It’s not quite Facebook and it’s not quite Twitter; it’s light years away from Google + and it laughs in the face of MySpace. LinkedIn is different from other social platforms in the sense that most people use it for professional purposes – such as networking, job searches and demonstrating their career goals and achievements – instead of personal ones.
While LinkedIn offers similar small business marketing benefits to other social platforms, it’s often overlooked by SMBs. Some are unsure of whether it’s right for them; others are confused about how to best reach the platform’s professionally-minded audience. If you’re considering setting up a LinkedIn page for your small business (or you’re on the fence), here are some common Q&As about how to promote your small business on LinkedIn.
1. I already have a social media presence; why should I use LinkedIn?
LinkedIn can act as a hub for the different spokes of your small business marketing. When someone searches your company’s LinkedIn page, they’ll get a feel for your company and its products or services. They’ll also see links your company blog (if you’re posting there!) and endorsements from customers.
2. How do I make LinkedIn work for my small business?
Keep your company page up-to-date and post regular updates! Inaccurate or outdated information is like a digital dead-end sign in the social media world. You should also join relevant LinkedIn Groups that have members who might be interested in your company’s products or services, as well as groups that are pertinent to your company. For instance, if you’re a cloud solutions IT company, you might want to join LinkedIn’s Cloud Computing Group. Encouraging your employees, clients, and partners to maintain their own presence (and link it back to yours!) on LinkedIn is another way to utilize the platform. You’ll benefit from their network as much as they benefit from yours.
3. Are there any drawbacks to using LinkedIn to promote my small business?
LinkedIn is an amazing site for small business, but it’s not without its disadvantages. Keeping all your information up-to-date and maintaining a fresh and controlled presence can be time consuming. Don’t let this scare you, though! You can do it, and if you don’t have the time, or want to deal with the hassle, Mischa Communications can help! We offer affordable, tailored social media solutions for small businesses that will enable you to reap the benefits of LinkedIn without the headaches!
For more information on how Mischa Communications can help your business maximize the small business marketing benefits of LinkedIn and other social platforms, give us a call at 202-596-7804 or send us an email.