Although LinkedIn is generally perceived as a website for professional to network with other, it is also a powerful marketing tool to promote and market your business, however small or large it may be. Here are some essential LinkedIn marketing tips you can use to market your business or your services:

1. Complete Your Profile

Take time to complete your LinkedIn profile with as much detail as you can. Incomplete profiles can result in negative branding.

2.  Create a Company Page

LinkedIn has also introduced a company page section where you can create a listing for your business. This is separate to your personal profile. Here you can provide additional information on your products and services or the people working in the company.

3. Choose Custom URL

Choose a custom URL for your LinkedIn profile e.g. www.linkedin.com/in/your-company-name instead of the default format which is something like www.linkedin.com/pub/72224341col.

4. Use Compelling Headline

Your professional headline is very important as it is displayed prominently below your name even before users choose to view your profile details. A compelling headline will encourage users to read further. Use it to communicate your most important message.

5. Optimise your Profile for Search Engines

Use keywords wisely in your headline and in other content such as summary, experience and Interests to improve your chances of being found on search engines.

6. Promote Your LinkedIn Profile on your Website

Add a LinkedIn link, icon or widget in a prominent place on your website or blog.

7. Cross Promote on Other Social Networks

Cross promote your LinkedIn profile on your other social network profiles.

8. Promote Your Website on LinkedIn

Make sure you include links to your web sites and blogs in your LinkedIn profile. Use custom anchor texts when doing so rather than using default text such as Website or blog.

9.  Add your Blog’s RSS Feed

If you have a blog, make sure to add your blog’s RSS feed to your LinkedIn profile. This will ensure new posts are displayed automatically.

10. Connect with Others

Take steps to connect with others. Ask for recommendations and recommend others.

11. Confirm Friend Requests

Don’t recommend just anyone but there is no harm is accepting all friend requests. Similarly, feel free to send friend requests to others.

12. Leverage Existing Contacts

Take advantage of your existing contacts including friends, business partners or customers and invite them to join your LinkedIn network. Leveraging existing contacts can provide a good start.

13. Promote LinkedIn in Email Signature

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile in your email signature. This is an effective way to expand your network with minimal effort.

14. Join LinkedIn Groups

You can increase your reach manifold by joining groups relevant to your niche as messages are displayed to the entire group.

15. Start Your Own Community

Creating your own LinkedIn group can be one of the best ways to market your business or website. That’s what Lewis Hoves did when he wanted to market his sports business blog.  He started the “Sports Industry Network” group on LinkedIn.  It’s now the largest sports related group on LinkedIn with over 30,000 sports professionals from every major sports company in the world. This now gives him a platform to market and share valuable content with.

16.  Keep Your Profile Fresh.

You will be surprised with how fast your network will grow if you update your profile frequently.

17. Respond Timely

Respond to requests, questions or other postings on your network in a timely fashion. If you have joined a group, send messages to the group once a week.

18. Post questions for others to answer

19. Make Sure Your Profile is Visible on Search Engines

Make sure the box next to “Allow your profile to be viewed in search engines” on the settings page  is checked.

20. Take Advantage of Applications

The advanced applications are designed to help you market yourself better.  If you have products on Amazon, you can use the Amazon app to showcase your products. Similarly, you can use the Events app if you want to promote or organise an event. You can also use Apps to create a poll or syndicate your tweets from Twitter. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion:

LinkedIn is not just a social network for professionals. LinkedIn can be equally effective for promoting and marketing your business. These simple marketing tips can help promote your business and expand your network. I highly recommend that you follow the simple tips discussed above to promote your business and expand your network.

How do you use LinkedIn for your business?

Feel free to leave a comment and share your tips.