How To Build a LinkedIn Strategy –Part 4 –Building a Content Library

March 5th,2012

Building a Content Library - LinkedIn Strategy

photo credit:friarsbalsam via flickr

In the last article we talked about what type of content you should provide on LinkedIn;relevant,consistent and current. Now let’s talk about how to gather the content.

Going to the Library

I love to go to the library. Honestly,I can spend hours walking through the stacks. Inevitably I come home with an armful of books.

Books inspire me. I take notes on new ideas,write list of blog topics and even when I’m reading a book for relaxation,I find new ideas popping into my head.

I realize not everyone has the same passion I have about the library. But if you’re using social media like LinkedIn,you should take a lesson from the library. Build a collection of resources you can go back to again and again for content and inspiration.

Your Content Library

Building a Content Library reduces the stress in trying to find new content to share on LinkedIn. Once you start collecting information in one place,you have an ongoing resource to go to when you want to post something.

It’s also a time saver. Instead of wandering around the internet looking for something to post or write about,you can easily go to your Content Library,find an appropriate article and post it or use it for inspiration. Since you’ve already read the article and liked it,half of your work is done.

How to Build a Content Library

Pick a location –Choose where you’d like to collect your information. It could be an electronic document,a folder in your email or as simple as a notebook.
Set time aside to read –You probably are doing this anyway,but set aside 10 minutes to read through some of your favorite newsletters,magazines,or visit your favorite websites.
Start collecting –When you find something you like,put it in your collection area. If you’re copying a URL,make sure you give it a title and short description. If you’re cutting things out of a magazine,make sure you note where you found the article. I also recommend you create categories for your information. At first it might not be necessary,but as your collection grows categories can help you find the article you’re looking for easily.

That’s it. This simple tool will safe you oodles of time. You’ll also be able to share new information instead of something everyone else found that day on LinkedIn.

Worried about finding stuff? Don’t be. My clients usually find they don’t think they will find enough information. When they finish the exercise they are always pleasantly surprised at what they found.

Our last article will be on automation which will also take advantage of your Content Library.