Traditionally the sensible social network, LinkedIn has a surprisingly animated year.

After being snapped up by Microsoft, LinkedIn responded by releasing a cavalcade of updates aimed at boosting engagement and luring advertisers. Early signs looks like its working.

Will 2017 be the year LinkedIn finally starts getting engagement traction?

On the job

Back in June. Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for US$26.2 billion, one of the largest technology buys of all time.

The news saw LinkedIn's share price surge, and seemed to inject the platform with a renewed sense of purpose. 

For Microsoft, the acquisition means access to LinkedIn's juicy data on its 400 million users – a massive potential new market.

Updates aplenty

LinkedIn has released a rapid fire series of updates in the past six months.

There's mobile optimisation for Content, Profile Tweaking, and a revamped Publishing Platform.

You can even check out LinkedIn Salary to see if you're being paid enough.

What does this mean for marketers?

Engagement could rise on LinkedIn, meaning advertising might finally be an effective (and relatively cost-efficient) way of reaching new customers on the social network for professionals.