Some Things to Know About LinkedIn

Whether you’re a solo creator, freelancer, business owner, or part of a growing digital brand — LinkedIn is more than just a job board. It’s one of the most powerful tools for building authority, connections, and long-term growth in the professional world.

Here’s the definitive guide for SMACC members, updated for 2025 — with everything from how to use LinkedIn as an individual or business, to best practices for content, verification, groups, and more.

📘 What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social network — used to:

• Showcase work and skills
• Build professional brands
• Connect with others in your industry
• Share content and ideas
• Hire or get hired
• Market a business or project
• Join niche communities

👤 Ownership & Overview

• Launched: 2003
• Acquired by Microsoft: 2016 ($26.2 billion)
• CEO: Ryan Roslansky
• Monthly Active Users: Over 1 billion (2024)
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California
• Top Markets: U.S., India, UK, Brazil, France, Germany

🧱 LinkedIn Features (Complete List)

Here’s what LinkedIn offers — for free or with optional paid upgrades:

👤 Individual Profiles – How to Join & Set Up

Signing up is free and simple:

1. Go to linkedin.com
2. Enter name, email, and password
3. Upload a profile photo and headline
4. Start building your network

Recommended Sections to Complete:

• Profile Picture (clear and recent)
• Headline (not just job title — explain your value)
• About (your story, skills, mission)
• Experience (past roles, projects)
• Featured Content (images, videos, links)
• Skills, Education, Certifications

💼 LinkedIn Business Pages

If you run a company, collective, studio, service, venue, or startup, you can (and should) create a LinkedIn Page.

Benefits:

• Post company updates
• Share your team’s achievements
• Recruit talent
• Run ads
• Track analytics
• Invite up to 250 new followers/month (from your connections)

To create one:

Go to your LinkedIn homepage → Click “Work” → “Create a Company Page”

🤝 Connections & Contact Limits

🔐 Verification

✅ Personal Verification:

• Phone/email
• Government ID (via CLEAR)
• Profile badge appears (optional)

✅ Business Verification:

• Email domain match (e.g. @yourbrand.com)
• Verifies ownership of your brand Page
• Allows access to Business Manager

🧵 Posts & Content Types

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups are communities based on niche interests, industries, or goals.

• Search for groups related to: #CreatorEconomy, #PortugalStartups, #Freelancers, etc.
• Great for networking and discussions
• Some are invite-only, most are open to join
• You can start your own group (ideal for building a local creator circle or SMACC hub)

💡 Pro Tip: Join groups to find collaborators, clients, or shared-interest creators.

🔖 Hashtag Strategy (on LinkedIn)

Yes — but with precision.

🆓 Free vs Premium

✅ What You Can Do

• Share wins, behind-the-scenes, or team culture
• Network with real decision-makers (no algorithms blocking you)
• Educate others and position yourself as a pro
• Recruit or get hired
• Start conversations with your dream clients or partners

🚫 What You Can’t Do

• ❌ Overpost (1–2/day max recommended)
• ❌ Post TikTok-style trends or memes (unless tailored to the pro audience)
• ❌ DM cold leads without tact — LinkedIn has strict spam rules
• ❌ Pay to boost a personal post (only Pages can sponsor content)

📈 SMACC Creator Use Cases

🎬 Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is your professional digital stage — a place to be seen as a credible voice in your industry, niche, or location.

It’s ideal for:

• Creators evolving into businesspeople
• Entrepreneurs looking to grow reach
• Professionals building authentic influence

🛠 Want Help?

Need a hand writing your headline, setting up your banner, or drafting your first 5 posts?

Ask in the SMACC group — or request a free template set from us.