According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, LinkedIn boasts over 700 million users worldwide, with steady growth. However, surprisingly, only 27% of internet users are active on this platform, according to the Digital 2021 report by Hootsuite and We Are Social. This discrepancy between its wide user base and active engagement suggests that LinkedIn is being underestimated and underutilized by many professionals and businesses.
Why should we pay more attention to LinkedIn? Data shows that this platform is crucial for professional development and networking. According to a study by the NYU Stern School of Business, 70% of people hired in 2016 were in contact with their employers through LinkedIn. Furthermore, 94% of recruiters use this network to search for candidates, according to a Jobvite report.
LinkedIn is not just a job search tool but also a vital space for personal and business branding. Companies with complete profiles on LinkedIn can increase their credibility and visibility by 30%, according to platform data. Moreover, content shared on LinkedIn tends to generate 277% more leads than Facebook or Twitter, according to a HubSpot study.
So why does LinkedIn remain the great forgotten? The answer may lie in a lack of understanding of its potential and utility. Many professionals see it as a simple platform to upload their resumes online, without grasping its true scope as a networking, branding, and opportunity-generating tool.
LinkedIn deserves recognition as a fundamental force in the professional and business realm. Its impact on job searching, networking, and marketing is undeniable, and those who underestimate it risk missing out on valuable opportunities. It’s time to give LinkedIn the place it deserves in our digital arsenal.
