LinkedIn is a social media site for professional networking. It's useful for connecting to other businesses and professionals, but it can also be used to build a stronger link with your customers and it certainly helps you to get in touch with new ones. LinkedIn Groups is a feature that provides an opportunity create this type of customer connection.
A group is basically an online forum that you can join or create and manage through LinkedIn. Like a forum, it should be about a topic that's of concern to your customers. It shouldn't necessarily be about your business or products unless that's what they're discussing.
Being Part of the Group to Gather Advice
One of the best ways to get ideas for your group is to join several and see how they work. You'll discover things you like and don't like, and you can use this to create your own group. You'll see how they work from inside and also find ways to make your group unique. Once you've set up your group, start by brainstorming topics your customers care about. If possible, base your group topic around challenges they face or areas where they need help and your expertise would help them.
With this, you can now create the group using your LinkedIn profile. The name of your group should have a meaning that is easy to understand and it should be able to convey what it has in store. You can opt to have it as an open or closed group. A closed group is more private and can only be participated in by others via direct link.
Spamming and Self-Promoting
Establish clear guidelines for your group. Make it a place for interaction among like-minded people, not a place for promoting and spamming. Unfortunately, many people join LinkedIn Groups only to promote their website or business. In your guidelines, warn that this isn't allowed.
Do your best to manage and prevent spamming. Try to monitor the discussions carefully. If in case you have discovered some violations, delete their posts and give them a warning. If they do not stop, remove them from the group.
Another way to manage this is to create a sub-group for promotions. Those who want to promote their site or business can do so here instead of in the main forum.
LinkedIn Groups Most Notable Practices
It's good to set up the group so that you must approve all new members. This is another measure that will cut down on spammers. Send each new member that is accepted an email welcoming them, telling them what the group is all about, and offering your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you.
Set aside some time each day to monitor the group. Starting it is just the first step. You'll need to be present not just to delete inappropriate posts but also to give it a personal touch.
Do constant interaction with members of the group. Be positive and amiable. You need to initiate discussions and offer your services anytime. Your being personable, friendly and being of good service are the factors that make people join your group.
Take an active role in getting new members. Search LinkedIn profiles for people who may benefit from your group and invite them. Make it a personalized invitation and not a canned message.
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with sharing your articles, info and press releases with your own group. Do you have some cute new plush coming out for the holidays? Do a press release and share it with your groups. You'll be amazed at how your business will grow.
A group is basically an online forum that you can join or create and manage through LinkedIn. Like a forum, it should be about a topic that's of concern to your customers. It shouldn't necessarily be about your business or products unless that's what they're discussing.
Being Part of the Group to Gather Advice
One of the best ways to get ideas for your group is to join several and see how they work. You'll discover things you like and don't like, and you can use this to create your own group. You'll see how they work from inside and also find ways to make your group unique. Once you've set up your group, start by brainstorming topics your customers care about. If possible, base your group topic around challenges they face or areas where they need help and your expertise would help them.
With this, you can now create the group using your LinkedIn profile. The name of your group should have a meaning that is easy to understand and it should be able to convey what it has in store. You can opt to have it as an open or closed group. A closed group is more private and can only be participated in by others via direct link.
Spamming and Self-Promoting
Establish clear guidelines for your group. Make it a place for interaction among like-minded people, not a place for promoting and spamming. Unfortunately, many people join LinkedIn Groups only to promote their website or business. In your guidelines, warn that this isn't allowed.
Do your best to manage and prevent spamming. Try to monitor the discussions carefully. If in case you have discovered some violations, delete their posts and give them a warning. If they do not stop, remove them from the group.
Another way to manage this is to create a sub-group for promotions. Those who want to promote their site or business can do so here instead of in the main forum.
LinkedIn Groups Most Notable Practices
It's good to set up the group so that you must approve all new members. This is another measure that will cut down on spammers. Send each new member that is accepted an email welcoming them, telling them what the group is all about, and offering your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you.
Set aside some time each day to monitor the group. Starting it is just the first step. You'll need to be present not just to delete inappropriate posts but also to give it a personal touch.
Do constant interaction with members of the group. Be positive and amiable. You need to initiate discussions and offer your services anytime. Your being personable, friendly and being of good service are the factors that make people join your group.
Take an active role in getting new members. Search LinkedIn profiles for people who may benefit from your group and invite them. Make it a personalized invitation and not a canned message.
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with sharing your articles, info and press releases with your own group. Do you have some cute new plush coming out for the holidays? Do a press release and share it with your groups. You'll be amazed at how your business will grow.
About the Author:
Marketing your business can be a tough job. With the properuse of LinkedIn Marketing, driving traffic to your site is fast and easy.
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