I recently was invited to be part of a 25,000-person group to test LinkedIn’s new blogging platform. I just tested it out this morning. You can read about it there.
Or, if you’d rather not jump, here’s the extent of that post. I’d be interested in what other regular bloggers think about LinkedIn’s strategy.
Late last week, I received an invitation to start blogging on LinkedIn’s blogging platform. LinkedIn bills it as a tool to help members build their brand in the realm of this network.
I think it’s a good move for LinkedIn, and a great way for LinkedIn members to share their ideas. I welcome any tool that will facilitate more open communication and sharing of expertise.
But for those of us who have already built a network through our own blogs (I’ve beenblogging about higher ed marketing, branding and PR since 2005), I’m not sure how much value this platform will bring to us. For example, I already automatically push my posts to LinkedIn from my WordPress site, in order to gain more eyeballs, and it seems to work. Why would I need to replicate my blogging efforts over here?
It promises to open new pathways to additional readers, and perhaps, with LinkedIn’s strong reputation as the network for professionals, it will provide even more networking opportunities. That, at least, is the promise.
As for me, I won’t be giving up my existing blog anytime soon. But for people who want to start blogging and build a following in the LinkedIn sphere, this may be just the ticket.
The trick with blogging anywhere — within a community like LinkedIn or out on your own — is that you’ve got to stick with it.
Photo: Tim Boyle/Bloomberg, from The Washington Post article, LinkedIn has added a publishing platform. Here’s why that matters.
Higher Ed Marketing 
Andrew, I was thinking the same things about their blogging platform, and really appreciate that you shared this. I love the idea of it, but do wonder how Influencers who also have primary websites and other means to share content, balance the two. Lots to think about.
I may cite this post in our forthcoming NASPA presentation on blogging, if you don’t mind? I’m discussing blogging platforms and I did want to talk about LinkedIn publishing. I’d love to include this take on the matter!
Amma – Glad to know I’m not the only one thinking about this conundrum for those of us with existing platforms. Is it a way to further our reach? Is it brand extension or brand dilution? As you say, there is much to think about.
Yes, please feel free to cite this in your upcoming presentation. Thanks for asking, and let me know how the presentation turns out (whether you cite this post or not).