In a recent web event for my FrippVT Sales Series, I spoke with marketing and branding expert Melanie DePaoli on How to Build a LinkedIn Strategy for Success. Enjoy this video of our recent conversation and Melanie’s article explaining why LinkedIn Endorsements do actually matter to you:

Yes! LinkedIn Endorsements Matter!

by Mel DePaoli

Simply put…Endorsements are LinkedIn’s way of verifying what you say you know.

Before they rolled out endorsements, LinkedIn would just ask what your Professional Skills are and then take them at face value. However, some who understood that LinkedIn is a search engine, applied SEO techniques to their profiles, skewing LinkedIn’s search results. So now, LinkedIn asks you what you say you are an expert in, and then goes and asks your connections if that is true!

The more endorsements you have, the more credibility the search engine gives you. Having said that, it’s people who are looking at your profile. So having your mom endorse you does not convey credibility, but it will help your SEO.

Did you know that you DO have complete control over what skills and endorsements are visible on your profile? Yes, it is true. When you edit your profile, scroll to your Skills and Endorsements section and click on Add Skill.

Make sure your settings are set like this:

• Yes! You do want LinkedIn to suggest that your connections endorse you because like you, they are busy and most likely will not think to go to your profile to endorse you.
• Yes! You do want LinkedIn to suggest endorsements of your connections because you are busy. Let LinkedIn help you.
• No. You don’t want to receive notifications because then you will get inundated with emails that in all reality will not directly help you build your brand or get you new clients.

Another tip to remember is that if someone endorses you for something that you did not add to your profile it will not be displayed until you approve it. Oh and when you are adding new Skills, do try to stick to the prepopulated Skills that LinkedIn suggests because those are the terms that LinkedIn users are using to find you. Now click on Manage Endorsements.

You’ll notice that each Skill now becomes editable. You can check or uncheck anyone that has endorsed you. If you choose to uncheck someone, they will never know that you have hidden the endorsement that they have given you.If you would like to learn more about how to leverage LinkedIn, please visit the Omicle Learning Lab and sign up today! Happy Endorsing!Mel DePaoli works with companies and organizations to build brands worthy of going viral. Mel has in-depth knowledge of how culture, branding and operations intersect to impact a company’s bottom line and influence your community building loyalty. Her work moves your brand from “just” marketing into the day-to-day operations of your business delivering improved communications, branding initiatives worthy of going viral and stronger community relations that will transform your business.

If you want to become a great speaker easily, conveniently, and quickly, FrippVT can help. Take a complimentary test drive of this interactive, web-based platform and enjoy three free chapters on Stories, Openings and Sales: http://frippvt.com

“How to Connect on LinkedIn: People Need Conversation,” “How to Make Your Post Successful on LinkedIn’s Pulse” and “The Top 5 Mistakes of Social Media Marketing” are just a few of the many complimentary resources on Fripp.com to help you with communication and marketing.

Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp works with individuals and companies who realize that powerful, persuasive presentation skills give them a competitive edge.