how to use linkedin for your business
DESCRIPTION
We'll show you how to set up a LinkedIn account and use this powerful social media marketing tool to promote your business and engage with prospects.TRANSCRIPT
How to Use LinkedIn for Your Business
Why LinkedIn?
LinkedIn has much in common with Facebook, but it's devoted solely to business.
The average age of users is 41 (Hubspot). It's a powerful networking tool for landing a
job, hiring new employees, or building exposure for your business.
Groups and Answers are great features for demonstrating your expertise.
It's free!
Sign-Up Basics
Sign-up is quick and easy. Simply enter your basic information,
tell the site who you want to find and how you want to be found, and start adding connections with colleagues, friends, and classmates.
Setting Up Your Profile Page
Before you start adding connections, build your profile page.
This is what people will see when they search for you.
Start by importing your resume.
Setting Up Your Profile Page
Your profile page is meant to sell you to potential connections and provide detailed background info.
Add links to websites, blogs, and Twitter accounts.
Use various application options to accentuate your profile.
Micro-Blogging
Post status updates just as you would on Twitter or Facebook.
Share links, especially links to new blog articles you've written.
Copy updates to your Twitter account.
Your Connections
Use the toolbar in the top right corner to search for people, companies, groups, and more.
Or click on “Add connections” to find people through former employers, schools, e-mail contacts, and more.
Recommendations
Give and receive recommendations to boost credibility.
Think of these as short testimonials or endorsements.
Offer to do a recommendation exchange.
Apps You Can Use
Accentuate your profile with various applications: Blog Link Google Presentation WordPress Polls Events Portfolio Display
Note: The number of applications you can feature on your profile page is limited to 15.
Company Pages – New!
In addition, to a personal profile, you can add a “Company” profile.
Add employees Post Jobs List
Products/Services Check analytics
Groups
LinkedIn Groups are perhaps the site's most powerful tool for businesses.
Create your own group and join others in your industry.
Post discussion questions and generate conversations.
Attract new members, make new connections.
Start Your Own Group
It's quick, easy, and free. Check to see what other groups are in your
industry. Decide if there's a specific niche your group can focus on.
Pick a name that reflects this niche. Or use your company name.
Make your group enticing to new members. Use keywords in your description. Promote it (e-mail signature, website,
blog...)
Answers
Answers are a great way to get feedback and to demonstrate expertise.
Work within categories specific to your industry/career.
Get ratings for your answers and be listed as an “expert.”
Keys to Success
Like everything else, the time you put into it drives success.
This isn't a numbers game. Choose your connections wisely.
Though this is all done online, don't forget that LinkedIn is still about building human relationships. There's still no substitute for meeting with people in person.
And don't spam!
For More Help...
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