Social Marketing - LinkedIn Greatly Enhances Groups

John Vachalek - 7.7.2010 8:00 AM

LinkedIn, now with about 70 million members, is finally taking a big step to compete with the other large social media marketing sites. Recently (June 22nd, 2010) LinkedIn greatly increased the functionality of their groups.

LinkedIn currently has over 650,000 groups on varying topics.  These groups are now a perfect way for individuals and companies to stand out as experts on specific topics and in specific subject matter. The new group functionality includes:
• The ability to share links
• Profile pictures for associated comments – personalizing the experience
• Voting on shared content with a “like” so this content becomes highlighted
• Email alerts when select members participate
• Listings of “top influencers” for those contributions which create the most participation from the other members of the group

This is far more conversation than before and truly feels more like a professional conversation. You can view the new LinkedIn Groups video here:

This is just one of the more recent moves by LinkedIn who is emulating other social media site features and functions to broaden their reach and appeal. I am sure there will be more to come…  
How to use this Information
• No one is sure which existing or new social media site or tool will be important to the marketing of their business. However, we are all sure that social media marketing is here to stay and will continue to grow in importance.
• Be sure to login to you LinkedIn, check out the groups and try your hand at participating in a group. It is important to learn how these tools work, understand their capabilities, and to look for trends in the way that information is being shared.
• These trends are sure to emerge across multiple different tools and this understanding will help you do a better job in the marketing of your expertise and business.
What tools do you use that are similar to LinkedIn groups?  Please submit your thoughts and suggestions below.

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