Social Media Ann Arbor: LinkedIn

Every social media site can be used for business in some way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, etc, all have ways to help businesses grow and communicate with customers. Google+ is especially making an effort.

But, only one major player in social media is designed solely for professional use. And that, of course, is LinkedIn. While the other sites can do a lot for your business (and you should be using most of them), LinkedIn is built from the ground up for employers, employees, job seekers, and members of professional industries.

1. How is it different?

LinkedIn stands out because of the fact that you can you can show job openings, review applications, search for talent, network with businesses, and join groups that are relevant to your business. Frankly, no other social media platform comes close to these features. Because of this strictly professional nature, LinkedIn can be a great way to boost Business-to-Business (B2B) sales and client relations, and find employees as well.

2. Why is it better?

Using LinkedIn’s groups allows you to speak with other members of your industry about topics that are important to your company, and can quickly establish you and your business as experts in your field. It also allows your business to have a more dedicated audience that you know is interested in your subject, and will have a much better reason to read what you post, and be more engaged. Posting an article about changing trends in the steel industry may not grab much attention to your followers on Twitter, but that same article sent to a group of like-minded people in the industry has a lot of potential for success.

3. So how do you use it?

For the previous reasons, we recommend that you have both a personal and business account. Being the business owner, you are the face of your business, and people will want to network with a person, not a business. The professional nature of LinkedIn means that not only should your business page post and gain followers, but you should as well. It’s a great way to certify your expertise in your field, and to gain connections with potential customers, fellow business owners, and other leaders in your industry.

4. What else should you know?

LinkedIn also has a premium option which offers a lot more opportunities. You get a much wider look into connections, who has been viewing your profile, and get better search results. The standard LinkedIn account is free for everyone, so why not give it a try?

Looking for More?

If you’re looking for more social media tips, come check out the rest of our articles under Social Media Ann Arbor. We have great tips on social media management, writing for the web, and anything else your business needs online. And don’t forget to sign up for the “7 Essential SEO Tasks You Can Do Right Now” to make your website show up on Google! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your business’s online presence, give us a call! Our number is 877-815-6974, or you can contact us at SEOAnnArbor.com.