The LinkedIn platform allows you to add links to your posts, profile and share them in your messages. These links take the reader to a new space: a company page, a website, or a meeting link on different platforms. But how do you add a link on LinkedIn? In this article, you will learn how to add a link to a LinkedIn message and what all places you can add links on the platform.
How To Create A Hyperlink In LinkedIn Messages?
You can create a hyperlink (clickable link) in messages & posts on Linkedin by writing out the URL in text. Make sure to include the https:// or http:// element of the URL so that it is a trusted URL from Linkedin. You can also tag the company page if they exist on the platform. This can be done by adding the ‘@’ symbol before the company or individual’s name.
You can also share a meeting link with someone on LinkedIn even if they are not connected with you. This can be done by clicking on the video button in the message section, which will take you to a new tab to select the type of video meeting you want. You can select from the options available and send them to an individual. After sending the message, you can find the meeting link in the message you sent.
How to add a link to your LinkedIn profile?
Step 1 – Login to your LinkedIn account and tap on your profile pic
Step 2 – Click on the edit profile option, which you can find just below the LinkedIn banner image with a pencil icon
Step 3 – Scroll down, and you will find an option for the link under the ‘website’ section
Step 4 – Add the link you want with the https:// element
Step 5 – In the box below the link, type in the name you want to display on your profile for the link and click on ‘save’
How to send a video link through a LinkedIn message?
Step 1 – Login to your LinkedIn account
Step 2 – Click on ‘messaging’ at the top right corner of your LinkedIn account homepage
Step 3 – Enter the name of the person you want to send a meeting invite
Step 4 – Write your message
Step 5 – Click on the video icon at the top right corner of the message screen
Step 6 – By default, you get the LinkedIn video meeting option. You can schedule an instant meeting or set it for later if you want. Else you also have the option to set a meeting using different providers.
Step 7 – Click on ‘select a different provider’ at the bottom of the screen in the ‘create a video meeting’ pop up
Step 8 – You get the option to schedule a meeting through the Microsoft team and Zoom, in addition to a LinkedIn video meeting
Step 9 – Choose the one you desire, and if you choose either Microsoft team or Zoom, it will ask you to sign in
Step 10 – Sign in to schedule a meeting in the respective platform – add the date, time, and choose the time zone. Schedule the meeting by clicking on the ‘create’ button
Step 11 – Click ‘send’ in the LinkedIn message, and the link will be automatically added to the sent message.
How to add a link and a photo on LinkedIn?
When you add a link, a preview image usually is generated, which causes an issue in adding an image of your own. There are two options to add your own image and link as mentioned below.
The first option is you can add an image and then a link. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1 – Login to your LinkedIn account
Step 2 – Click on the LinkedIn homepage in the top left corner of the screen
Step 3 – You will see an option to create a post in the middle of the screen; click on the box which says ‘start a post’
Step 4 – Click on the camera icon and upload the image
Step 5 – Type in the text in the block and add the link
Step 6 – Click the ‘post’ button on the right corner of the post block
The second option is to delete the preview image and then add your image. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1 – Login to your LinkedIn account
Step 2 – Type in your message and add your link in the text area of the block
Step 3 – The Link will automatically populate a preview image. Click on the ‘x’ icon in the upper right-hand corner of the preview image to delete it
Step 4 – Once you delete the image, you will have the option to add an image
Step 5 – Click on the camera icon and upload your image
Step 6 – Click on the ‘post’ button at the bottom right corner of the post block
Does LinkedIn automatically shorten URLs?
Yes, if the link shared is longer than 26 characters, LinkedIn automatically shortens it once you submit the post. This is done to help users to read the post easily. You can avoid this by either removing the https:// element of the URL to shorten it, or by using a link shortener such as bit.ly.
Here’s a tip to check where shortened links go to.
To find out where a shortened link such as a lnkd.in link will take you before you click, copy the link and paste it into getlinkinfo.com
A result like this will be shown. You can use this to make sure that you are not clicking on any unsafe links.
Does LinkedIn penalize external links?
LinkedIn doesn’t want you to exit the platform, so if you share any link in your post that takes the users out of the platform, it may penalize you. Because the LinkedIn algorithm treats external links as an exit sign, therefore if you want to share a link, add it in the comments section.
There are two good workarounds for this:
- Firstly, you can add the link into the first comment of your post. But because of how the algorithm works, this comment can sometimes get lost amongst the rest, so this method doesn’t work as well for your most popular posts.
- Another method is to leave the link out of the post from the start, however, when you start to receive some engagement, you can add the link back into the post. You are much less likely to throttle your reach this way.
Why and when should you add a link to your LinkedIn post?
Adding a hyperlink to your message on LinkedIn can be a great way to drive traffic to your website or blog, or to promote a product or service that you offer. However, you should only create a hyperlink if it is relevant to the message that you are trying to communicate. If you insert a hyperlink for no reason, it will likely be considered spam by LinkedIn, and your message may be hidden from view.
When adding a hyperlink here are a few things to keep in mind:
The message should be relevant to the link
Don’t just add a link for the sake of it. Ensure the message you’re sharing is relevant to the link’s content. Otherwise, people will see right through it, and it will do more harm than good.
The link should be interesting and valuable
Adding a link to your LinkedIn message is a good way to add value and interest to your communication. Be sure to choose a link that is interesting and valuable to your audience. A link to your company website, blog, or social media pages can add value to your message.
Only add a link if it adds to the conversation
Only add a link if it genuinely adds something of value to the conversation.
The purpose of your message
If you’re trying to sell something, it’s probably a good idea to include a hyperlink so that your potential customers can learn more about your product or service. However, if you’re just trying to start a conversation or build relationships, you may want to avoid adding a hyperlink, as it can come across as too sales-y.
Don’t overdo it
If you’re constantly adding links to your messages, people are going to start tuning out. Use them sparingly and only when they genuinely add value.
Following these guidelines will help you get the most out of adding hyperlinks to your LinkedIn messages. So, when should you do it? Use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. If in doubt, it’s better to not add a link than to add one that doesn’t add anything of value.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn allows hyperlinks with the https:// or http:// element in the URL
- You can add links to your profile, posts, and messages.
- You can send video meeting links to different platforms like the Microsoft team and zoom in on your LinkedIn messages.
- You can link the company page and profile of a LinkedIn member by tagging them in your post.
- Though you can add links to your post, LinkedIn may penalize you for doing it. Therefore, add links in the comment section of the post.
