What is LinkedIn and how do you leverage it for your business?LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically to link and network business professionals online. It’s also a powerful way to meet new potential customers.
Simply put, It can be a great way to find new customers in a B2B environment, providers for services you need, and potential partners.
To do this correctly and reap the best benefits from establishing a marketable presence on LinkedIn, here are a few tips to consider:
#1 Use and Ask for Recommendations
LinkedIn offers you the ability to write recommendations for other associates. By all means, write recommendations for those associates and business connections you feel comfortable recommending. At the same time, enhance your own presence on LinkedIn by asking others to write recommendations for you. These recommendations are a wonderful way to market yourself and your business on LinkedIn.
#2 Ask and Answer Questions
LinkedIn offers a question and answer feature on their website. People post questions and members have the opportunity to post answers or responses to their questions. Answering questions is a valuable marketing opportunity because it gives you the unique chance to highlight your experience and knowledge; to show yourself as an expert in your industry. Asking questions on the other hand allows you connect with other members on LinkedIn.
#3 Use Your Photo
Because LinkedIn is a professional community, experts strongly recommend you include a professional photo of yourself. This photo will help brand you and your business. It’ll also help any networking associates connect and identify with you.
#4 Fully Complete Your Profile
It should go without saying but your profile and your summary need to be top notch. No spelling errors, no grammar errors. This is an opportunity to market yourself and your business. Think of it as your brochure, not a resume! Resumes are boring to read and generally people don’t care. They want to know what value you can offer them. Work hard to create the kind of image you want others to have of you. Start it off with an attention grabbing headline for extra impact!
#5 Don’t forget your website!
LinkedIn, of course, offers you the ability to list your website and/or blog. However, when creating your profile consider this expert tip: Select “other” instead of “website” or “blog” on your profile page. This makes it possible for you to give the link a name, which could be your Company name or marketing message. This tactic helps you create brand awareness, memorability, and a little keyword help when someone is looking online for you by your company name.
Finally, don’t be afraid to brag about your accomplishments. However, when you’re talking about what you have done make sure to phrase it as a value or benefit statement to the viewer. Again, your audience wants to know “what’s in it for me?”
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