LinkedIn is predominantly a business-oriented social media site and as such less appealing than as Facebook or Twitter where people join for fun. LinkedIn is decidedly serious by comparison – resulting in far fewer users than other social networks.
But if your business wants to create effective lead generation, then overlooking LinkedIn can be a major mistake. That’s because, as stated earlier, LinkedIn is where business happens online. Here are 6 tips to help your business to effectively generate leads.
- Needless to say, your business needs a compelling profile, a profile that supports your lead generation efforts and not just any profile. Make sure you complete the entire profile though it may be more time-consuming on LinkedIn than on other social networks. Also, ensure you make good use of the section below your name by using appropriate keywords. Fill out your summary sections using active words (and keywords) and highlighting accomplishments.
- Remember, online users are very visual, so include powerpoint presentations, videos, and other elements to create visual interest. Unless you’re a major business leader, it is recommended that you keeping your LinkedIn profile pretty open. Remember, you’re using LinkedIn for lead generation, so the more people who can connect with you, the better.
- It is imperative that you create your own groups and/or join groups appropriate to your business. Please know that groups convert at higher rates than other places on LinkedIn. Groups give you opportunities to connect with leaders and potential customers in your industry. Besides, groups provide discussions that keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in your industry and allow you to emerge as a leader.
- It is said Content is King. Provide interesting and informative content. Content is the key to any social media strategy and LinkedIn is no exception. And, just like other social networks, refrain from blatantly selling in the content posted. Instead, post content your prospects find valuable — how to’s, news, trends, research. Creating posts that ask questions then sharing the results is a great tool for engaging folks on LinkedIn.
- Build your social networks – after all that is your purpose being on social networks. Building your social network is critical for success in using LinkedIn for lead generation. Do not accept LinkedIn’s default invitation. Use hand-crafted LinkedIn invitations that remind the invitee of how you’re connected. The first step in building your social network is to invite your email contacts to join your network.
- Using LinkedIn for lead generation also involves engaging influencers. Just because someone joined your network, doesn’t mean you have the right to spam them. Spamming has become lately a great problem in LinkedIn. As complaints grow, LinkedIn will strongly enforce its terms of service that prohibit spam. Act proactively by avoiding spam or your account may be suspended. When you find good prospects, invite them to connect then share great content with them.