How to Use LinkedIn to Promote and Advertise your Business

Introduction: Millions of dollars can be spent on advertising in newspapers, magazines, billboards, television and radio spots to increase brand recognition. Now add to that using Linkedin and see how you can increase your companies name recognition.  Today the social media or networking community which includes Linkedin can be used as a way to gain consumer knowledge of your business.

Business owners and sales people attend networking events every day of the week.  Professional networking groups like BNI, or the local Chamber of Commerce Leads Group, meet to get to know one another and refer business to each other.  Now using social networking will help you increase the amount of people who know what you do and they can read testimonials about you from people who know you, all at the same time. 

Step 1: Sign up for LinkedIn.  Create a personal profile by visiting the LinkedIn website. Complete the profile details with as much information as possible.

Step 2: See if  people you know, initially your existing clients or other people you know in business, are already members of LinkedIn.

Step 3: Invite them to become a member of your LinkedIn network. When they do, ask them if they would be kind enough to write a referral for you, that will then be placed directly on your LinkedIn profile page for everyone who visits your profile page to read.

Step 4: Create a testimonial for people who you know on LinkedIn, whose services you have used.  When you do, they will be asked if they would like to create a ‘reciprocal referral’.  The networking advice has always been “Givers Gain” so by giving referrals to others. Now you are applying the adage to giving testimonials.  As people read about you, if they need your services, they will be more likely to consider using you.  You have gained credibility and trust because someone they respect has spoken highly of you.

Step 5: Reach out to people who you don’t already know, by joining some of the professional groups that are part of LinkedIn.  Participate in discussions so that you increase your visibility and credibility to others.  If your company has been in business for years, but only those people who read your advertisements or  drive by your location, know you, you are less likely to grow your business. 

Step 6: Research people and companies by using the drop down screen at the upper right hand corner.  This combined with having the individuals name and title, can turn into ‘gold mining’ for new contacts that you can introduce your company to who might have a need for what you do. 

Step 7: Take the information you can get from LinkedIn and let it help you build your prospecting pipeline.  You can visit their company website to get their phone number, so you can introduce yourself to them.  If they don’t need your services, they may know someone who could. 

Step 8: Build your own credibility, by giving out your LinkedIn profile page information to anyone who would like to learn more about what you do.    

Comments (2)

djeff37 said:

	... again a good article with solid tips on adverting your business.
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 05, 2011
Votes: +0

Ms Rebecca said:

	... Very useful information! Thanks so much for the tips.
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 20, 2011
Votes: -1