6 Data-Driven Reasons to Use LinkedIn for Networking in 2022

Available data shows that it's no longer feasible to ignore LinkedIn, the online resource that helps millions of people find jobs and expand a professional network more effectively.

With the gig economy hitting new highs and companies looking to hire contractors and freelancers more than ever, the platform's algorithms offer an easy and straightforward path to match one's talents and skills with market demand.

If you're still hesitating to use LinkedIn for networking, here are 6 data-supported reasons that might persuade you to start reaching to people right now.

1. Build a strong professional network in any industry

LinkedIn, with over 700 million users from 200 countries, is the most trusted social media platform, according to Business Insider. That's not a surprise. Launched in 2003 as a networking and job listing website, it has gradually expanded to a reliable web resource for professionals across the world who would like to break into new industries, companies, and markets.

LinkedIn Audience:

• 80% of LinkedIn members drive business decisions
• 180 million of its members hold senior-level positions
• 10 million LinkedIn profiles created by C-level executives
• Over 186 million users are from the United States and Canada
• More than 157 million LinkedIn members are based in Europe

The stats prove that having a LinkedIn profile today is no longer an option but rather a requirement if you want to boost your career or business through high-quality networking opportunities.

So, now is the time to update a personal page, post regularly, join groups, and network with people who can bring meaningful changes to your life.

2. Generate high-quality business leads faster

LinkedIn is a must-use platform for freelancers, managers, startup owners, or entrepreneurs who are planning to prospect for new clients, generate more leads, and close more deals.

LinkedIn's data shows that it's the top lead generation platform. The website's users have twice the buying power of the average web audience. It has plenty of advanced search filters that make finding the right prospects easier.

Sales Prospecting Facts and LinkedIn

• 50 percent of B2B buyers made their purchase decisions through LinkedIn.
• Almost 80 percent of B2B buyers rely on recommendations from their professional network.
• 90 percent of C-level executives ignore cold emails and cold calls.
• 70 percent of the buying process is already digital, or based on online content.

Thus, fill out your profile to make it more trustworthy, search for qualified prospects, prioritize them, regularly comment to grab their attention, and try to help your leads by sharing professional insights.

3. Get the job you really want quickly

LinkedIn, with over 20 million vacancies and more than 30 million companies, has become an essential online tool for people who are actively searching for a new job.

The platform is so effective and popular because it not only allows users to post information about their work experience, achievements, and recommendations but also alerts them about openings that match their expertise and geographical location.

The website's algorithms based on keyword optimization makes it quite easy to find recruiters, jobs, and companies where you would like to work.

Hiring Statistics and LinkedIn

• The platform's users apply for over 20 million jobs weekly.
• Every 8 seconds somebody is hired through LinkedIn.
• Over 30 percent of employees help their friends get a job by providing job referrals.
• Networking helps companies fill 50-80 percent of jobs

The data proves that it's getting quite difficult to ignore LinkedIn, which helps millions of people find their dream job more effectively.

4. Find top-quality employees

LinkedIn brings together millions of companies, employees, freelancers, and job seekers, and has been changing the traditional job board-based recruiting strategy.

The platform helps hiring managers and career consultants find and reach out to candidates who are not actively looking for a job, but are ready to explore better opportunities.

Some statistics show 70 percent of the global workforce are passive job seekers; LinkedIn can aid HR managers in revealing all the best talent.

Recruiting Statistics and LinkedIn

• 56 percent of people who are planning to get a new job rely on social professional networks.
• Almost 90 percent of job seekers reached out by recruiters accept a job faster.
• Social professional networks like LinkedIn are the top sources of high-quality job candidates, ahead of job boards and employee referrals.

So, do your best to incorporate LinkedIn into your recruiting strategy to fill all types of positions faster by finding candidates with the right skills.

5. Promote your services by posting on LinkedIn regularly

LinkedIn's advanced algorithms, combining job search instruments with social media and networking features, drive a lot of independent contractors to the platform.

The freelance economy is rising. In 2017, over 50 million Americans had full-time or part-time freelance jobs, and the numbers are still growing.

By posting and commenting regularly, and sending personalized messages, you get an opportunity to showcase your expertise, promote your services, grow your professional network, and draw the attention of potential employers.

Freelance Statistics and LinkedIn

• Almost 50 percent of hiring managers prefer to employ independent contractors as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
• Over 70 percent of HR professionals use freelance services and plan to increase the volume of their current use
• Around 60 percent of B2B marketing specialists believe that LinkedIn is their top social network for generating high-quality leads.

If you're still not sure whether LinkedIn is the right platform to get more leads, then give it a try by engaging with people from various industries. The results may surprise you.

6. Find a mentor to get industry insights

LinkedIn unites millions of professionals from every corner of the world, so it's a good source for finding a mentor. If you're taking your first career steps or would like to break into a new industry, reach out to people who are already experts in their fields.

Find a potential mentor's profile on LinkedIn, analyze it, draft a personalized direct message to them, and feel free to hit Send. Mentors can give some firsthand insight, help you get your foot in the door of a particular company, or aid in making your career more sustainable.

Mentor-related Facts and LinkedIn

• 80 percent of professionals on LinkedIn want to either get a mentor or help others with meaningful professional advice, but don't know where to start.
• More than 80 percent of CEOs argue that mentors have helped them avoid crucial mistakes and save money.
• Over 70 percent of Fortune 500 companies support mentoring programs.

Don't miss a chance to engage with professionals who, as the stats show, are willing to help you succeed in your career and professional development.

LinkedIn is a truly efficient networking tool that can definitely aid you in getting a job, finding a mentor, searching for prospects, and bringing more high-quality leads. If you would like to make the process more efficient and don't want to waste time on drafting messages, try Poseidon's templates.