Why Small Businesses Should Use LinkedIn

Imagine this: your phone or tablet likely has apps for Facebook and Twitter, but LinkedIn might not even be on your radar. If you were to ask those around you—perhaps Tom and Dick—they’d probably share the same sentiment. Meanwhile, Harry might be off playing Angry Birds instead of thinking about LinkedIn.

Many business owners make the same mistake by overlooking LinkedIn in favor of other social networks. What they don't realize is that LinkedIn offers unparalleled opportunities for business owners. It's the most professional social platform that small businesses can leverage, connecting them with like-minded professionals and potential partners.

Unlike Facebook or Twitter, LinkedIn isn't cluttered with selfies or hashtag trends. The interactions here are focused and purposeful, centered around business and professional growth. So, why should you join the LinkedIn community? Because it’s your gateway to achieving your online marketing goals and expanding your audience. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Why LinkedIn is Essential for Small Businesses

Small businesses are missing out by ignoring LinkedIn. While Facebook and Twitter are undeniably massive, LinkedIn offers something unique. It connects you with a network of professionals who share your drive for results, helping you grow your connections and work with others in your industry.

Setting up a LinkedIn profile might seem daunting to some, who’d rather stick to posting blogs and tweets. But think of it this way: being on LinkedIn is like stepping into a candy store where everything is free. There are potential clients, business partners, and service providers waiting for you. LinkedIn can also help you recruit talent, access expert advice, and promote your website. It’s a platform where you can give and receive recommendations, join groups, and enhance your SEO efforts.

LinkedIn: Your New Business Ally

Creating a LinkedIn account is straightforward. The platform offers a step-by-step guide, from filling in your personal details to adding your company information. There are also three packages to choose from—Business, Business Plus, and Executive—each offering different benefits. The Executive package, while the most expensive, provides the broadest range of features.

Once you’re part of the LinkedIn community, the next step is to customize your business page. This page is your virtual storefront where partners, clients, and job seekers will learn about you. Pay attention to every detail—your profile, groups, and more—as each element contributes to the success of your marketing campaign.

Don’t stress about getting everything perfect on your first try. LinkedIn has a handy to-do list that tracks your progress. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, every interaction on LinkedIn is business-oriented, starting with your profile, which acts as your digital business card.

When setting up your profile, include only relevant information, such as your other social media accounts, websites, or blogs. Personal details, like your dog’s birthday, should be left out. LinkedIn also offers a wizard to help you create a company page—think of it as your own personal Merlin for LinkedIn. Start by entering basic business information like a description, workforce size, and industry. Keep it brief and smart, using SEO-friendly keywords to boost your visibility in search results.

The LinkedIn wizard will then guide you through uploading your logo, adding your location(s), and connecting your blog’s RSS feed. Once everything is in place, your page will be ready for the world to see. This is where the real fun begins—your information will be analyzed and displayed, making you more visible in LinkedIn’s search engine and within your industry.

How Small Businesses Benefit from LinkedIn

1. Showcase Your Products and Services

LinkedIn allows you to post your products and services, exposing them to a broader market. The platform even offers a dedicated tab for this, which you can share across other social media networks—talk about efficiency!

2. Attract Business Partners

Once your LinkedIn profile is up and running, you’ll naturally attract professionals interested in what you offer, leading to new partnerships and client opportunities.

LinkedIn Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

To thrive on LinkedIn, there are certain practices you should adopt and others you should avoid:

Dos:

- Answer business-related questions to showcase your expertise.

- Join relevant groups to expand your network.

- Link your status updates to other social media accounts.

- Write recommendations for others to build goodwill.

Don’ts:

- Avoid hard selling; it’s off-putting.

- Don’t dodge questions or use them solely for self-promotion.

- Keep personal content (like cat videos) on platforms like Facebook and stick to intellectual discussions on LinkedIn.

Choosing LinkedIn could be the most strategic decision for your small business. The platform offers numerous benefits beyond those already mentioned. Like any worthwhile endeavor, LinkedIn requires time and effort. If you’re committed to building a standout LinkedIn page, the possibilities are endless. And for those who find the task overwhelming, hiring a social media consultant might be a wise investment—one that’s worth every penny. So, why wait? Start now and watch your business grow!

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