When is the last time you were on LinkedIn? Maybe it’s been a while. While you were gone, LinkedIn has distinguished itself as the best business networking site. It’s not just for resumes, though that’s part of it. LinkedIn is a place where businesses and individuals show their most professional side. It’s an often overlooked way your small business can develop a deeper online presence.
Here are 4 reasons your small business should have a LinkedIn profile:
1. Spread Your Online Presence
For most companies, their LinkedIn page turns up on the first page of Google. That’s great news for your SEO. A LinkedIn company profile is like a business listing. This is a chance for you to show off your company.
The audience on LinkedIn is different than Google, however. It’s worth considering how you can cater your business profile to this professional audience. Remember, people on LinkedIn aren’t just potential customers – they’re future employees, co-workers, investors, and mentors.
There are a few different things you can specify about your business on LinkedIn such as
- Number of employees
- Year founded
- Industry
- Specialities
- Company description
This will give people insight into your business. It adds another level of trust for customers who research your company.
2. Reach a Different Audience than on Other Social Networks
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great for reaching a mass audience. Nearly everyone uses one or more of those platforms. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is a more niche, professional audience. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are to Buzzfeed what LinkedIn is to The Wall Street Journal. One is for the kids, the other is for professionals.
LinkedIn engagement is generally lower than other social platforms, but higher quality. For example, we might get a handful of likes on a LinkedIn post compared to 50 on an Instagram post. However, we’ve found that LinkedIn drives more traffic to our website than any other social media. There’s a few reasons why. First, we only post updates from our blog or press. That’s far different from our other social media where we post daily and a bit more casually.
Second, the LinkedIn audience grows with every like. If someone from your network likes your company update, that engagement is seen by their own network. With just a few likes, your company’s post reaches a larger audience. We’ve found that a single like gives us about 100 more impressions. That’s amazing reach!
3. Support Your Employees
A LinkedIn page is a worthwhile investment for your employees. Personal LinkedIn accounts can list their previous and current work experience. While an employee works for your company, they can help drive traffic to your business profile. By listing you as their employer, liking and sharing content, and expanding their network, your company benefits directly. Any person who looks at one of your employees will also see information about your business.
You’ll also provide a better foundation for your past employees to build upon. When future employers see a legit company listed on their previous experience, they get a better insight into the person and their skills and abilities. It can help your employees see you’re invested in their future.
4. Hire Better Employees
We’ve said this before, but LinkedIn is all about professionalism. When it comes to hiring, LinkedIn can be a great resource. LinkedIn job postings are a great way to find qualified candidates for jobs you’re trying to fill. Posting a job ad will also drive traffic to your LinkedIn profile and increase your online presence.
You can expect LinkedIn job applicants to be a little different than other platforms. It’s likely that they have their own LinkedIn profile. Not only is that a sign of engagement, but it gives you some information to look into. You’ll never know if a candidate is a perfect fit, but this helps narrow your pool.
Your business profile on LinkedIn demands less upkeep than Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Your audience expects fewer updates on LinkedIn than on other social media platforms. It will take you 10 minutes to set up a free company profile. LinkedIn is a major player in online presence. Use it to your advantage!
