Sunday 19 May 2013

Grow More Customers By Using LinkedIn Groups

By Danielle Martin


LinkedIn is one of the social media sites that is utilized for professional networking. Its main purpose is to connect professionals and businesses but it can also be used to strengthen your ties with customers and it can surely make new ones. It is in this customer connection premise that LinkedIn Group is most useful.

Through LinkedIn , an online forum or a group can be created among members. The group, just like the forum talks about a topic that is familiar with the clients. This would mean they can talk about anything especially the products and services but this would not just be limited on these particular ones.

Joining Groups to Get Ideas

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.

Actively manage your group to prevent spamming. Check in at least once daily to monitor the discussions going on. If someone violates your guidelines, delete their post and send them a warning. If they continue to spam the group, kick them out of it.

In order to prevent spamming, another helpful advice is to make a sub-group for promotions. This is the exact place where people can advertise and promote their products and services.

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.




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