1. Status Updates—With Caution
You can let your connections know what’s going on with your business without posting updates that say “15% off of EVERYTHING in the store TODAY ONLY!!! Visit us from 9-5:30 at our downtown location for a GREAT DEAL!” Subtlety is key. Say something like “Busy getting the store ready for today’s big event! You’re all invited”—then give the hyperlink to the event information. Don’t make it an everyday occurrence. You should try to update your status with interesting information or even the hyperlink to your latest blog post (or even…ahem…someone else’s).
2. Create a Business Profile.
You’re on LinkedIn…but is your business? Create a business profile that gives interested parties your company’s important information (including your website url). Your employees can connect to the profile, proving that you are their employer (and giving you the chance to make sure their profiles aren’t defamatory regarding your business in any way). If others (such as customers) like your business, they can begin to “follow” your business profile, which provides them with updates as to your company’s goings-on on LinkedIn.
3. Start a Discussion.
Have something you’re dying to say? Want the opinion of colleagues or even other companies? Start a discussion on LinkedIn, then let people know about it via a status update! Everyone loves to give input…let them do so, then thank them all, with a mention of what you’d like to do with the information. In other words say “Thank you for your opinions! Based on what was said here, I’m going to write a blog regarding (whatever the discussion was about)—check it out at [insert your blog url here].
4. Advertise.
LinkedIn offers targeted (paid) advertising that you should be using to your advantage, especially if your client base is very likely to be on LinkedIn (such as a b2b company).
So, what’s your take? Have you used LinkedIn in any new ways to promote your business? We’d love to hear your ideas. Leave a comment below!
