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Using Your Personal LinkedIn Profile to Boost Business

Using Your Personal LinkedIn Profile to Boost Business

With over 500 million users, LinkedIn is a social platform geared towards professionals. The network is designed to promote your business, connect with industry partners or find a job or freelance work.

If you have a B2B business or a business in which networking for clients is important, you should have a profile on LinkedIn. As well as having a business profile, it’s worth setting up a personal LinkedIn page to boost your business. If you haven’t got one or haven’t made use of the site’s features, you’re in the right place. In this article, we look into using your personal LinkedIn profile to boost business and gain exposure.

Setting Up a Personal LinkedIn

Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn isn’t centred around what you had for breakfast or funny memes. As a business owner, it’s a space to interact with potential partners, accumulate referrals and build your client base. While your business profile is important, it’s equally important to have a personal LinkedIn profile set up. This is because people do business with people, and customers like to see the real person or people behind the company.

Your personal profile – and the profile of other employees at the company – work together to build a visual image of your brand. When people search for your business, you want them to find something that sets you apart from your competitors. A personal profile is a great example of this.

Your personal profile is where a first impression is formed, and where potential clients decide whether they can see themselves working with you. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to impress your profile visitors. For best results, make sure your profile is 100% complete and optimise your page over time by adding new achievements, skills and examples of your work.

How to Boost Your Business

Keep Your Profile Up-to-date

For a successful LinkedIn profile, you’ll need to build connections and keep your page updated to show potential customers, clients and partners that you’re easy to contact. The simple approach of keeping your profile up to date can boost your business by creating exposure to people looking for products or services. LinkedIn’s search features allow users to find your profile when they search for a product or service that you offer. Your page also offers introductions to potential customers. They may see your profile in a friend or colleague’s references or connections while searching for a product or service.

Include Testimonials

Your personal page can also display recommendations from others on the network. On your personal profile, you can showcase testimonials for you and your business. These recommendations of your product, service or work ethic provide credibility and encourage new clients to do business with you. Each time you get a glowing review, post it on your page for the world to see.

Post Regular Status Updates

In addition to passive marketing, you can use your personal LinkedIn profile for proactive marketing. For instance, you can post regular status updates to engage new and existing clients. Write about who you’re working for and what you’re working on. Post updates that your target clients and customers would find interesting. Showcase exactly how you help others to achieve their business goals.

Participate in Groups

You can also boost your business by participating in groups. Join a few groups related to your business and interests. Getting involved in discussions can help establish you as an industry expert. Instead of spamming or talking about yourself, answer questions and offer resources that people can trust.

Connect with People in Your Network

Connect with a range of people in your network. You can find people through the search function, through your contacts’ connections or through LinkedIn groups. When you connect with people, send a personalised message to let them know who you are. You never know, they may be able to help you along your business journey in some way. Sometimes, all it takes is the right message at the right time to secure an opportunity.

Use LinkedIn Advertising

LinkedIn advertising can also boost your business. Paid advertising on the network is an option for getting your business in front of potential customers quickly. This can be a great option for business owners that are strapped for time but want to get their brand out there in front of their target audience.

Upgrade to a Paid Membership

Some business owners upgrade to a paid LinkedIn membership. There are various tiers to choose from that provide additional contact options and other perks. Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish, these can be a good fit both new and established businesses. The network offers a free trial of the paid features so you can try them out before committing.

Implement a LinkedIn Marketing Strategy

The final thing to do is to implement a LinkedIn marketing strategy. This can help you to find customers, expand your network and build a professional reputation for your business through your personal profile. Some people add a LinkedIn icon to their website or blog so users can easily find their page and connect with them. From there, you can send a personalised message and build a relationship.

So, there you have it – using your personal LinkedIn profile to boost business. While a business LinkedIn page is worthwhile, a personal page is just as important for marketing purposes. If you don’t have time to implement a LinkedIn marketing strategy, don’t panic. You can passively market your brand just by having an up-to-date profile. If you want to get the most from LinkedIn, follow the tips above for business success.