Update for 2020: When LinkedIn updated its interface at the start of 2017, it stopped offering LinkedIn Pulse as a separate feature of LinkedIn. It is now simply called ‘Article’ and is integrated into your homepage newsfeed.
Not to worry! The strategy I’ve outlined below still works today, if you follow the step-by-step process. Since becoming an Award-winning speaker, I still get bookings through LinkedIn and I still apply this same strategy to win new business.
Did you know that 98% of LinkedIn active users share content on the largest B2B social network?
LinkedIn is more than just a B2B social network. After LinkedIn was acquired by Microsoft there have been a lot of great changes, but let’s not forget about some of their original features like LinkedIn groups.
I am involved in a number of LinkedIn groups, and find that they are a great way to engage with like-minded entrepreneurs and really understand what my audience WANTS from me.
If you haven’t ventured into LinkedIn groups, here are five ways you can use them to your advantage.
1. Show Your Expertise
LinkedIn groups are a great way to showcase your expertise. Getting involved in discussions and always being present is a great way to drive potential customers back to your LinkedIn profile, and over to your website.
Remember that a potential customer will, on average, “touch” your business seven times before making a purchasing decision so make sure that you are, at every possible opportunity, promote your expertise.
2. Ask Questions And Get Answers
For me, this is one of the biggest reasons why I use LinkedIn groups. I will always jump into groups, and answer questions if it is matched to my online expertise. I will also make sure to ask questions from my target audience inside of LinkedIn, to get their answers and feedback on future products, services, webinars and workshops.
Everything you do online should work towards positioning yourself as a thought leader, and answering questions is a great way to build on this.
3. Promote Engagement Through Content
As well as using LinkedIn Pulse to share content, I will always look at LinkedIn groups as a way to share my latest articles. Whilst it’s important not to over-promote your business inside of groups, sharing content that is relevant to that group.
Think about the content you create, and what will be suitable for the groups you are a member of. Not every piece of content will be relevant, so ask questions to find out exactly what they want to read, and how they want to read. They might just prefer a video or infographic when taking in new information so consider all of the different types of content you can share inside of LinkedIn groups.
4. Increase Your Network
When engaging inside of LinkedIn groups, consider ways in which you can increase your network. All of the above “ways” I have mentioned will attribute to growing your professional network. If you find that certain users are engaging with you, liking your content and asking you questions, they could be a potential customer so send them a personalised request, and follow up with a complimentary 30 minute call to see if you can help them.
5. Build Trust And Authority Through Consistency
The biggest piece of advice I can give you if you are going to get involved in a number of LinkedIn groups would be to stay consistent. If you know that you can only get involved in conversations, or post questions once a month, you will find that you won’t build trust and authority because you are not consistent.
The more engaged you get inside of groups, the more likely people are going to want to ask questions, and if you can’t make the time to answer these questions, then really think about ways you can spend just a few minutes a day staying consistent.
Now that I have taken you through five ways you can use LinkedIn groups for your business, let’s take this one step further.
Join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, 12th February at 19:00 GMT where Social Selling expert Vic Williams and I will be sharing more than 25 years of combined LinkedIn experience to help you be successful in 2020.
In just 90 minutes, Vic and I will help you optimise your profile and content to take it to the next level and ensure success, and will be sharing the latest, most up-to-date strategy to be successful.
Why is this for me?
- Get to the TOP of LinkedIn for your specific keywords in less than 60 seconds
- How to position yourself as a trusted EXPERT everyone wants to work with
- Build your LinkedIn network with QUALITY business connection
- Learn 3 SECRET LinkedIn features you didn’t know about
- How to build and grow your PERSONAL brand
- How to turn LinkedIn CONVERSATIONS into hot leads and paying clients
- The top 5 MISTAKES most LinkedIn users make (and how you can avoid them)
- Design and implement a networking STRATEGY
Register today to learn how the top executives on LinkedIn get the most out of their profile and content.
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