LinkedIn has been around for a bit now, but it is fast becoming one of the more popular social networking sites around. This is especially true for those who place high priority on professional branding. Contrary to what I have been hearing from some people, LinkedIn is not solely for personal purposes only. As a matter of fact, businesses can also used LinkedIn for promotional activities.
So how can you use LinkedIn for your business? The first thing that you should do is to reserve your business name. Naturally, you want to use the name that your business is known for, or the name you want to be known as. Once you reserve this name, others cannot use it. That is why you have to be quick about it – you never know if there are other entities in the world that have the same name (this is very much possible).
Another thing that you should do is to browse and explore LinkedIn. Check out your competitors and see if they are already using the tool. If so, observe and see how they are using it, and then analyze. Ask questions. Should you use LinkedIn the same way they are using it? Is there anything different that you can do to give you an edge?
Take advantage of the host of features that LinkedIn offers. For example, did you know that you can encourage people to write down recommendations for your business? Clients, customers, partners – practically everyone – can leave recommendations on your page. This will prove useful as potential customers can gain information PLUS the more recommendations you have, the better your chances of being included at the top of search results.
Don’t wait any longer. Use LinkedIn to promote your business!
Originally posted on October 30, 2009 @ 1:11 pm