How to get the most out of LinkedIn for your Business
“You can buy attention (advertising). You can beg for attention from the media (PR). You can bug people one at a time to get attention (sales). Or you can earn attention by creating something interesting and valuable and then publishing it online for free.”
– David Meerman Scott, marketing speaker
As small business owners, we're always looking for cost-effective ways to promote our business. With over 400 million members worldwide, LinkedIn can be a great resource for connecting to current clients and customers, as well as a way to bring in new prospects.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to begin? Here are some tips to get you started:
It all starts with a completed profile page. Open more opportunities for yourself by having a standout profile—have an eye-catching banner, preferably with some sort of call to action on it. Remember to keep your visuals on all your social media platforms consistent. (And don't forget to put LinkedIn buttons on your website.) LinkedIn has help on their website if you're new, and TopDog Social media also has some useful information if you will be starting your LinkedIn profile from scratch.
Being popular on social media is just like being popular in any other venue: you have to get out there and socialize. Keep your content updated, add connections, and share others' posts.
Whether you're writing a blog or just updating your status, a good rule of thumb is to add new content twice a week. Stumped on what to write? This article by Daniel Roth is a few years old, but the advice in it still rings true today.
Still stumped? Why not let your employees take a shot at it, or use photos and videos to tell your company's story?
Don't forget to use the power of the tag, too. When you tag your connections in your posts (typing @ and your connection's name), not only does that person get notified, but also it shows up in your other connections' newsfeeds, amplifying your exposure. Use it strategically, as tagging too much can be very annoying.
Did we mention being social? Joining groups on LinkedIn is a way to share your expertise with others, as well as an opportunity to find people in your field who could offer advice or at least a sympathetic ear.
Every social media platform is a bit different, and it's well worth the effort to get to know what the general atmosphere is like before you jump right in. Not every business will fit every platform (some are more popular with different age groups, etc.), so it's important to get to know your audience and learn what features of LinkedIn you can use to your advantage.
Above all, remember that creating something interesting and valuable is the best way to get the attention your business needs.