How Do Businesses Use LinkedIn for Marketing?
Many small business owners are intimidated by LinkedIn. Most go through the trouble of creating a profile on LinkedIn, but that’s as far as they go. This opens doors for you to stand out on the platform because so many people give up.
Using LinkedIn as a platform to market your small business does work. With over 310 million monthly active users and growing by leaps and bounds – adding about two members every second, when you use LinkedIn for marketing it will help you get the word out about your business.
9 Ways Small Businesses Can Use LinkedIn for Marketing
1. Create a Complete Business and a Personal Profile
The first thing you need to do is perfect your LinkedIn profile. Fill out every single area that you can. Include a professional headshot, add video, and create thoughtful links back to your landing pages. Create both a personal profile and a company profile page and make them complete as possible. Include all information that professionally represents you and your business and focus on the audience you want to attract.
2. Publish Your Articles on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has an area where you can publish articles. Just open your profile and look at the place you post updates. Instead of posting an update, click “Write an article.” You can paste your article in the system using their WYSIWYG editor. You can add videos, images, and more.
This will help establish you as an authority in your niche. Articles published on LinkedIn get attention. They are indexed in Google, which means you’ll get more hits on the article than if you published it only on your blog. It’s an excellent way to showcase your knowledge and get more professional attention. When people comment on your article, make sure to engage with them.
FREE Checklist: LinkedIn Marketing Guide3. Create a Special Group for Your Audience or Colleagues
One way to really capture the attention of your audience or colleagues is to start your own group. When you have your own group, you’re in charge of the topics. You can build groups on LinkedIn that enable you to build a network of like-minded people to work with and talk to. It’s a great way to get to know your audience as well as colleagues.
4. Participate in Other People’s Groups
Find and join a few groups that your audience will also join. It’s okay to join groups with people you know but they are your competitors. If you want to attract your audience, join groups that consist of your audience. Participate in discussions without expectations to showcase your expertise. LinkedIn is a social media network and not a sales network, so interact with your audience to provide real value.
5. Get Testimonials and Recommendations from Customers
Use the LinkedIn email system to send messages to anyone you’ve worked with after you’ve connected with them. Ask them for testimonials and recommendations. Don’t use the LinkedIn template. Write a unique letter to each individual, reminding them of what you did for them.
6. Advertise Your Products And ServicesÂ
One of the best things about keeping your profile active and updated on LinkedIn is the ability to run targeted ad campaigns efficiently. It’s not as expensive as you might think, and it can be very effective. Use your company profile account to run ads to your offers to help build your email list and get more traffic to your website.
7. Post Job OpportunitiesÂ
One way to get a buzz on LinkedIn is to post a job opportunity. You can do this for internships, jobs, and independent contract positions. All your connections will see the job ad.
8. Create a Special Landing Page for Your Website
Anytime you include a link to your offers or your website on LinkedIn, don’t make it generic. Instead, create specialized landing pages that acknowledge where the traffic is coming from.
9. Create and Upload a SlideShare
LinkedIn owns SlideShare. You can go to your profile, click “SlideShare” and then you can upload your slides. Any presentation that you’ve given or information you want to show others will shine on this platform.
Free Guide To Help You Use LinkedIn for Marketing
LinkedIn is the buttoned-up professional social network that focuses on business and not the latest cat video. If you’re a business owner, you should be there. And if you’re there, maximize your use to establish your professional brand.
Your audience is using LinkedIn. This means you can connect with legitimate business leads, expand your circle of influence, grow your business, and improve sales and profits. For more tips and best practices on how to use Linkedin for marketing download my free LinkedIn Marketing Guide.
