If you haven’t fully embraced LinkedIn yet, 2024 is the year to get started. LinkedIn is rolling out new features based on growing demand as businesses turn towards the platform for their marketing needs. LinkedIn continues to lean further into supporting thought leaders who share insights from their areas of expertise. In the past year, LinkedIn has added two new features that significantly increase the marketability of businesses and make it easier for consumers to find experts and contact them.

Add a Link in Your Profile

At long last, you can now prominently add a link to the top portion of your profile; most people will use this for their website or calendar scheduler. This is the first area visible to someone who reviews your profile and ideally will prompt the visitor to take action.

To add this direct link, click on the pencil icon at the top of your profile in the right-hand corner. Next, scroll to the bottom of the menu and click Edit Custom Button. From here, you choose a link. if you have a basic account or a custom button. if you have a premium account. 

This link or button will directly lead your profile viewers to your chosen URL, which may be customized. Be sure your CTA (call to action) begins with a verb. For example, Visit My Website, Apply for a Consult or Book Me to Speak.

Whether you have a basic or Premium account, keep in mind this link makes it as easy as possible for your audience to take the next step. If you have a Premium account, I recommend choosing the Book an Appointment button.

You can still add links to other resources in the well-known Featured section, which has always been the go-to section for links, such as a website or portfolio link, to drive people to click and view an external website. While the featured section does still exist and I would recommend that you continue using it, I would advise taking advantage of this new link feature. If your ideal client is reviewing potential firms to hire, this link makes it super easy for a potential client to book a consultation.

Earn a Community Top Voice Badge

Have you been asked to contribute to a collaborative article as an expert for a certain topic within the past year? Perhaps you were not sure how to participate and which topic was most appropriate. Or maybe you didn’t understand the potential benefit of your contribution.

LinkedIn has added the Community Top Voice feature, which gives users the opportunity to be seen as a trusted expert on the specific topic. Those who consistently contribute to a collaborative article of their choosing are recognized with a Community Top Voice badge on their profile. LinkedIn will manually add this badge to your profile after your posted collaborative article contributions receive several likes. This badge stays on your profile for a minimum of 60 days. To maintain it, you must continue to contribute to that area of expertise.

Being recognized as a Community Top Voice is a great asset in numerous situations, including when your ideal audience views your profile, you are applying for a speaking engagement, or pitching a presentation.

There are more features planned in 2024 as LinkedIn continues to innovate. Raise your LinkedIn presence by contributing to collaborative articles, which may, in turn, drive viewers to your profile, and then click the link to visit your website or take further action to consult with you.

Erin Andersen is a LinkedIn Strategist, Culture Consultant and Hiring Specialist at Your Brand Networker LLC. She has been recognized by LinkedIn with the Top Career Development Coaching Voice badge. She offers members of WOL a free 30-minute consultation, which can be booked by emailing [email protected].