LinkedIn Lead Generation for Business Owners

Start generating leads today with our top tips on LinkedIn Lead Generation for business owners!

You may already know that lots of business owners are using LinkedIn to generate leads, but what you may not be aware of is how they are doing so. Luckily for you, Bee Social Marketing can help! Following my talk at London’s ExCeL on LinkedIn Lead Generation for Business Owners, many attendees approached me to put together some crucial tips to help them get started generating leads.

This particular article is for business owners and will differ slightly to the advice I would offer to employees. I have added a * to the points that may differ for employees.

If you are looking to build a relationship with potential clients through LinkedIn, a fully-rounded LinkedIn profile is essential. While you don’t necessarily have to complete every detail, I believe that the following areas are vital:

1. A professional profile picture of yourself (not a logo or something irrelevant) to build trust.

2. Potential customers will see your cover photo before anything else, so why leave it empty? As one of the most powerful features of any social media platform, your cover photo should portray what you specialise in within a 2-3 second look.

3. I often come across business owners whose LinkedIn bio comes across as if they are looking to be recruited. Remember, you are not trying to sell yourself, you are trying to sell your business. Start by listing all the features and benefits of your business, and explain what makes you different. Add a call to action and the contact details you wish to share. Make it easy for people to contact your business, they shouldn’t have to go looking around on Google.

4. If you have any company videos, images or awards, add these to back up your bio section.

5. Don’t forget to add a link to your company’s website – potential customers don’t have time to go digging around to find you.

6. Only add relevant jobs to your work history, as these will help to strengthen your profile and business image. *

7. Once you get to this point and your profile is starting to look complete and professional, I would start thinking of the best customers to ask for recommendations. Again, think from a customer’s point of view.

I have a great example of what not to do here…

I was recently approached for advice on LinkedIn Lead Generation by a Sales Manager whose LinkedIn recommendations were years old and not relevant to their current position. They had no recommendations for their current position even though they had been working there for the last two years.

This individual had already approached me a year earlier trying to sell me a service. At the time, I researched their service online and looked for any reviews or recommendations to help me decide. With there being none, I politely declined.

The Sales Manager could have made converting prospects much easier if he had taken the time to request testimonials from current clients regarding the service they provide.

Summary

Developed from over 20 years of combined sales and marketing experience, our LinkedIn strategies have helped our clients land their dream customers, sign million-pound contracts and even double their headcounts – so, if it’s not already, LinkedIn should definitely be part of your sales and marketing strategy to take your business to the next level!

Follow the above steps and you’re ready for stage 2 – networking, engaging and generating leads!

If you simply don’t have time to complete stage 1 or stage 2, give us a buzz on Leeds: 0113 3206266 or Harrogate: 01423 297009 or click here to contact us.

You can see some of our LinkedIn Lead Generation success stories by clicking here.