Simon Dutta

Is there anything more difficult than trying to build up your LinkedIn marketing connections?  A lot of LinkedIn marketing users consider building connections through this social media outlet to be far more intimidating than any other type, such as Facebook.  If you’re struggling to make connections and “link in” with other users, here are some fast tips on how you can build up your account, and fast.

Let’s start with the most important tip when it comes to building up your LinkedIn marketing connections: take note of who’s looking at your profile.  When you have created your account with LinkedIn, you will be able to access the “Who’s viewed my profile” tool which can be found on the right hand side of your profile page.  Some users argue that you should not “invite” users to connect with you if you don’t know them, but if you see a profile you don’t know but who you think could be beneficial, why not send them an invite?

On that note, there are times to request that people join your LinkedIn marketing campaign that are better than others.  One good time to send an invite would be right after you arrange a meeting with a potential customer, client or provider.  The next best time is immediately after meeting with that customer, client or provider.

Another important part to growing your LinkedIn marketing campaign is to always put a call of action to the very end of any email signature that you send out.  All you have to do is simply add a call of action, such as “Link up with me on LinkedIn” and provide a link to your profile.  You’ll be surprised just how quickly you’ll find your LinkedIn marketing campaign grow.

LinkedIn marketing campaigns often see the biggest jump in successful connections after they join groups that are relevant to whatever it is that they are trying to promote.  A whole lot of interaction happens with groups, so never undermine just how much they can boost your business.  Begin by running a few searches for professionals in your area which relate to your industry or business, and then join them.

Once you join a group, make sure that you actually participate in them, too.  All too many people who are attempting to start up a LinkedIn marketing campaign will join a group and think that they will magically gain connections.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Add commentary to discussions.  Offer tips, ask questions, and interact!  Observing alone will get you no closer to boosting your LinkedIn marketing connections.

ABOUT: Simon Dutta has 20+ years’ executive marketing and business development experience spanning 18 countries and 24 industry sectors within start-ups, SMEs and multi-£billion blue-chips. His particular expertise lies in driving revenue growth by: (1) developing products that the market actually wants; and (2) executing customer acquisition and retention strategies that actually work. Simon is a Certified Internet Marketer, Chartered Marketer, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.  He also sits on the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Regional Board (West Midlands).