What is LinkedIn?
With over 150 million members and over 2 billion page views per month, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. The social site is used for job searches, staying in touch with past and present colleagues, professional networking and more.
Why should LinkedIn matter to optometric practices?
LinkedIn is the 36th most visited site in the world and adds a new member every second. The social site spans all types of businesses around the world and boasts a high number of college graduates and middle to upper level managers representing a valuable demographic.
What LinkedIn tips can help you and your optometric practice?
Networking: LinkedIn is well known for professional networking. Make sure your practice uses LinkedIn as a tool for access to its large professional membership. For example, use LinkedIn as a way to be seen as a key opinion leader in certain optometric groups on the site by engaging and answering fellow colleagues’ questions. That way, colleagues are more inclined to refer patients your way if they need to.
Finding Business Partners, Patients and Service Providers: LinkedIn can help you to build a network of useful contacts. For example, if you want to know if a certain piece of lab equipment is a good investment for your practice, you have a list of ODs you can ask. Having a group of fellow ODs to bounce ideas off of can help you grow your practice.
Recruiting: LinkedIn provides access to many potential candidates that can help you with running your business. If you need a great lab tech or optician, LinkedIn is a great resource to look at potential candidates’ credentials, skills, and even recommendations.
Access Expert Advice: LinkedIn can help you share information online by allowing you to post business questions to both your own network and the greater LinkedIn community
Promoting Other Social Media Profiles: Eye care professionals can promote their other social media pages and blogs. Make sure to add your blog or website to your profile in order to give it exposure in the eyecare community
Search Engine Optimization: If you are interested in search engine optimization for your online presence, LinkedIn profiles typically receive a high page rank in Google.
Recommendations for Your Practice: Recommendations are a great way to boost your practice’s credibility and gain new patients.
Advertising: Through LinkedIn Ads, you can utilize the network to promote your products or services.