Gaining leads on any platform can be a tiring and time-consuming task, but it’s proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve business development. One platform in particular stands out for its applications in the professional sphere. LinkedIn is, by design, one of the most effective social media platforms for boosting visibility, sales, and brand prominence. Used correctly, it is also a viable source of quality leads.
It’s not just a matter of opening an account, though. It requires careful consideration of your image, your audience, and your message. Read on for a look at what it takes to gather leads in LinkedIn.
Sample LinkedIn page.
LinkedIn is one of the places where first impressions last. People will judge your profile based on the photo you use. For this, it would be better if you got a professional photographer to take a picture of you--no selfies, unless your branding calls for it. Your profile photo will say a lot about what kind of connections you want to attract, which will affect the ones you end up getting.
There is, of course, more to a professional than their photo. Fill out your profile with all the necessary details and more to get people interested in connecting with you. Write an informative summary about who you are and what you’re passionate about. Indicate your achievements, your experiences, the causes you’ve stood up for, as well as certifications, education and affiliations you might have. A few personal details, like hobbies and interests, can also help people get a better idea of who your are behind the numbers and certificates, making you appear easier to connect with.
Think of the people in your network as your audience: everytime you share an update, how many of them will appreciate what you published and how many won’t? Connecting with people in the same industry as yours, or even the industry your business caters to, will increase the chances of people appreciating your updates and the things you share with them. It will also ensure that less gets lost in transition; people in your business will speak the language you do.
Promoting thought leadership is probably one of the trickiest parts of building your profile and network on LinkedIn. You can start by creating a group out of the connections you already have. Segregate them according to their industry type, the kinds of businesses they run, and the topics they might be interested in.
After classifying your connections, prepare the material you’ll be providing. Find out what each group might need help with and tailor your offers to match. It’s also essential that you tend to their needs and questions should they arise. If you give advice that works when followed, then you may be thought of as a thought leader.
Another way to establish yourself is by posting blogs or other resources you have created on LinkedIn Pulse. LinkedIn Pulse is a great way to get word out there and be considered as a reliable resource. It can also boost SEO: whenever you post on LinkedIn pulse, Google can index your content quickly because LinkedIn is considered as a high-authority site. At the end of your content, you can also add a call-to-action or a CTA to drive traffic to your site.
When used correctly, LinkedIn can be your ultimate weapon in boosting lead generation without the help of social media ads. Remember that LinkedIn is a site for professionals who just also want to help each other out, and you’ll be on your way to reeling in those leads.
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