LinkedIn is a place where you can meet professionals, learn new skills, and even get job offers—all online.
LinkedIn is not just another social media app, it’s a tool that helps students like you prepare for life after graduation.
Many students don’t even know if LinkedIn exists, and those who do often think it’s only for experienced professionals. But I’m here to tell you LinkedIn will help you connect with people in your industry, learn about job opportunities, and showcase what you can do.
How to Get Started on LinkedIn
1. Create Your Profile – Your Digital Resume
Your LinkedIn profile is like your online CV. It tells people what you’re studying, what skills you have, and what experiences you’ve gained (even if it’s just school projects or internships). Here’s what to focus on:
Profile Picture: Use a clear, professional-looking photo. The profile pic should be at least 800 x 800px
Headline: A simple phrase like “Computer Science Student | Passionate About Web Development.”
Summary: Write a short paragraph about your interests, goals, and what you’re learning.
Skills & Experience: Add skills like “Graphic Design” or “Public Speaking” and any part-time jobs, volunteering, or projects you’ve worked on.
2. Connect with the Right People
Your network on LinkedIn is like a group of virtual mentors and potential employers. Start by connecting with:
Your classmates and leaders
Alumni from your university (they were once in your shoes and can offer advice)
People working in your dream job or industry
If you’re shy about reaching out, don’t worry! Send a short message like: “Hello [Name], I’m a student at [Your University], taking Bachelor in [ Your Degree] and I’m interested in [Industry]. I’d love to connect and learn from your journey!”
3. Engage and Stay Active
Once you’ve set up your profile, don’t just leave it. Here’s how to stay active:
Like, comment on, and share posts from professionals in your field.
Join LinkedIn groups related to your career interests.
Post about what you’re learning—projects, internships, or interesting insights.
Learning and Job Opportunities on LinkedIn
LinkedIn Learning – Your Free Online Classroom
LinkedIn is more than a customer or job-finding platform it’s also a learning hub. You can take free or paid courses on topics like coding, graphic design, marketing, and leadership. Employers love students who keep learning outside the classroom!
Did you know companies post job openings on LinkedIn? Many students miss out on these because they’re not active. To find jobs:
Go to the “Jobs” tab and search for internships or part-time roles.
Follow companies you’d like to work for—they often post about opportunities.
Set up job alerts so LinkedIn notifies you when something relevant pops up.
Some companies and professionals also post job openings directly on their LinkedIn profiles. Stay active, engage with their content, and keep an eye on your feed—you might find an opportunity that’s perfect for you.
Common Challenges You Will Experience and How to Overcome Them
1. “I Don’t Know Anyone to Connect With”
Start small. Connect with classmates, lecturers, and alumni. Then, slowly expand your network by adding professionals in your field.
2. “Nobody Notices My Profile”
Be patient. Keep your profile updated and engage with posts. The more active you are, the more visible you become.
3. “I Have No Work Experience”
That’s okay! Highlight your coursework, personal projects, volunteering, and skills. Employers value effort and learning ability just as much as experience.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is not just for job seekers or employers only, it’s a tool to help you grow, learn, and connect with people who can shape your future. The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to step into the professional world.
So, why wait? Set up your LinkedIn profile today and take the first step toward building your career!
Choosing the right domain name is one of the foundational steps in establishing an online presence. It’s not just about having any name, it’s about optimizing for SEO, ensuring brand identity, and facilitating user interaction.
Here’s a comprehensive look into what makes a domain name effective, how it influences SEO rankings and the potential negative impacts of choosing poorly.
What a Good Domain Name should be?
1. Relevance and Branding
Clarity: The domain should clearly convey what your site is about. For instance, if you sell books, a domain like bookshelf.com would be ideal.
Brandability: It should be memorable and easy to associate with your brand. Think of names like Amazon.com or tanzlite.com – they are simple, unique, and brand-centric.
2. Simplicity
Short: Shorter names are easier to remember, type, and less prone to typos. Aim for something concise but meaningful.
Easy to Spell: Avoid complex spellings or words that can be easily misspelled.
3. SEO Friendly
Keywords: Including relevant keywords can help with search engine rankings, but avoid keyword stuffing. A domain like smartphoneshoptanzania.com might perform well if selling smartphones is your niche.
4. Extension Considerations
.com Preference: .com is the most recognized and trusted extension globally. However, local or industry-specific extensions like .co.tz .or.tz for Tanzania businesses or .tech for tech companies can also be effective.
5. Future-proofing
Scalability: Choose a name that won’t limit your business if you decide to expand or pivot. Avoid names that are too specific to one product or service.
SEO Ranking and Domain Names
A domain name can influence SEO in several ways
Keyword Relevance: Domains containing keywords related to your content can offer a slight SEO boost, particularly for newer or smaller sites.
Brand Signals: A strong brand can lead to more backlinks, boosting SEO. A domain that supports brand recognition can therefore enhance SEO indirectly.
Technical SEO: Elements like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS) are crucial.
Negative Effects of Choosing Inappropriate Domain Name
Choosing the wrong domain can have significant repercussions:
SEO Challenges: A poor choice might lead to lower search rankings due to a lack of keyword relevance or negative branding signals.
Brand Confusion: If your domain is confusing or similar to another brand, you risk losing traffic or even legal battles over trademark issues.
User Experience: A hard-to-remember or complex domain can reduce return visits, impacting your site’s engagement metrics and, by extension, SEO.
Marketing Costs: If your domain doesn’t aid in branding, you might need to invest more in marketing to make up for the lack of immediate brand recognition.
Conclusion
A domain name should be straightforward, memorable, SEO-friendly, and scalable. While a domain alone won’t make or break your SEO, in conjunction with other SEO practices, it forms a crucial part of your online identity.
Ignoring these characteristics can lead to a host of issues, from poor search visibility to branding challenges, potentially stunting your business growth in the digital space.
Remember, in the vast digital ocean, your domain name is your lighthouse, guiding visitors to your shore.
Two days ago my client asked Anthony, “What do .com, .org, and other domain extensions mean?” his question sparked an interesting conversation about how these extensions shape the internet.
This encounter inspired me to write this article for you, breaking down the meaning and long-term value of domain name extensions like .com, .org, .co, and country-specific domains such as .co.tz and .or.tz.
1. Global Domain Extensions
a) .com
The .com extension stands for “commercial” and is the most widely recognized domain globally. It’s the first choice for businesses, personal brands, and e-commerce websites.
The long-term value of a .com domain lies in its trustworthiness and global appeal, making it a must-have for organizations aiming to reach a wide audience.
b) .org
The .org extension, short for “organization” is primarily used by non-profits, charities, and educational institutions. It symbolizes trust and a mission-driven focus, which is why it remains the go-to choice for organizations aiming to build credibility and showcase their purpose.
c) .net (Network)
Originally designed for networking and technology-based entities, .net has become a flexible option for tech startups and businesses in IT. While not as prominent as .com, it is valued for its association with innovation and technology.
d) .info (Information)
The .info extension serves as a hub for information-sharing websites, blogs, and resource hubs. Though less popular, it remains relevant for those focusing on providing knowledge and insights.
e) .gov (Government)
Exclusively reserved for government entities, the .gov extension is a symbol of authority, authenticity, and trust. Its restricted use ensures its credibility in delivering official information.
2. Tanzania-Based Domain Extensions
a) .co.tz (Commercial in Tanzania)
The .co.tz extension is designed for businesses operating in Tanzania. It reflects a local presence, helping businesses establish trust and relevance within the Tanzanian market.
b) .or.tz (Organizations in Tanzania)
Used by non-profits and NGOs in Tanzania, the .or.tz extension conveys purpose and reliability for organizations serving local communities.
c) .ac.tz (Academic Institutions in Tanzania)
The .ac.tz extension is reserved for academic institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities in Tanzania. It ensures clear identification and credibility for educational organizations.
Why Domain Extensions Matter
Domain extensions are more than just suffixes—they are key indicators of your website’s purpose, audience, and geographical focus.
Choosing the right extension can significantly impact your website’s reach and credibility. For instance, .com provides global appeal, while .co.tz demonstrates a strong local presence in Tanzania.
Looking Ahead
As digital growth accelerates, domain names with the right extensions will continue to be valuable assets.
Whether you’re targeting an international audience with .com or building a local presence with .co.tz, understanding these extensions ensures you make informed choices for your online identity.
Earlier this year, we introduced Tanzlite Host. This is not just another name in Tanzania’s web hosting services; we’re rewriting the rules.
Here’s how our unique approach to business is setting us apart and why it’s the most profitable model in the industry:
A Different Kind of Web Hosting Business
At Tanzlite Host, we’ve flipped the traditional model on its head:
Web Design First, Hosting Second: We’re fundamentally a web design agency that provides hosting. This means every website we host, we’ve likely designed. This approach ensures that we’re not just hosting your site; we’re invested in its success from conception.
Volume vs. Value: While many competitors chase volume, we focus on value. One corporate website project with us can be equivalent to years of hosting renewals. For instance, our corporate website packages start at Tsh 670,000, which matches the cost of our ESSENTIAL hosting package for 7 years. This model reduces the churn associated with constant sales efforts.
Why Our Approach is More Profitable:
Long-term Relationships: In Tanzania, where SMEs might not last long, our model ensures that even if a client doesn’t renew, they’ve already invested significantly in design and development. This reduces the pressure of constant new sales to maintain revenue.
Service Over Sales: Our business thrives on retainer services, one-time revamps, and additional features. This creates a more stable income stream than the volatile sales cycle of domain and hosting packages.
Exclusive Design-Hosting Bundle: We rarely allow clients to purchase just hosting from us if they’ve had their website designed elsewhere. This exclusivity ensures that our hosting service is tied to our design expertise, creating a symbiotic relationship where both services enhance each other’s value.
The Best Offer in Tanzania:
Understanding the financial challenges of starting a digital presence, Tanzlite Host offers an unbeatable deal:
Free Hosting and Domain for One Year: If you choose us to design your website, you get your hosting and domain for free for the first year. No other provider in Tanzania matches this offer. It’s our way of empowering you to start your digital journey without financial barriers.
Conclusion:
Tanzlite Host isn’t just about hosting; we’re about partnership, design, and empowerment. Our approach, focusing on design first and hosting second, not only aligns with the needs of Tanzanian businesses but also positions us as the most profitable model in the industry. Karibu!
Standing out on LinkedIn can be very challenging, especially when you are a beginner. But guess what! Building a top-notch profile will help you let those challenges be the past story in your journey.
LinkedIn is a professional platform where you can share experience, opinions, and expertise with hundreds of people within an hour.
Sharing your thought-provoking ideas will make you stand out, expand your network, maximize profit, and connect with like-minded professionals who will help you achieve your goals.
When I started actively using LinkedIn, I thought posting motivational content would make me stand out. Later on, I came to realize it was not going to make me the person I am today.
Want to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out? Here are step by steps.
Whether you’re a Student, Graduate, Founder, or Employee who wants to break the ice and tap invaluable opportunities, these are what you need to implement.
1.Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is where your potential clients or recruiters decides whether to choose you or move on to the next person. Optimizing your own LinkedIn profile increases your chances of standing out, making you more interesting to others and potentially leading to valuable connections or job opportunities.
A Full professional LinkedIn profile must have the following optimized.
Background image: Utilize an attractive banner that highlights your expertise. Incorporate compelling text, quotes, and professional images that align with your personal brand. The recommended banner image size is 1584 x 396px. Use tools like Canva and Adobe Photoshop in designing.
Profile picture: LinkedIn differs from other platforms like Facebook or Twitter. On LinkedIn upload a photo that is close to the camera, displaying your face clearly. The profile picture should be at leat 800 x 800px. Jane Deehan says your face should take up around 60% of the entire space.
Headline: This section reflects your authority and brand identity. Clearly state who you are and what you offer. Example; Graphic Designer | Adobe Photoshop Expert| Illustrator. I specialize in creating vibrant graphics that boost your brand Authority. You can use tools like Sharethrough to measure the quality, strength, impression, and receive suggestions for improving your headline.
Your headline enables recruiters and creators to find your name when searching for talents on the LinkedIn search bar.
About section: Highlight the pain points you’ve addressed for the past clients and explain how you can help your next client solve their problems. Avoid generic buzzwords such as “passionate,” “hard worker,” or listing irrelevant details like where you studied.
It’s like going on a date saying I’m handsome, smart, passionate”. But there is a better way.
Stevan Koncar.
2. Post at least three times a week.
When it comes to posting, keep in mind that the more you show up on the platform, the more people will notice your value and interact with you. Posting today and then two months later will cost you, as you risk being forgotten.
Optimizing your profile doesn’t guarantee that opportunities will come your way automatically. Instead, you need to actively participate by showing up every day and making your name memorable to your audience.
If you reach a point where people start mentioning your name both online and offline, know that you have done something right. That’s how the journey of standing out begins.
At times, you might struggle with what to post on LinkedIn while others finish their day with 2 or 3 posts. Yes, managing that level of consistency can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining your presence on the platform.
3. Showcase your Expertise.
Share content based on your experiences that resonates with your prospects. Be yourself; avoid copying and pasting others’ ideas (CTRL+C and CTRL+V). People want to hear your opinions and understand the unique value you can bring to them. If you’re sharing the same content as others, believe me, you will not stand out.
4. Like, Share, and Comment
Make an effort to interact with other creators in your niche to gain more exposure and establish new connections, fostering long-term relationships that may lead to client opportunities.
Make an effort to interact with other creators in your niche to gain more exposure and establish new connections, fostering long-term relationships that may lead to client opportunities.
You can attract attention to your profile by leaving thoughtful and meaningful comments on others’ posts. Other people have gone far promoting their business in the comment section of someone’s post just to get visibility.
Engagement on other creators posts increase your visibility, and people will also start paying attention to your post. Remember, people will not continue engaging in your posts if you’re not showing love to their posts. Birds of the same feathers always flock together.
5. Personalize Connection.
Send personalized connection requests as much as possible to individuals in the same industry. Utilize the LinkedIn invitation feature—”invite” “invite” “invite” until you hit the limit. Follow people who inspire you and choose three or four of them to act as your role models.
Draw inspiration or messaging vibes from them and find ways to communicate with your target audience. As mentioned earlier, avoid copying and pasting; instead, share your thoughts.
Conclusion.
Your LinkedIn profile is like a CV where employers and clients get to know you better and decide whether to call you for an interview or move on to the next person.
In building a strong profile, ensure that your profile answers these questions:ur profile;
Most young individuals often fail to grow and become successful in their careers simply because they lack someone who can guide them, share the DO’S and DON’TS, and provide insights into the potential outcomes of their current doing.
To understand the facts, kindly gather five young college students and ask them one by one, “Who is your mentor” and listen to what they say. You might be surprised to hear that some of them don’t even know what does the word mentor means.
A mentor is an individual who has already successfully walked the journey you want to go through.
Me as Anthony Charles, without a mentor I could be somewhere completely unknown, unable even to write this piece.
“A mentor transfers their knowledge, studying and experiences to your mind and literary change the course of your life” – Bob Proctor.
Successful people have no problem with teaching you how to fish. Whether in business or tech. Here are ways to find your mentor.
Ask Friends
The people you spend time with might have the answers to where you can get the right mentor for your career. You just have to ask them, “Who is the best successful person in this career?”,
“ Hello! Shaatmelau,
I’m currently seeking someone to guide me on how I can achieve 1, 2, 3. Do you know anyone who can be my mentor?”. Probably he will tell you.
Then you have to research more deeply by looking at them on YouTube, Google, IG, X, and LinkedIn. Then, choose wisely who could be your choice.
It can be difficult for you to find the right mentor by asking your fellow if they don’t know well your career and goals. Ask people who can really help you meet the right mentor.
Follow-up and Stay Connected
Mentors aren’t meant only those whom you can physically come into contact with, but rather anyone who can inspire and provide you guidance regardless of the location.
The quickest way to get the right direction from people who could be your mentor is to connect with them on social platforms be it on LinkedIn, YouTube, or X. Here is the thing, people who are successful in their career have no problem with sharing how they achieved their success.
They share DO’S and DON’TS that when you’re committed to following up and implementing them, you become the better role of yourself. If you’re consuming content you don’t implement you’re not learning anything.
Good mentors don’t look like mentors, you will be inspired by their work
Warning. The Internet has many rude people who claim to be nice. As I said before, make sure you research first a person you want to be your mentor. Be cautious to people over the internet who are sharing googlable tips and say “DM me for more”.
Yeah, there are some of them who can help you as your mentor using this approach but in reality they do not.
Engage in their posts.
Shaatmelau asks in his post on LinkedIn, where can the fresh undergraduate find a mentor if all the potential “mentor” does is posting “motivational”, “sensational”, and “I’m excited to/thrilled that” content?.
The answer is simple you can not. Find someone who shares the burning point, problems, how things works and how to go about.
And the best way to have these kind of people as your mentor is to engage in their posts before you start DM’ing them. Be the first person to like, repost, or comment and try to support them on whatever they do that is how you’re allowing yourself to be noticed.
By the time you send them a DM, you will be receiving quick responses because they already know who you are. Remember, these people receive a lot of messages in a day which they cannot afford to answer them all.
Some of them have a lot of things to do, so putting yourself out there increases the chance of getting that person and being your mentor.
Schedule Meeting
After having a good relationship, you can organize meetings that can be done online or physically depending on the location you two are in.
But before you schedule any meeting, make sure you have read their work, books, and business so that you can not seem to be boring asking the same question they have answered a hundred times.
It can also happen accidentally meeting with them at events or seminars. Once you’ve that chance be curious for at least ten minutes asking some relevant questions.
Seek for advice.
Never go the first time to mentors and ask for support such as promoting your work or asking for money. My Friend I don’t know if you will achieve that mentors aren’t like coaches. Ask for advice on how you can promote your work, how you can do it right, and how you can become more successful in your career.
Even Moses was listening guidance from God why not you? Have a good day.
