Social media has revolutionised how small businesses market their products and services, with a recent survey finding that two-thirds of small business owners and managers are utilising social media as part of their digital marketing strategy. Social media is now the top digital marketing tool for these businesses, with 67% leveraging both classic and emerging platforms to reach new customers. It’s clear that small businesses have embraced the power of social media and are reaping the rewards from their savvy investments in digital marketing.

For B2B businesses, there is no better social media platform than LinkedIn. From lead generation to content marketing and creating connections with other professionals, LinkedIn provides a unique opportunity to fine-tune digital content and attract ideal audiences. For any business looking to establish a digital presence or expand its reach on social media, there is no better choice than LinkedIn.

How can LinkedIn help grow your business?

Brand awareness

LinkedIn can be used for a variety of purposes, but typically the most effective way for small businesses to use the platform is by building relationships with potential customers and clients and, in doing so, creating brand awareness. This can be done through content sharing or utilising the many features that help you connect with people in your industry, such as Groups and Company Pages.

Groups are great for networking because they allow you to join conversations where potential customers or clients are already discussing topics related to your industry. You can also create your own group if there isn’t one already in existence that caters to your needs. Company Pages are another great way to build relationships with potential customers by providing them with updates about new products or services, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at what goes on in your business. You can also build relationships with potential customers by engaging with their posts and comments and starting conversations in relevant groups or forums. This will help you establish trust and create meaningful connections that could lead to more sales down the line.

LinkedIn advertising

LinkedIn Ads may cost a bit more than its competitors, but what you get from it is much better. LinkedIn Ads offer targeting options that are hard to come by elsewhere, meaning you can hone in on your desired audience based on various criteria, such as job title, location, gender, age, and interests. Targeted ads are especially important for small businesses since they have limited resources and budgets, so using them wisely can help maximise their impact. Using targeted ads helps businesses maximise their budget by ensuring that every penny is spent wisely and efficiently. 

In addition to targeted advertising capabilities, LinkedIn also offers an analytics dashboard that provides detailed insights into how each campaign performs. You can view information regarding impressions, clicks, demographics, engagement rates, and more – all of which will help you refine and improve your campaigns over time. This data-driven approach allows you to adjust your ads quickly so that they’re always up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing.

Content marketing

As a small business, one of the most important things you can do is create content that will engage and convert your target audience. Content should be relevant and informative, providing helpful information and advice that readers can use or apply to their own lives and careers. You want to make sure you’re writing about topics that are interesting and relevant to your target market, in doing, establishing yourself as an expert in your field and demonstrating your finger is on the pulse.

Once you’ve created quality content, the next step is to post it regularly on LinkedIn. Posting regularly ensures that fresh content is always available for potential customers to interact with, which increases engagement and builds trust over time. It also allows you to keep up with the latest industry trends and news, which can help inform future blog posts or other pieces of content. 

Finally, don’t forget to promote your services through your content! Utilise the “Services” section of your company page to showcase what services you offer, provide links back to your website where people can learn more about those services, and link directly from posts or articles for viewers to contact you quickly if they need assistance or would like additional information about a service offering.

Lead generation

Generating leads for small businesses can seem like an uphill task since many aren’t familiar with the process. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for lead generation, offering an affordable solution to this problem. With over 900 million users, LinkedIn offers a great opportunity for small businesses to extend their broad reach and target potential customers and clients. To take full advantage of LinkedIn for lead generation, it’s crucial to build on your existing network; connect with individuals in the same industry as you who have a large following or a well-established presence on the platform, and encourage them to share your content or endorse your products or services. These interactions will help establish trustworthiness and create awareness of your business with people who may not have known about you previously. 

Small businesses using LinkedIn for lead generation should consider utilising LinkedIn lead gen forms, which offer an efficient way to identify members interested in your industry quickly. LinkedIn members only need to answer a few questions, and they’re ready to go since the form is pre-filled with their LinkedIn profile data. The no-brainer element of LinkedIn lead gen forms removes any barrier between you and newfound leads, making it easier for you to convert more prospects with minimal effort. 

Overall, using LinkedIn for lead generation can be an excellent way for small businesses to expand their reach and generate more leads—and ultimately more sales—for their business.

Final thoughts

Using LinkedIn as a small business can open up numerous opportunities for growth and success, from networking and finding potential clients to improving brand awareness and increasing sales through targeted advertising campaigns. So if you’re trying to take your small business to new heights, why not give LinkedIn a go? You’re going to need it!