6 Ways That LinkedIn Can Help Your Sports Business Flourish

We are all familiar with the phrase ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ but how many times have you found that this is true? Using a social network site can help to build connections with people relevant to your business, either suppliers or customers, helping with the growth of your sports business.
LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking service. The basic functionality of LinkedIn allows users (workers and employers) to create profiles and “connections” to each other in an online social network which may represent real-world professional relationships. With over 60 million members if used the right way, LinkedIn can offer a wealth of opportunities for your sports business.
Members on LinkedIn set up profiles to help market themselves and build a network. It is important to remember that an individual and a company can hold a profile and to make the most of both of these. Here are just some ways that LinkedIn can support your sports business.

1. Optimise your profile – As well as the basic information such as name and contact details, make sure that you list details of your products and services and other relevant information. This will make it easier for customers to find all the information that they need. Ensure that you upload a professional picture to best represent you as an individual or your business. Then, make sure you keep your profile updated with the latest information. Make sure to include hyperlinks to your website, other social media or any relevant sites or articles – customers are going to much prefer being able to find all of the information that they need in one place.

2. Make your profile search friendly – optimise your profile by including keywords in your profile. Linked in means that it is really easy for people to find you/your business. However, that isn’t enough if you want your sports business to flourish – you need the right people to find you and you can help by including keywords within your profile. Tools such as Google AdWords can help to build your profile. You can use this tool to research the keywords that customers might use so that you can include those search-friendly terms within your own profile.

3. Connect –Start adding connections. Make sure you connect to friends and colleagues to build your network. Encourage every employee to have a LinkedIn profile and to link to each other. Extending your network in this way increases your exposure outside your company. Build connections with companies or organisations that are related to your industry, this will help in reaching a relevant audience.

4. Get recommended – Recommendations help to complete your profile and add credibility. It demonstrates that your expertise is valued by people who have actually worked with you

5. Share relevant content – this way your customers will see you as a useful source of information and maximise customer engagement.

6. Promote – Ensure that you promote your profile. When you participate in discussions or on forums make sure that you link to your profile to maximise the potential number of customers you could reach. Ensure that when participating in such forums that they are relevant and that you remain professional. Always remember that your profile represents you and your business at all times.

So why not try LinkedIn to help your sports business to flourish?