While we all know the benefits of using LinkedIn when it comes to networking or looking for jobs, many business owners underestimate this social network’s power when it comes to promoting their business. Your company should have its own page on the site, of course, but there are a number of other ways to use LinkedIn to drum up new business and build important industry connections. Some of these strategies include:
Provide original content
You’re probably promoting your company’s blog on Facebook and Twitter, but you should be adding it to LinkedIn too. Use posts that have been particularly successful to create a range of high-quality materials on your company page. When you prove that you’re aware of industry trends and can speak eloquently about them, you might earn a second look from a potential client or business partner.
Participate in LinkedIn groups
In order to truly stand out on LinkedIn, you have to do more than just shamelessly promote your own content and developments. Join a few relevant LinkedIn groups, and contribute to discussions within these groups. Do a quick search to find groups that are talking about things that matter to you and your business. Then join them and add relevant thoughts, share links to useful articles, and connect with other people in the group. This helps to establish you as a presence within the industry, and shows other influencers that you’re able to speak intelligently about important issues.
Give a behind-the-scenes look at your company
In order to make your business stand out on LinkedIn, you want to provide some information about what separates you from the rest of the pack. Post about company events or community service efforts. Write about unique features within your organization (an on-site day care, for example) and illustrate why people love to work for you. Giving your business a personality instead of just a profile is a great way to earn interest from potential clients and partners.
Post frequently
If you want to develop a presence online, particularly on LinkedIn, you’ll need to be consistent with your postings. A conversation is happening every day on this site, and you should be part of it. Posting sporadically makes this hard to do. No matter how busy you are, make it a point to post regularly and stay involved in ongoing dialogues.
Don’t be shy
If you find someone particularly intriguing on the site, don’t be shy about asking for an introduction or introducing yourself. Whether it’s a potential new employee or a client, reach out and say hello. Don’t be abrasive or overbearing, but feel free to try to foster that relationship. Start by complimenting them on something they do well, or bring up something they’ve said during a group discussion.
Ask for recommendations
Recommendations are a great way to earn new business, so make sure that you ask satisfied clients if they might write you one on LinkedIn. This can help give potential customers confidence in your business, prompting them to contact you when they’re in need of your services. Be smart about asking for recommendations though. Never pressure a client, and respect their busy schedule. Make sure to show your sincere appreciation when they do write a recommendation. Their sentiments don’t need to be long to be impactful.
While establishing a company page on LinkedIn is helpful, a more in-depth approach to the platform helps to maximize its effectiveness for your business. Use it to foster new relationships, earn praise from past clients, and contribute to important industry discussions. Need help getting your business established on LinkedIn? The team at Grammar Chic can walk you through the process, getting you comfortable with this important form of social media. Contact us at 803-831-7444 or visit our site at www.grammarchic.net.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.