LinkedIn Isn’t Just for Job Seekers
How Vermont Small Businesses Can Use LinkedIn to Build Authority and Trust
When you hear “LinkedIn,” you might immediately think of résumés, recruiters, and job hunting. And yes, it’s great for that. But if you’re a small business—especially a service-based one—LinkedIn is also one of the most underused tools for building authority, trust, and visibility in your community and industry.
Let’s reframe LinkedIn from a digital résumé hub to what it really is:
A professional networking platform with serious potential for local pros and small business owners.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Local & Service-Based Businesses
Here in Vermont (or anywhere community ties matter), relationships are everything. People want to know who they’re hiring or buying from, and they often want a face, a voice, or a story behind the business. That’s where LinkedIn shines!
Whether you're a therapist, contractor, consultant, or creative service provider, showing up on LinkedIn helps you:
- Share your expertise in an approachable way
- Stay top of mind in professional networks
- Build credibility with future clients, partners, or even collaborators
How Small Businesses Can Use LinkedIn Strategically
Here’s how to make LinkedIn work for your business—even if you’re not looking for your next job.
1️⃣ Optimize Your Profile (as a Person and a Brand)
Most small businesses thrive on personal connections. So even if you have a LinkedIn Company Page, your personal profile often gets more engagement.
- Use a clear, friendly headshot
- Write a bio that explains who you help and how, not just your job title
- Add service links, contact info, and even testimonials
Think of your profile like a digital handshake. It should say, “Here’s how I can help, and why you can trust me.”
2️⃣ Share Insightful, Relatable Content
You don’t need to post every day—but you do need to show up with value. A few LinkedIn-friendly content ideas:
- Quick tips from your field
- Mini case studies or client success stories
- “Behind the scenes” of your process or work
- Personal lessons learned as a local business owner
This is a space for thought leadership, not hard sales. You’re building trust by sharing your expertise generously.
3️⃣ Engage Like a Human (Not a Brand)
Comment on posts. Congratulate your network. Join conversations in local groups. LinkedIn engagement is a two-way street, and small businesses that act personally (not robotically) stand out fast.
Bonus: Interacting with others also boosts your visibility on the platform.
4️⃣ Use LinkedIn to Stay Top of Mind with Referral Partners
In small business ecosystems, referrals are gold. LinkedIn lets you maintain lightweight, professional visibility with:
- Local business peers
- Vendors or collaborators
- Past clients who might refer you down the road
By posting occasionally and engaging with your network, you remind people you exist and show off what you’re great at.
You Don’t Need to Go Viral—You Just Need to Show Up
You don’t need 1,000 likes or a massive following to succeed on LinkedIn. You just need to:
☑️ Be present
☑️ Be helpful
☑️ Be yourself (professionally)
Your next referral, client, or collaboration could come from someone who’s been quietly watching and thinking, “They really know their stuff.”
Want Help Making LinkedIn Work for Your Business?
At NEKO, we help small businesses not just “get online,” but show up strategically—LinkedIn included. If you want help optimizing your profile or building out content that positions you as the go-to expert in your field, we’d love to chat!
