LinkedIn is a very powerful platform to build your professional reputation. A lot of business people or executives use it for recruitment purposes.
But did you know you can actually use LinkedIn for B2B marketing?
It’s an effective and cost-efficient tool to get your startup noticed and network or partner with the right people. It’s a great platform to meet people whom you can help and can also help your business grow.
Not yet convinced that you should take your LinkedIn game to the next level? Here are just some of the reasons you should for the sake of your business.
Your target market is there.
One of the most important rules in marketing is to know where your target market is at. And since LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking, you can bet your desired market is right there! Unlike Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, where people expect personal socialization; people in LinkedIn are actually looking to be sold to or are up for business partnerships.
Think about this, where are you most likely to earn more by selling drinking water? Would it be in a mall or in a marathon? People strolling in malls won’t have much need for water, but people in marathons certainly do! Likewise, people on Facebook aren’t always looking for professional networking, but people in LinkedIn are definitely searching for that.
Easy to filter
Another good thing about LinkedIn is that you can easily search for the kind of people you are specifically looking for. Around what age are your target markets? Where do they live? What kind of jobs do they have? Is your product or service gender-specific?
You can easily network with your specific target market by using LinkedIn’s filter. The more specific the kind of audience you want to have, the better. This way, you will be able to create content that will resonate better with them.
Builds your credibility
Do you know how some people would trust you better if someone they know vouched for you? Well, this can also happen through LinkedIn. You can ask people you’ve worked with to vouch for a specific skill you are highlighting in your profile. You can also ask them for recommendations and good reviews to build your professional reputation.
We know the power of testimonials and reviews in the online world. We swear by it when we look for products, services, accommodations, food, and the like. So just think of all the wonders glowing reviews from highly-trusted individuals can do for your business!
Allows you to build your brand
How do you really want people to see you or your company? Do you want to be seen as trustworthy? Do you want your company to be family-friendly? Do you want to be seen as number one?
Then spruce up your profile and share content! LinkedIn, much like Facebook, allows you to create status updates and also share content – be it original or re-shared from other people’s accounts. Use this feature to introduce yourself to the world according to how you want to be seen. If you want to be family-friendly, create or share content that would benefit families. If you want to build trust, then be willing to help out without expecting anything in return.
Use your LinkedIn voice to build the kind of image you want.
Lets you keep long-term relationships
LinkedIn is still a social platform and therefore allows you to keep in contact with your network. Like with Facebook, LinkedIn allows you to keep in touch and see what’s going on with people you’ve connected with. If you’ve conversed with people before and already closed deals with them, you won’t have to end the relationship just because the service had been served.
If you consistently post content, they’ll still see it and they will still know your business is pretty much active. You’ll also be seeing updates from them if they are also active on LinkedIn. Plus, you can easily message each other in case other opportunities that might benefit one or both parties come up. Consistent connection also increases the likelihood of repeat customers.
LinkedIn is a free platform and even the upgrades are at a reasonable price. It’s a very effective tool to grow your business. So what’s keeping you from using?
Go ahead and sign up and see the wonders it can do for your startup!