Question

Topic: Social Media

Linkedin Customer Groups Advice

Posted by Anonymous on 2/2/2010 at 11:17 AM ET 500 Points
I am looking for what experiences companies are having forming LinkedIn groups for their customers.

One primary question, are you have the best luck with open or close groups? (Closed groups where members must be accepted before being joined to the group.)

How are you encouraging discussion in the group? Also, how often are you using group messaging if you are using that feature (LinkedIn limits to one message every 7 days). Interested in any experiences you have had on this topic.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 2/2/2010 at 12:04 PM Accepted
    Hi Steve,

    MarketingProfs has a LinkedIn group and we have over 6,300 members. Our LI group is open to anyone, but we approve people once they request to be a member.

    I found that I had to put guidelines in place because there were a lot of marketers who were using the group as their channel for marketing themselves or their companies, which was a turnoff to a lot of members who wanted to build relationships, share their knowledge, ask questions, get feedback, etc.

    My first question is why do you think you need a LinkedIn group? Would it be a way to gather members only to email them every seven days? Or, is it a way to help bring a community of brand or topic enthusiasts together?

    It is really hard to bring communities together (i.e. it's easier to become part of an established community) and there is always ebb and flow. And it's not something that can be forced. That said, providing great content or content that allows people to engage, interact, provide their experiences, etc. is always smart.

    Hope this helps,
    Beth Harte
    Community Manager, MarketingProfs
    @bethharte



  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 2/2/2010 at 12:27 PM Accepted
    I run a very limited linked in group for clients and potential clients.

    I would recommend that you approve the members. This takes almost no time, and it allows you to keep out potential spammers.

    Beths comments about spam marketers adding content with little or no connection to the group is right on.

    One issue that you will have is getting people to make posts of their own. You may need to seed the discussion every now and then to get it running.

    Further, adding tips and pointers on your group first can make it an attractive place for your clients to go for information.
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