Using LinkedIn To Increase Traffic, Leads and Sales

This week, one of my clients was asking how they could make better use of LinkedIn as part of their marketing strategy. As you know, if one person is asking, then there are generally lots of others that would like the same information too.

There are many ways for businesses to reach a wider audience and gain greater exposure in the market place today than ever before. Using internet marketing for online exposure to a global audience is a quick and easy way to get momentum for your home based or small business.

LinkedIn is the largest Social Networking site for Business Professionals looking to do more business. It is possible to attract high quality clients and drive targeted traffic to your website or business opportunity.

Even before Facebook arrived, LinkedIn was already a hit with business people with it’s ability to link professionals in their specific fields with over 150 industries. This continues to make LinkedIn a rapidly growing networking site and an important piece of any marketing strategy.

Currently, LinkedIn boasts of over 120 million members and wonderful features that can help your business succeed in social networking with little effort. Other than building connections, members also have the opportunity to promote their companies, recruit new staff, recommend colleagues, search and add contacts and maintain their business network.

Here are seven helpful tips you can use. consider using them when looking to expand your network.

Create a completed and attractive profile

Initially, you need to establish your own professional profile. Make sure the details you provide are accurate, such as your company name and your real name. People always want to know the person behind a particular company so introduce yourself in an interesting way. It is also best to post a photo of yourself. You can then add your blog, your website links and even your interests to your profile if you wish. Customise your profile to best suit your target market and your marketing strategy.

Build relationships first

After you’ve completed your profile, it’s time to start making friends to build your contact list. An easy place to start is with your personal contacts and people in the same industry. Then move on to connect with those who you think would be beneficial to your business. Avoid being flagged as a spammer by requesting your friends gradually. See who the influencers in your industry are connecting with and follow suit.

Provide valuable and interesting content

Post messages that are of value to other people. Sharing knowledge and tips for success in your area of expertise is a great way to capture people’s attention. no one wants to be sold to. Try to avoid selling your products and services to people upfront. Social networking is about building relationships and getting to know people. As people grow to respect and value your knowledge, they will be the ones to ask you about your business and they’ll contact you when they’re interested about your products and services. Providing tips is a great way to showcase your area of expertise.

Listen rather than talk

Social networking sites are not about “me, myself and I”. It’s about connecting with like minded people and sharing experiences and views that can influence them in a positive way. When you are able to give them amazing value, you’re on your way to gaining their trust and building win:win relationships going forward. Share, don’t sell.

Join group discussions

Being active in group discussions will let people experience your background and expertise. You can provide answers to questions that will get people thinking and help them achieve their goals. This is one effective way of increasing their interest in discovering more about the products and services that you offer. Be proactive and contribute. Spending time commenting in group discussions can be part of your specific marketing strategy.

Share your expertise

Meeting people through social networking sites and sharing ideas can be of great value to your business. I love the internet and I love conversing with people on ways to succeed using the web, I am honoured to be able to share my experiences with so many people.

When you love what you do and happily share your knowledge, people will naturally find you interesting. As this happens, people naturally grow to like and trust you, which provides the opportunity to develop win:win relationships going forward. Seek recommendations and recommend others.

Don’t send too many emails

Be cautious about sending emails to your followers. If you send emails several times a week, chances are you will only discourage people. Always make sure that messages you’re sharing are useful to your followers. Tailor your email frequency to what suits your target market.

Be consistent in what you do on LinkedIn and you will establish a loyal following.

I was thrilled with my results when I began to use the powerful information in LinkedInfluence from the master Lewis Howe, to take things to the next level using LinkedIn.

Remember, Social Networking is essential to your success as a business professional today. LinkedIn is an incredibly effective source for creating profitable business relationships, clients and customers.

Start building your success today.

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