Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile for SaaS Leads

=How to optimize your LinkedIn profile for more outbound & Inbound leads

LinkedIn may still seem relatively new to a lot of us, but it actually hit a milestone birthday this year. If you live in the UK, you could buy LinkedIn a drink. 18 years since Reid Hoffman and his team founded the platform, this site for professionals to interact and seek out new opportunities has gone from strength to strength and has become an essential social presence for today’s workforce. As it’s traffic continues to grow, it can be difficult to stand out in such a saturated marketplace. Take a look at these 9 tips to help you optimise your LinkedIn profile and excel in your field.


Polish Your Pictures


Your profile photo and header image are the first things that people notice when they visit your page. On LinkedIn, you are essentially marketing yourself as a brand, and for brands, looks matter. For your profile photo, you should be using a high-quality professional-looking headshot, about 400 x 400px. For your header image, again choose a high-quality picture that either represents you, your company, or something that you’re passionate about. The ideal size for a LinkedIn header image is 1584 x 396px. 


Make Your Headline the Hook


If your photo represents a brand's look, your headline represents its slogan, which is just as important. Your headline describes you and what you have to offer to recruiters. By default, LinkedIn uses your current job title as your headline. Whilst this is convenient, it can also be limiting, especially if you’re currently unemployed or looking to change career paths. 


Fortunately, the headline can be edited to better suit your needs. Use a headline that represents you and your skills, and choose terms that are often searched. For example, if you’re a graphic design student looking for a job, a good headline would be “3D Animator/Digital Artist - Looking for Entry-Level Opportunities”.


Tell Your Story with the Summary


Your summary is part of your LinkedIn bio, it expands on your headline and lists your skills and experiences. When it comes to summaries, the most important thing to keep in mind is to have one! A surprisingly large number of people leave the summary field blank, significantly reducing their visibility to recruiters. 


Your summary tells your story - who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Make sure to include all of your qualifications, job experiences, and skills within the first 3 - 5 paragraphs of the summary. It should be compelling enough to have visitors and recruiters intrigued, and make them want to connect with you. Write a few drafts, proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes, and keep it as concise as possible. 


Build Your Network


Your network greatly influences who sees your profile and whose profiles you see. When you perform a search on LinkedIn your network will affect the results shown. Usually, your first-degree connections are prioritised, then second, and so on. Therefore, the more connections you have, with the right people, the greater your profile’s visibility is.


Similarly, the more connections you have, the more people you can reach out to for advice, information and job listings. Grow your network by reaching out to previous employers, mentors, clients, teachers, and friends. You can also use your mailing list, blog, or website to build a wider network. 


Highlight Your Experiences


Unsurprisingly, your experience is a key section on your profile. However, many people use it to list all the jobs they’ve ever had, which can be a detrimental approach. It’s better to highlight the jobs that are most relevant to your current situation. Focus on applicable workplaces and specific accomplishments, such as ‘increased the web traffic of X website within X years’. You should also take advantage of LinkedIn’s multimedia feature to highlight your portfolio, include articles and interviews, anything relevant that will make you stand out. 


Flaunt Your Skills


Similar to your experience, don’t just list all of your skills, focus and tailor your list to your current situation. For example, if you’re a digital artist, Photoshop is a key skill that should be included. If you’re an accountant, it’s not so necessary. Just because you can do it, it doesn’t mean you need to.


Whether you’ve mastered a new skill or decided one isn’t relevant anymore - make sure to update your skills regularly. Have your friends and family endorse your skills as a way of verifying your prowess and credibility. 


Get Endorsements


While we’ve mentioned getting your friends and family to endorse you, how do you get others to do it? The best way is to begin endorsing others. When you genuinely endorse people who you think deserve it, a lot of the time people will return the favour. Just make sure to check which endorsements you show and which you hide, as sometimes endorsements made may not accurately reflect your goals. 


Ask for Recommendations


Recommendations may sound similar to endorsements, but they are different things. Endorsements provide visitors with a quick visual overview of your strongest skills. Recommendations, on the other hand, are personal testimonials of close colleagues and employers about their experience working with you. Recommendations make your profile much more attractive, especially if it’s from a known, reliable figure in your field. Ask key contacts for recommendations, and offer to write one for them too. 


Customise Your URL


When you open a LinkedIn account your profile is assigned a URL. LinkedIn’s algorithm decides your URL randomly by selecting a series of letters and numbers. This can look messy to visitors and recruiters. It’s better to promote your profile with a custom URL, which is easier to read and more digestible. Ideally, you should set your URL to your name or a variation of it. This will also make it easier to find your profile through Google or another search engine. 



With over 303 million active monthly users, your LinkedIn profile needs to be visible. By using these tips you can create an elegant and professional profile to stand out from the crowd, and force recruiters to take notice. 


By Martin Schofield 11 Apr, 2023
what to look for when hiring a saas marketing agency Are you a SaaS business looking to take your marketing efforts to the next level? If so, consider hiring a SaaS marketing agency. But with so many agencies, how do you know which is right for your business? In this blog post, we'll dive into what a SaaS marketing agency does and provide tips on choosing the best one for your needs. Whether increasing website traffic or generating more leads, a reputable SaaS marketing agency can help take your business to new heights. So let's get started! What is a SaaS marketing agency? A SaaS ( Software as a Service ) marketing agency is a specialized marketing agency that caters to the specific needs of SaaS businesses. These agencies provide comprehensive marketing services such as SEO, PPC, social media marketing, content creation and email campaigns to help these businesses grow and succeed. Unlike other marketing agencies, SaaS marketing agencies deeply understand the unique challenges SaaS companies face. For instance, they are well-versed in the subscription-based business model and understand how to market software products using effective lead-generation strategies. SaaS marketers take an analytical approach while creating targeted campaigns that appeal directly to potential customers. They also help businesses optimize pricing models based on customer lifetime value (CLTV) data analysis. Hiring a reputable SaaS marketing agency can make all the difference in building brand awareness and driving qualified leads for your business. By leveraging their expertise in this niche field, you can stay ahead of competitors while growing your user base at an accelerated pace. What services do they provide? A SaaS marketing agency provides various services to help businesses grow and succeed digitally. These agencies specialize in promoting software as service products, which require unique strategies compared to traditional marketing. Lead generation is a core service a SaaS marketing agency provides. This involves identifying potential customers interested in your product or service and converting them into paying customers. A good agency will use tactics such as content marketing, email campaigns, social media advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO) to generate leads for your business. In addition to generating leads, a SaaS marketing agency assists customer acquisition and retention. They can help optimize your website's user experience (UX), create compelling landing pages that convert visitors into customers and develop effective onboarding processes that ensure new users efficiently use your product. Another service offered by SaaS marketing agencies is brand awareness building. This includes creating engaging content such as blog posts, videos, whitepapers, case studies etc., and performing PR activities like securing guest posts on relevant websites or getting industry awards for their client's products. Hiring a reliable SaaS marketing agency can provide immense value for growing businesses looking to increase their online presence and reach more customers through specialized digital strategies. How to choose the right SaaS marketing agency for your business Choosing the right SaaS marketing agency for your business can be daunting. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. However, narrowing down your choices and assessing potential agencies is crucial in ensuring that you find the best fit for your company's needs. Firstly, consider their experience in working with other SaaS businesses. Look at their portfolio and case studies to see if they have experience creating successful campaigns within this industry. It's also important to look at their team members' backgrounds and expertise, as having specialized knowledge about SaaS products can significantly benefit your company. Another factor to consider is communication style. Do they offer regular updates on progress? Are they open to feedback and collaboration? A good agency should prioritize clear communication throughout the entire process. It's also essential to assess whether or not the agency aligns with your brand values and goals. For example, can they effectively convey your message and unique selling points through their marketing strategies? Will they work towards achieving specific KPIs that are relevant to your business? Remember budget constraints. While cost shouldn't be the only determining factor in choosing an agency, it is still important when making any business decision. By considering all of these factors when assessing potential SaaS marketing agencies, you'll be able to make a more informed decision that sets up both you and the chosen agency for success moving forward. Five things to look for when hiring a SaaS marketing agency When choosing a SaaS marketing agency, there are certain factors you need to consider. Here are five things to look for before hiring one: 1 . Relevant Experience : Look for an agency that has experience working with companies in your industry or a similar one. This will ensure they know the ins and outs of your target audience and can create effective strategies. 2. Proven Track Record : Check their portfolio and reviews from previous clients to see if they have delivered results consistently over time. 3. Communication Skills: Choose an agency that communicates well and is open to feedback, suggestions, and concerns regarding the campaign's progress. 4. Transparent Pricing: Be wary of agencies that do not disclose all costs upfront or try to hide extra fees behind complex jargon. 5. Customized Strategies: The best SaaS marketing agencies understand clients' unique needs and tailor their strategies accordingly instead of using generic templates. Considering these points can help you find the right SaaS marketing agency for your business needs! Three red flags to avoid when hiring a SaaS marketing agency When it comes to hiring a SaaS marketing agency, there are a few red flags that you need to look out for to save your time and money. Here are three things to watch out for: 1) Lack of transparency: If the agency is not willing or able to provide clear and transparent communication about its processes, strategies, and results, then this could be a sign that they have something to hide. Ensure you understand precisely what services you will get and how they will measure success. 2) Unrealistic promises: Be wary of agencies that make lofty promises or guarantees about results. No marketing strategy can guarantee overnight success or instant ROI. Instead, seek an agency that sets realistic expectations based on your business goals and market conditions. 3) Lack of experience: Choosing an agency with relevant experience in the SaaS industry is essential. Avoid agencies that claim expertise in everything but lack specific knowledge about your target audience or niche market. A good SaaS marketing agency should demonstrate relevant case studies, testimonials, and industry awards as proof of their expertise. By keeping these red flags in mind when choosing a SaaS marketing agency, you'll be better equipped to find a partner to help you achieve sustainable growth over time. How much does it cost to hire a SaaS marketing agency? The cost of hiring a SaaS marketing agency varies depending on several factors. Some agencies may charge hourly rates, while others prefer to work on a project basis or a monthly retainer fee. The scope and complexity of your marketing needs will also affect the cost. Hourly rates for SaaS marketing agencies can range from $75 to $300 per hour. This rate includes experts' time in areas such as SEO, PPC advertising, content creation, and social media management. On average, you can pay around $150-$200 per hour for a reputable agency. For those who prefer working with an agency on a project basis or monthly retainer fee, costs typically start at $5,000/month but can quickly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars per month, depending on the depth and breadth of services offered. It is essential to remember that there may be better choices than choosing the cheapest option when selecting an agency partner for your business needs. Look for an established SaaS marketing agency with experience delivering results within your budget range before making a final decision. Conclusion Hiring a SaaS marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business. By choosing the right agency that provides customized services and understands the intricacies of your industry, you can achieve better results in less time. First, however, it's crucial to do your due diligence and look for red flags before making any commitments. When selecting an agency, remember to assess their experience, portfolio, communication skills, team structure, track record, and pricing model. By doing so, you'll ensure that they can meet your goals and deliver value for money. Ultimately, investing in the right SaaS marketing agency will help you stay ahead of the competition by leveraging digital channels effectively. So take your time to find an agency that aligns with your vision and has proven expertise in driving growth for businesses like yours. Good luck!
By Martin Schofield 03 Feb, 2023
As a SaaS startup, generating leads is one of the most important aspects of scaling fast. From creating content that speaks to your target audience to tapping into existing networks and leveraging influencer marketing techniques, you can use plenty of strategies to generate leads for your business. Read on to find out seven proven strategies you can use to get more customers for your SaaS startup. Introduction to Lead Generation for SaaS Welcome to the first section of our blog series on lead generation for SaaS startups! In this post we'll share proven strategies for generating leads and acquiring customers for your business. Lead generation is identifying and cultivating potential customers for your product or service. It's a critical part of any sales and marketing strategy, and it can be challenging to do well if you're unfamiliar with the basics. There are several ways to generate leads, but some of the most common include online advertising, search engine optimisation (SEO), content marketing, and social media marketing. Why is lead generation important? Because with leads, your business will grow. Acquiring new customers is essential to any business, but it can be incredibly challenging for early-stage startups. That's why lead generation is so important - it gives you a way to reach potential customers and get them interested in your selling. If you're just getting started with lead generation, there are a few things you need to know before getting started. First, you need to identify your target audience. Who are the people most likely to be interested in your product or service? Once you know who your target audience is, you need to figure out where they hang out online and What are the Benefits of Lead Generation? Lead generation is one of the most important aspects of any business, but especially for startups. It is acquiring and developing potential customers or 'leads' for a business's products or services. A successful lead generation strategy can help a startup to: 1. Get its foot in the door with potential customers 2. Build relationships with potential customers 3. Generate sales and grow the business 4. Increase brand awareness and visibility 5. Gain an edge over the competition 6. Save time and money on marketing efforts Here Are Seven Proven Strategies for Generating Leads for SaaS Start-ups There are some different ways to generate leads for your SaaS startup. However, not all strategies are created equal. In this article, we will share with you some proven strategies for generating leads that you can use to grow your business. One of the most effective ways to generate leads is through content marketing. By creating helpful and informative blog posts, you can attract visitors to your website who may be interested in your product or service. You can also use social media to promote your content and reach a wider audience. Another great way to generate leads is through search engine optimisation (SEO). By optimising your website for the right keywords, you can attract visitors who are looking for what you have to offer. Additionally, you can use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to target potential customers searching for products or services like yours. Finally, you can generate leads through offline trade shows, networking events, and print advertising. While these methods require more time and effort, they can effectively reach new potential customers. Using these proven strategies, you can generate more leads for your SaaS startup and help grow your business. Networking and Collaborations To generate leads for your SaaS startup, you need to focus on networking and collaboration. There are several ways to go about this, but the most important thing is to be genuine and authentic in your interactions. First, reach out to your network . See if there are any connections you can make that could lead to potential customers or partners. Remember that it's about making the sale and building relationships. Next, consider attending relevant industry events. This is a great way to meet potential customers and get your name out there. Make sure you have an elevator pitch ready, as well as some business cards. Finally, don't forget about online networking. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be great for connecting with potential leads. Seek out groups and forums where your target market hangs out, and start engaging in conversations.
By Martin Schofield 20 Aug, 2022
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By Martin Schofield 20 Aug, 2022
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