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.

A group is basically an online forum that you can join or create and manage through LinkedIn. Like a forum, it should be about a topic that\’s of concern to your customers. It shouldn\’t necessarily be about your business or products unless that\’s what they\’re discussing.

Being Part of the Group to Gather Advice

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 Best Practices

It is advisable to set up the group so that you can monitor its membership. This is a great way to stop spammers from making unnecessary actions. Try to get in touch with those new members and send them an email of welcome, informing them of the profile of the group as well as the contact number.

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.

Communicate with group members well and often. Be personable and positive. Start and lead discussions, and offer help anywhere that you can. Your friendliness as well as your expertise will make it a place people want to be.

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.

Lastly, do share your articles, information and press releases with your own group. Make it something like, do you have newly released and cute plush that can be used for the holidays? Make a press release and share the news to your groups. You will be surprised at how this one act can boost your business potential.