18 Nov 2016
In our last post we explored the benefits of using LinkedIn as part of your business strategy. In this blog we investigate the various ways in which you can engage with people using this popular social media channel.
Having and maintaining various social media accounts can be extremely beneficial for businesses, but only if they are utilised in the right way. Engaging with followers and increasing the number of contacts you interact with will only be achieved if you can capture your target audience’s attention and communicate the right message.
LinkedIn provides various routes to engage with people. These include:
Company pages
Creating a company page allows you to not only increase awareness of your business, but can also link back to your website and other social media channels. Your company page allows you to post news and topical information about recent events and content that you believe will benefit your contacts.
Showcase pages
A showcase page is an ideal way to promote a certain product or service. Such pages allow you to focus on an area of your business that you feel is relevant to a specific target audience. While this does mean that you will have to create a unique following for this page, you will have the benefit of building a reputation as an expert in that particular area. It is not advisable to create showcase pages for everything you provide – just those that justify the additional promotion. That way contacts can really value your offering.
Groups of interest
There are countless groups on LinkedIn that you can join and engage with, all providing you with the opportunity to learn, contribute and lead. Joining a group gives you the chance to connect with a wider audience, expand your personal and business network and also increase your brand’s profile. This is a more personal way of engaging, so it is advisable that you are represented by an individual who can positively reflect your business’s values.
Personal profile
While it is beneficial to keep your business profile updated with the latest information from your firm, it can also be worthwhile to use your personal page to share news with your connections. Potential clients and connections may look at your personal profile, so make sure that it provides a positive and professional image.
Here are some other useful tips to consider when using LinkedIn:
Posting and sharing content
Make sure you post engaging content that is relevant to your connections and audience. Ideally, this should also align with the overall strategy and objectives you have set as a business. The more you post, the more relevant and up-to-date your profile will appear. This will encourage people to look to you for information and advice, helping to forge future business relationships.
Use LinkedIn in conjunction with other social media platforms
You should also consider using other social media channels and look to post consistent messaging across them all. For example, if you feel something is worth posting on LinkedIn, this could potentially be shared on Twitter, even if it directs people to your LinkedIn post. The more you attempt to reach a wider audience, the greater your potential return.
You don’t always have to sell
Don’t think that you always have to sell or push your services or products. The main purpose of LinkedIn is to connect, share and further your knowledge. However, if you are keen to sell or promote a service, you could use ads or sponsored posts, as well as showcase pages, as a way of reaching a wider audience.
When used as part of your wider marketing and business strategy, LinkedIn can prove an effective tool in engaging with your chosen audiences.
Did you know that we offer a social media service exclusively for Practice Track Online customers? We can post daily content on your behalf, to ensure that your profiles are always up to date, whilst encouraging visitors to access your website regularly.
We can also set up and design all of your social media profiles, so that your branding is consistent throughout. For more information, please call 0800 181 343, or email info@practicetrackonline.co.uk
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