Social media is everywhere, but how important is it to an industrial business marketing strategy?

Since your customers on online, they are most likely seeing your competition online.  You need to be there too.  The bigger question is which social media and how do I reach my target market.

The key aspect of social marketing is making sure that you are active on the social platform where your potential prospects are active. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are the big three in terms of social platforms for industrial businesses. Your prospects may be on all three.  But it’s critical to look at where it’s easiest to get the most attention from them.  LinkedIn appears to be the primary social outlet that provides the most ROI to manufacturing and industrial companies.

Organic Growth Tips

To reach the most prospects and clients organically using LinkedIn follow these tips:

1. Provide a complete updated, accurate company and personal profile.
2. Use a nappy headline.
3. Provide a clear headshot
4. Profile content should include a story about your business.
5. Be active and engage with your network.
6. Dedicated time spent daily producing/sharing content that will add value to your network.
7. Share info about your company but also other relevant industry information that does not include promotion.
8. Focus on providing value and not sales.

Paid Growth Tips

There are some paid opportunities in LinkedIn.  Follow these tips if you plan to use:

1. Use micro-targeted campaigns for demographics.
   1. Location
   2. Job function
   3. School
   4. Industry
   5. Company size
   6. Group member
2. Match content to target audience demographics
3. Use sponsored posts.

Depending on your budget, you may wish to hire an agency to assist with your paid growth.

I encourage all our industrial and manufacturing clients to use LinkedIn to grow their social reach.  Spend a little time making sure your presentation online is correct and inviting.

Before long you will be connecting with potential customers who might not otherwise have found you.

Learn more about LinkedIn with these posts:

LinkedIn Checklist for Success

Get Your LinkedIn Plan Together

Making Your LinkedIn Profile and Page Work for You