Social media marketing has taken over the world. There's a lot to love about it. To start, unlike paid search, it's much easier to get a sense of user acquisition. Also, it's affordable. With the Facebook average, CPC is just $1.72. 

But for businesses, it's hard to beat LinkedIn. The world's most extensive collection of professionals has grown to 700+ million users. And while not quite as cheap as Facebook, with an average CPC of $7, it's still a great value since the quality of leads is often much better. 

That's why we've put together this list of helpful ways to improve your businesses by harnessing LinkedIn. Get ready to grow your business! 

Why LinkedIn?

We all have a good idea of the different strengths and weaknesses of each social network. Facebook is the biggest, but it's very much a lottery. Instagram is great for media and younger users. Pinterest is for crafts. 

LinkedIn is the only social network that has a truly narrow focus on professionals. And you feel it every time you log on. You see commentaries, stories, posts, and all kinds of valuable information specifically for business. 

Of course, there are a few different ways to maximize success on LinkedIn. We'll look at three different angles all businesses should take. 

How to Maximize LinkedIn's Efficacy

As you start to craft your LinkedIn strategy, let's take a couple of moments to get you where you need to be. First, invest some time in both your and your company's profile. Add all the relevant information, especially professional history. Reach out to know contacts and make sure you have a professional photo! 

Next, it's time to get serious about security. You don't want your LinkedIn password falling into the wrong hands. To protect your account, start with a VPN. What is a VPN? A VPN both encrypts your internet connection and anonymizes your internet connection, greatly improving your overall cybersecurity. While you're at it, get a password manager and enable 2FA. 

Now you're ready to make the most out of your LinkedIn account. 

1. Grow Your Business Network

This was the founding mission of LinkedIn. The idea is to connect professionals and see the excellent things that can happen. 

Over the years, you've undoubtedly met some great people while in school and during your career. Reach out to them and connect. 

But do more than just add somebody. Add value. Find ways to create partnerships and leverage relationships to achieve your business goals. 

2. Drive Sales 

Isn't that the point of everything? LinkedIn gives you so many opportunities to improve your sales. Like other social networks, it's a good place to show off your products/services. 

You can also build social proof to drive traffic to users' websites to convert them. But you can also take advantage of ads to directly target your ideal customer types and push them into your sales funnel. 

The options are truly limitless. Experiment and see what works best for your business model. 

3. Communicate with stakeholders

This is a huge one. Whether it's your business partners, employees, or customers, LinkedIn is a great way to get the word out. 

Use it to share vital company news, reconnect with those you've lost touch with, and incentive and reward your employees. 

The benefits are twofold. You not only strengthen your current relationships but create a solid foundation for ones in the future. 

How Much Time Should You Invest in LinkedIn?

There are bigger companies that have dedicated team members solely for LinkedIn. You don't have to go that overboard. 

First, figure out what social media channels you need. For example, many B2B brands probably don't need to be on Tik Tok—at least not yet! 

After your market research, dedicate a little social media time each week. A few hours here and there will really pay off. 

What's a Good Amount to Spend On LinkedIn Ads?

That's not an easy question to answer. Much depends on your industry. LinkedIn is more expensive than other social platforms. 

But it's worth it. Start relatively small and see if you can get a good ROI. It's also good to focus on organically building your brand as well. This combination will help you make the most out of your LinkedIn presence. 

Use LinkedIn to Grow in 2021 and Beyond 

LinkedIn continues to grow each year. Don’t forget this part of social media because it could be extremely beneficial. Use it well, and you'll be able to scale your business to new heights.