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Pro Tips: LinkedIn Outlines the Benefits of Sales Navigator, and How Salespeople Can Maximize Their Presence
LinkedIn usage is soaring, with the platform seeing ‘record levels of engagement’ for the last five quarters, and as economic activity begins to ramp up once again, in the gradual recovery from the pandemic, those usage rates are only going to increase, as professionals seek new opportunities, and brands look to connect with new talent to cater to demand.
But LinkedIn can also be a powerful platform for selling too, with many key decision-makers highly active in the app. If you’re a B2B business, in particular, LinkedIn offers strong potential in this respect – but it can also pose challenges in approaching users the right way, and pitching your products and services to the right people in the app.
LinkedIn offers solutions like its Sales Navigator platform to assist with this, but it does cost money, and it can be difficult to know whether it’s worth the investment for your business, and what sort of value salespeople can glean from the platform in this respect.
So how should salespeople be using LinkedIn, and should you be signing up to a Sales Navigator subscription to optimize your approach?
We recently put these questions to Mitali Pattnaik, the Director of Product Management at LinkedIn, to get her insights to help inform your on-platform strategies.
Q: LinkedIn is seeing engagement numbers go up across the platform, but what are the best ways for salespeople to tap into that activity and reach target buyers?
MP: With a wealth of information at their fingertips, buyers are researching products and solutions well before they consider purchasing, and oftentimes, they are turning to salespeople they trust for guidance on their purchasing decisions, even if the product is outside of that salesperson’s portfolio.
So, if you find yourself writing an impersonal email or gearing up to call someone with no background information, put down the phone and reconsider your approach. To reach today’s buyers, you need to put their priorities front and center; get to know them and their challenges; and before you begin selling anything, start helping them to solve their problems.
This is where LinkedIn is really adding tremendous value for salespeople today. As the largest B2B marketplace, we’re helping millions of buyers and sellers interact with one another in meaningful ways, not simply to sell a product or service, but to solve real business problems.
And, we know it’s working, as sales professionals are some of the most highly engaged people out of our 774+ million members, and they’re often turning to us for guidance on how to continue adapting to this virtual selling environment.
Q: It seems like sales professionals could achieve everything they need to by just having a free LinkedIn account – or maybe investing in Premium – why should they consider investing in Sales Navigator?
MP: LinkedIn is a great way for sellers to research key accounts and prospects, craft personalized outreach, and develop and maintain relationships over time. But as sales organizations seek to better understand their top accounts, and deliver more value, Sales Navigator provides data-driven insights to help them make informed decisions.
Powered by the most up-to-date information on the world’s largest professional graph – information that members and companies are sharing and updating regularly – Sales Navigator provides customers with the ability to target the right decision-makers at the right time. And just today we launched a new Sales Navigator feature, ‘Account Buyer Interest’, which determines an account’s aggregate interest in the selling company’s products or services, which will help sales professionals prioritize the highest intent accounts and contact customers when their outreach is most likely to be well received.
As the future of work begins to unfold, LinkedIn and Sales Navigator will become increasingly important for sales organizations. We’re in the midst of ‘The Great Reshuffle’, a moment of unprecedented change where employers and employees are rethinking how and why they work.
As this shift continues, accurate data will be vital to sales organizations’ success, and we believe that sellers will increasingly rely on our platform to maintain close relationships with their accounts as buyers may be on the go to new career opportunities more than ever before.
Q: What are some key tips for salespeople looking to leverage LinkedIn and/or Sales Navigator to engage with buyers?
MP: In 2020, we looked at how salespeople were using the platform in order to identify the most effective ways to engage with buyers, and of all the actions analyzed, we found that a primary determinant of salesperson success is having a complete LinkedIn profile.
The data indicated that having a complete LinkedIn profile could increase a salesperson’s chances of meeting or exceeding their sales targets by more than 2X, and it could increase InMail acceptance rates by as much as 87%.
I also encourage all sales professionals to dedicate time to listen and understand buyers’ challenges before discussing a solution, and to leverage LinkedIn to learn more about their key accounts and trends in industries that they serve.
This upfront research is also essential for prospecting and making a first connection on LinkedIn. With Sales Navigator, customers can see all of their organizations’ connections so they can understand how they may be connected to a prospect and collaborate with their colleagues to facilitate an introduction. Additionally, key functionality like CRM sync makes Sales Navigator a key part of our customers’ sales technology stack.
Q: Personal branding is another key element for salespeople – what are some key tips for how salespeople can enhance their personal brands on LinkedIn?
MP: One way salespeople can build their brands is to develop and share their own thought leadership content on industry trends.
Our Global State of Sales data underscores the importance of trust, with 89% of buyers describing their sales representatives as “trusted advisors.” To help buyers solve problems and derive value from their solutions, sellers need to increasingly prioritize their role as a consultant, and have a pulse on their industry.
As a place where buyers and sellers connect, our platform offers many ways for sales professionals to share their unique perspectives and spark meaningful conversations.
Q: What are some key buying trends that you’re seeing via LinkedIn?
MP: Virtual selling, which will evolve into hybrid selling as in-person engagements return, is here to stay.
71% of buyers say that they would like to work remotely half or more of the time in the future, and 55% of buyers have said that working remotely has made the purchasing process easier. As a significant shift from the ways sellers traditionally engaged with buyers, virtual selling requires a new set of skills with adaptability as one of the top skills.
Additionally, relationships have never been more important in B2B sales, and at its core, our platform is about connecting with others and growing your network. Sales Navigator dives even deeper, building on the platform’s extensive ecosystem, to provide people-powered data and insights that enable sales organizations to focus on the accounts with the most opportunity, so that sellers can develop and grow relationships with buyers at scale.
You can check out the latest updates for LinkedIn Sales Navigator here.
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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024
This is a contributed article.
The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:
1. Embrace Niche Expertise:
Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.
2. Content is King (and Queen):
High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
- Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
- Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.
3. The Power of SEO:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.
- Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
- Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
- Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.
- Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
- Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
- Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.
5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach
Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.
- Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
- Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
- Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.
6. Offer Premium Content:
Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.
- Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
- Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
- Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.
7. Coaching and Consulting:
Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.
- Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
- Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
- Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.
8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars
Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.
- Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.
9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:
Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.
- Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
- Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
- Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.
10. Sell Your Own Products:
Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.
- Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
- High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
- Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.
11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:
Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.
- Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
- Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
- Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.
12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:
Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.
- Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
- High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
- Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.
Conclusion:
Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.
Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos
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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
