Thanks to people like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and the “PayPal Mafia,” (just to name a few), we have beautiful phones and visually stunning places to go and hang out – all on the web. This is great (I guess).  And as small business owners, the number one question might be:  “Great.  Social Media…how do I use this to make money for my business?” Social platforms, like Facebook and LinkedIn (and now one of our personal favorites-Pinterest), have come on the scene – and all of our customers now literally live in them.

They’re no long rooming the shopping malls or browsing mailed catalogs.  No, they’re up at 2 am watching YouTube! videos and at daylight on Facebook (if they can get away with it) or LinkedIn (which everyone finds time for (ahem… ‘excuses‘).  As a digital media agency specializing in all things social media – we’re thrilled (of course).   And keeping up with the blizzard of changes one finds in these ecosystems can be daunting.

Take LinkedIn for example.  Nearly 400 million people can be found day in and day out “networking,” “conversing” (via group memberships), and gracefully (read: discretely) taking a pulse on career opportunities.

As a social platform, LinkedIn has its critics.   The common perception (and rep) is that it’s a professional job or corporate networking platform and therefore a platform not suited to business development.  And if you are among those who believe this, you be mistaken and are likely missing out on one of the best platforms for reaching customers for your products or services.   Small business owners take note:  it’s worth your while to add LinkedIn to your marketing strategy.

Here are 8 Epic stats that we think you will find compelling:

Our advice:  Get started by taking a few small steps – But GET STARTED.  We timed it:  It takes about 10-minutes to set up a basic profile (for the company), about twice this for a good CEO/Owner profile (nice photo, well thought-through, and interesting bio.  Oh, and did we mention a “nice photo?”), and maybe 5 to 10-minutes to search for and find 1 or 2 groups to join.

So, within 24 hours:

With just a little investment of time and effort, you’ll gain traffic to your digital assets, engage in meaningful conversations, and most importantly, create valuable leads for your business. *Image Source

FAQs:

1. What is LinkedIn and why is it important for small business owners?

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows individuals and businesses to connect, build relationships, and share industry insights. It is especially important for small business owners as it provides opportunities to expand their professional network, find potential clients or customers, showcase their expertise, and establish credibility in their respective industries.

2. How can small business owners optimize their LinkedIn profiles for maximum visibility?

To optimize your LinkedIn profile, ensure that your profile is complete with an enticing headline, a professional photo, and a well-crafted summary that highlights your business and its unique value proposition. Utilize relevant keywords in your profile, connect with industry professionals, actively engage in LinkedIn groups, share valuable content, and regularly update your profile to stay visible to potential connections.

3. How can small business owners gain traction and expand their network on LinkedIn?

Building a strong LinkedIn network requires actively engaging with others on the platform. Connect with industry peers, existing clients, and potential prospects. Engage with their posts by commenting and sharing valuable insights. Join relevant LinkedIn groups and contribute to discussions. Participate in virtual events and webinars hosted on LinkedIn. By consistently engaging and providing value, you can grow your network and attract new opportunities.

4. What type of content should small business owners share on LinkedIn?

On LinkedIn, small business owners should share content that is relevant to their industry and target audience. This can include informative articles, industry news, case studies, success stories, professional insights, and tips or advice related to their niche. Visual content, such as infographics or videos, can also be effective in capturing attention and driving engagement on the platform.

5. How can small business owners use LinkedIn to generate leads and grow their businesses?

LinkedIn offers several features and tools that can be leveraged to generate leads. Business owners can utilize LinkedIn’s advanced search options to identify and connect with potential leads. Engaging in conversations and sharing valuable insights can position you as an industry expert and attract potential clients or customers. Additionally, LinkedIn’s advertising platform can be used to reach a targeted audience and promote your products or services.