stories, it is clear that LinkedIn like other Social platforms wants to provide a conversational format for its members. Although, the other social media platforms like IG, Facebook, Twitter etc, have absorbed this feature long back, bringing it to a professional network could usher in new possibilities for job seekers.
Since the key to building a good professional network lies in fabricating genuine bonds, the ‘story feature’ can be leveraged to do so.
Over time, stories have become a next-generation method of interaction and opens an easy path to connect with audiences. The feature can be utilised as an opportunity to showcase business with a new perspective. Ranging from thought leaders sharing their knowledge via Q/A sessions, to businesses promoting their products and sharing testimonials of their happy customers; which in turn forms the base for new leads. Sharing key moments with fellow professionals can add massive value to any brand.
Multiple snippets of work related moments, capsuled in a professional boundary can get the audience to resonate with a brand.
Be it a project BTS (behind the scenes), team task, or at a home-office surrounded by kids and pets, all seem promising while reaching closer to the viewer. In Fact stories could also be a good place to put out certain opinions, list of achievements, urgent hirings, tips or any news of value.
But the question remains, will stories be able to succeed in enhancing professional alliances or not? As they do hover around risk of pushing an informal Instagram-like feel to the platform which might hinder the trademark professionalism that LinkedIn is known for.
From one perspective they could be as much of a game changer as they were on IG and FB, but at the same time unwanted content could flow if not matched with appropriate decorum.
One way or the other, it seems to open another window for creativity and authenticity to roll in and boost communication goals for a brand.