How to Create an Effective LinkedIn Business Listing

LinkedIn, the popular networking site, has over 225 million users. A business-networking site that brings millions of professionals together, LinkedIn provides a venue for individuals and businesses to highlight their services and products. LinkedIn launched over 12 years ago and membership continues to climb. The numbers are hard to ignore. If your company doesn’t have a LinkedIn listing, you’re missing out on an effective marketing and networking tool.

Why Add a LinkedIn Business Profile?

Even if you already have personal profile, it’s advantageous to also have a company LinkedIn page. On your business page, you can focus on your business by adding a corporate logo and detailing products and services. LinkedIn is also a great tool for recruiting high quality talent. A LinkedIn business listing is an effective way to reach more customers and network with business professionals.

Getting Started

LinkedIn requires you to have a business email address to create a company listing. Gmail and Yahoo email addresses are not accepted. Your email must consist of your company’s domain name and you must agree to make the email address visible in your profile. If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to create a business profile.

Set up your company profile by answering the questions thoroughly. Don’t leave any blanks spaces. Take the time to write a compelling summary about your business, including what it is and what it does. Google and other search engines index LinkedIn pages, so be sure to use keywords in your summary, but only in ways that makes sense. Do not keyword stuff your summary.

Add Products and Services

The Products and Services section is where you can promote your business. You can add product pictures, descriptions and links to purchase them or outline services and direct users to your website or blog. List your most important product or service first. Don’t forget to add add-on services and products.

Employee Connections

If you have employees, ask them to connect to the company page. The more connections your business has, the wider your reach.

Get Involved, Stay Involved

Connect with complementary businesses and get involved in industry discussions. Follow industry leaders. One of the best ways to promote your business is to write and post informational articles about your industry. Use the featured updates option at the top of the page to highlight sales, events and promotions. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and you consistently add content.

Add Reviews and Testimonials

Ask satisfied customers to write reviews and testimonials for you and add them to your LinkedIn listing.

Promote Your LinkedIn Profile

Add a LinkedIn follow button to your website and blog pages to make it easy for people to follow your company.

Find Talented Professionals

The pool of professional talent on LinkedIn is impressive. Add a Careers page to your LinkedIn profile and find the applicant that perfectly fits your needs.