Fourth in Series: 10 Tips for Getting Started with LinkedIn for Business

By Jason McClain | August 14, 2016 | 0 Comment

Getting Started with Linkedin for Business

LinkedIn for business is a bit of an enigma to a lot of people simply because it doesn’t work like Facebook or Twitter. If you are a B2B, or business to business company, LinkedIn is a must because it is hands-down the best platform for building B2B connections. More than 50% of businesses that promote their products and services on LinkedIn are procuring sales through the social network. That’s huge! So, now that I have your attention, let’s get on LinkedIn for business!

1. Invest time in your profile.

Like most social media networks, a business page cannot stand alone. So, in order to get LinkedIn for business, you need to create a profile first. A profile is your personal page on LinkedIn, and it’s a lot like an online resume on steroids. Invest time and build quality pages with the information your customers are looking for.

2. Craft a compelling headline.

Your headline appears below your name next to your photo on your profile. It is basically a 120-character sales pitch and one of the most important elements of your LinkedIn profile. Make it count.

3. Connect with EVERYONE.

Once you’ve fleshed out your pages, start connecting. LinkedIn for business will recommend contacts for you via their “people you may know” feature, and you can also import them from your email clients.

4. Trade recommendations and endorsements.

Recommendations are like testimonials on LinkedIn. If you work closely with a contact on LinkedIn for business, ask them for a recommendation in return for one.

Endorsements are skills and interests you’ve included in your profile. For example, blogging, Internet marketing, SEO, and PPC advertising are examples of endorsements. Your colleagues can endorse your skills and interests which basically means they are vouching for you in that area of expertise. Both of these elements fill out your LinkedIn profile nicely.

5. Add a company page.

This is what makes LinkedIn for business. Your company page is all about your company/business. Optimize your page with your logo and keywords. Don’t forget to add a header as well. These pages tend to rank high in Google when done right. Follow LinkedIn’s own instructions for some help.

6. Put a LinkedIn icon on your website.

Let everyone know you’re on LinkedIn for business and that it’s a place where they can find out more about your company, contacts, and news. That icon lets people know they can connect with you on LinkedIn.

7. Post updates.

Much like Facebook, you can post updates to LinkedIn. If your business generates content from a blog or videos, you definitely will want to share those updates with your audience as a part of your LinkedIn strategy.

8. Showcase your products and services.

Share what you’re about. Create thoughtful posts about your products and services so your connections know who your business is and what it does. Answering questions and solving problems in your industry is a great way to gain attention on social media.

9. Build and engage your network.

As your page begins to accrue a following on LinkedIn for business, interact with your audience and engage them in meaningful discussion. Answer their questions and make them feel involved with your business.

10. Make sales and recruit.

Depending upon the nature of your business, LinkedIn for business can serve a variety of functions. Whether you are looking to make sales or expand your company, LinkedIn can help you get it done through their unique platform.

Wrap Up

Are you on LinkedIn for business? How is it working for you? I would love to hear more about it in the comments! There are so many avenues to reach customers these days in the online space. Use every path you can to further your business. The more your put out, the more you get in return.

 

 

 

 

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