How To Use LinkedIn To Build Your Brand

With all the social networking sites available on the internet today, most of the focus seems to centre on Facebook and Twitter. But no less important in terms of internet marketing is LinkedIn.

Aimed at the professional crowd, LinkedIn allows you to interact with business associates, past employers, and others in your field. It brings the power of a networking event online. Here are just five ways of how to use LinkedIn for branding your business.

1. Search Engines

Your profile on LinkedIn is indexed by search engines. So when an internet user types in a Google search of your personal or business name, your LinkedIn profile is part of the results. Do be sure to completely fill out your profile information, including an image (your company logo is best for branding purposes), details about the type of services you provide, your company’s products, past experience, etc.

2. People Connections

A LinkedIn search is almost like playing an online game of “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”. Find the people you know, the people you want to know, and the people you should contact, then investigate the ways they are interrelated. Chances are you will identify lots of opportunities to use the members of your network in order to reach others.

Don’t forget to look for everyone you may have been associated with in the past, through higher education, former employment, professional association memberships, etc. Everyone who you know is a good contact because you never know how these relationships will bring about further opportunity.

Do ask associates for recommendations. This helps you gain an authoritative and well-trusted status. Give recommendations in return to help with your networking efforts.

3. Sales Prospecting

Update your profile and notify your contacts via a group message. You might want to post something about a new product your company is offering, a professional membership, or an award you have received for outstanding service. These are all excellent, newsworthy titbits that are perfect branding; they are also perfect for using as your virtual foot in the door to set up a sales appointment.

Another way to prospect is to perform an advanced search of posted answers. This provides you an insight into what information potential clients are seeking as well as gives you an idea of opportunities for advancing your brand.

4. Participate With Questions And Answers

A great way to become more involved with other members is to participate in the LinkedIn answers section. Use your knowledge and expertise to answer questions posted by members. This is a wonderful networking opportunity that also helps you get recognised as an authority in your field. Consider posting a question, too. Aim the question at possible clients, asking them such things as “have you found a good provider for xyz services?” or “what needs do you have that are currently not being met by your provider?”

5. Join LinkedIn Groups

Find LinkedIn groups that are related to your industry or the subject matter of your blog or website. Consider going further and join groups that are of interest to your target market. This is a wonderful way to meet new people, including those who may help you gain introductions to potential clients and other members who will help you brainstorm marketing ideas.

If you have been wondering how to use LinkedIn to your marketing and branding advantage, the above five tips will see you well on your way. The site is an excellent resource for sales prospects and networking so use it to the fullest to gain maximum benefit.

Feel free to check out my LinkedIn profile if you are interested in connecting .

Have a most outstanding day.

Sean Rasmussen
Aussie Internet Marketing
www.SeanSEO.com © 2008 - 2012