Against common stereotypes, LinkedIn is not only for the young adult looking to step into the job market or the already established professional looking for a career switch. LinkedIn for business is becoming one of the most powerful tools on the marketplace. Lead generation, industry connections, brand awareness as well as network and partnership opportunities are all potential growth opportunities from using LinkedIn for business. Unlike other channels, LinkedIn is a social network for professionals where directly marketing, selling, or spamming your business through posts, ads and images is looked down upon. Users come to the platform for a real life, professional digital experience. Due to the uncommon structure of the network, and completely different audience, your approach to using LinkedIn for business is going to greatly differ from that of your other social outlets.
Content: Quality not Quantity
When it comes to using LinkedIn for business, it is important to remember you are working with a group of professionals most of which are using the platform to grow their network or business. Opposite of channels such as Facebook or Twitter where your main goal may be creating viral content, selling your brand, or enjoying social leisure, using LinkedIn for business is about becoming a certified problem solver and job coach. Quality content can be easily targeted and pinpointed to those who are going to actually use it turning you into a thought leader in your industry. When people begin to trust you as a source of value, they then become of more value to you generating current or future leads from a qualified marketplace to your business.
Viral is the Goal
The ability to directly post to your LinkedIn business page can be the most valuable tool they have to offer when it comes to using LinkedIn for business. When a piece of your content begins to build some traction, LinkedIn will spotlight your post in the appropriate category allowing potentially thousands of others to view your content that may have never seen it. If all goes well, you have now brought in all these new readers as followers, web traffic and qualified leads.
Targeting fit for a King
While channels such as Facebook or Twitter do allow you to target and audience when promoting ads, pages or posts, the pinpointing abilities when using LinkedIn for business surpass any other channel by a longshot. You are able to control who your content is distributed to by industry, company size and even job role. Basically allowing you to build a specific buyer persona for each piece of content you are unveiling. Being assured that your work is being most efficiently optimized is a great feeling.
Become an Email Marketing Shark
Having recently launched a new monthly newsletter, The Chubby Gazette, we are very familiar with the power of email marketing and when it comes to using LinkedIn for business, they supply you with a powerful tool to help nurture and grow that contacts list. LinkedIn allows you to message 50 people at a time, with a “semi customized” message in which you can thank them for joining your network and politely invite them to join your email marketing list. Inform your readers of how joining your list can be beneficial them, even offer to view content of theirs, much like a #followforfollow campaign.
Empower your Employees
As we’ve discussed, using LinkedIn for business is much different than doing so with other channels, however it is important to remember that when all else taken away, it is still a SOCIAL media channel. When a person or brand knows who they are working with and are able to build trust and relationships with the members who create that team, they are much more prone to doing business. Encourage your employees to create their own LinkedIn pages if they do not already have them, and link them back to the company page. Offering a professional photographer to shoot their profile pictures is never a bad idea. (That awkward cropped photo does not look all that great)
Stay Relevant
With these new found Fat Guy Media social media marketing tips and tricks, you are ready to dive into the world of using LinkedIn for business. Last but not least, it is important to remember that you need to stay relevant. You have new found business connections and potential leads, keep them familiar with your face and name by providing them with a daily status update on your page, or a weekly blog covering highlighted topics. Not everyone is ready to pull the trigger on new business ventures immediately, but when the time comes, this is a great way to be sure you are at the top of their contacts list. Using LinkedIn for business has become a leader in the world of professional networking and business development. Used to prospect, hire, connect, and grow by millions around the globe. Nobody likes to be the last person to the party, especially when the party is changing by the minute and playing a role in the future of your brand. For more social media ideas, tips, and tricks take a look at our Fat Guy Media library by visiting us at www.fatguymedia.com/blogs . 