Tips on Setting Up and Marketing Tips on Setting Up and Marketing Your LinkedIn Group DiscussionYour LinkedIn Group Discussion

byMichael L. YubloskyThe “Web Professor”

April 22, 2013

connect with mewww.linkedin.com/in/michaellyublosky/

Set Up Your Own SpecialSet Up Your Own SpecialInterest Group Discussion(s)Interest Group Discussion(s)

ObjectivesObjectives

Attract targeted (people who are interested in subject matter) individuals.

Learn more about that target market and share insights.

Become a valuable resource and contributor to the targeted community.

Build relationships, and over time earn credibility, new business and more referrals.

Types of GroupsTypes of Groups

Members Only (Padlock icon next

Group to name)

vs. Open(no Padlock)

Must be a LinkedIn member to join.

Members-only group discussions can only be seen by other group members.

Can be changed to an open group but cannot be undone.

Members Only GroupsMembers Only Groups

Open GroupsOpen Groups

All discussions can be viewed by anyone on the web, found on any search engines, and can be shared on other social networking platforms like Twitter, in addition to LinkedIn.

Managers have the option to allow non members to contribute. (Contributions are put into buffer until approved.)

Some Benefits of GroupsSome Benefits of Groups

You can see the profiles of group members as if they were 1st level connections.

Correspond without InMails ($10.00 each).

Commonality of group makes it easier to connect with members.

Maximum Number of GroupsMaximum Number of Groupsper Individual = 10per Individual = 10

Add up to 10 managers to assist them.

However, only the owner can make someone the new owner. The new owner must already be a manager.

Owners MayOwners May

SubgroupsSubgroups

Only an owner or a manager can create.

Can own up to 20 subgroups.

Can not be open (as of now).

Can be by “Invite Only”.

ModeratorsModerators

Individuals can moderate up to 50 groups.

Any group or subgroup can have up to 50 moderators.

Group Owners/Managers SetGroup Owners/Managers Set Up Rules and Guidelines Up Rules and Guidelines

Can Direct MembersCan Direct MembersTo Your Web SiteTo Your Web Site

Link in Link in signaturesignature

Can Send Weekly EmailsCan Send Weekly Emails

Moderate and move discussions.

Remove people from the group.

Before Starting a Group, AskBefore Starting a Group, Ask

What would your target market be interested in?

How will you keep the group healthy and engaged?

How will you be able to expose them to your business?

Promote and link to an upcoming webinar.Share a case study.Highlight and link to a popular blog post you’ve

found or written to help educate/inform.Showcase and link to a SlideShare deck that

would be of interest.Promote a video about your group's interests.Share other social channels where you can be

reached.

Some Types ofSome Types ofGeneral ActivitiesGeneral Activities

Business Specific ActivitiesBusiness Specific Activities

Take polls.

Highlight customer testimonials and link to a page on your site with more positive reviews.

Drive traffic to a squeeze page to collect leads for a new product.

Share other social channels where you can be reached.

Make This A Company-Make This A Company-Wide Team EffortWide Team Effort

Thank you!Thank you!

For assistance withFor assistance withyour individualyour individual

LinkedIn profile,LinkedIn profile,group discussiongroup discussionor company page:or company page:

Contact me -Contact me -Michael YubloskyMichael Yubloskyat 847-634-6535at 847-634-6535

with any questions.with any questions.

and Ask Aboutand Ask AboutMy Free 23My Free 23CategoryCategory

LinkedIn ProfileLinkedIn ProfileEvaluation -Evaluation -

Brand Yourself,Brand Yourself,Become Visible, Become Visible,

Be Found!Be Found!