Why LinkedIn Matters Now More Than Ever

LinkedIn for small businesses is no longer just a “nice to have”, it’s become one of the most effective tools for getting found by potential clients, building trust, and growing your network. Whether you’re a one-person startup or a team of five, LinkedIn can help you look professional, share what you offer, and attract the right kind of attention online.

What makes it stand out is how business-focused the platform is. Unlike other social channels filled with distractions, LinkedIn is where people go to talk shop. This gives small businesses a real chance to stand out — without needing a big marketing budget.

A lot of owners ask, “Should I use my personal profile or a business page?” The answer is both and we’ll cover why later. But what’s clear is that LinkedIn Small Business use is growing fast in the UK. From independent consultants to local service providers, more people are turning to the platform to build genuine connections and showcase what they do best.

If you’ve been putting off building your presence, now’s the time to start. This guide offers simple, practical advice, no jargon, no fluff. Just useful tips you can act on straight away.

We’ll also point out some small business help for LinkedIn that many people don’t know exists, including free tools, support, and even workshops to give you a head start.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make LinkedIn work for your business, and how to use it to attract the kind of clients you actually want to work with.

How To Set Up A Standout LinkedIn Page For Your Small Business

When we start with a new client, this is one of the first things to Delivered Social team check, to make sure it’s set up correctly. Getting noticed on LinkedIn starts with a strong business page. If you want to make a good first impression, it’s worth getting this bit right. For many people, your LinkedIn page is the first place they’ll check before deciding to work with you, so make it count.

The first step is simple: create a LinkedIn Company Page. It’s completely free, and LinkedIn will guide you through the setup process. Use your official business name, upload a clear logo, and choose a banner image that reflects your brand, even a well-taken photo of your shop front or team works.

Next, focus on the “About” section. This is where you explain what your business does and who it helps. Keep it short, honest, and easy to read. Talk directly to your ideal client and explain how you solve their problems. Use everyday language, no need for complicated terms or sales jargon.

Don’t skip the “Specialties” and “Website” fields either. These help people find you through LinkedIn searches and give them a direct way to learn more about what you do.

One of the best parts of using LinkedIn for small businesses is how your page can boost your visibility. When your staff list the business as their employer, it builds credibility. When you post updates, your followers see them, and if they engage, their network sees them too.

If you’re not sure where to start, there’s small business help for LinkedIn available through LinkedIn’s own learning hub. There are also free resources, video guides, and even community groups to give you pointers.

Your business page doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be real, helpful, and active. A good page gives people a reason to trust you and take that next step to get in touch.

Content That Converts: What To Post And When

This is probably one of the most common questions, the social team at Delivered Social get asked. Once your LinkedIn business page is live, the next step is knowing what to post. This is where a lot of small businesses go quiet, not because they don’t have anything to say, but because they’re not sure what works. The truth is, you don’t need to be a marketing expert to post content that gets results.

The key is to show your expertise, give value, and stay consistent. If you’re using LinkedIn for small businesses, think of it as a way to build trust rather than chase likes.

Start by sharing what’s happening behind the scenes. A quick photo of a finished project, a team update, or even a customer review can go a long way. People like doing business with people, not faceless companies, so let your personality shine through.

You can also post tips and helpful advice. If you’re a dog groomer, share how to care for pets at home. If you run a café, post your favourite way to make coffee. These sorts of posts are easy to write, easy to read, and they position you as someone who knows their stuff.

It’s also smart to reshare other people’s posts with your own comment. This keeps your page active and helps build connections. Don’t worry if it doesn’t get loads of likes, on LinkedIn, even one comment or share can lead to a new opportunity.

As for when to post, once or twice a week is more than enough to start with. Try to post mid-morning on weekdays when people are online but not yet in full work mode.

LinkedIn Small Business use is often about showing up regularly, being helpful, and staying top of mind. Over time, your content will start to work harder for you, bringing in views, sparking conversations, and growing your reputation in the background.

LinkedIn Networking Tactics For Small Business Owners

It’s easy to think of LinkedIn as just a place to post updates, but real value often comes from the people you connect with. For small business owners, that’s where LinkedIn really shines. Whether you’re looking for local suppliers, new clients, or helpful contacts, building the right network makes a big difference.

Start by connecting with people you already know, friends, customers, past colleagues, and local businesses. It’s not about adding hundreds of strangers; it’s about building a circle of people who might one day need what you offer, or who can recommend you to others.

When sending a connection request, always add a short note. Something like “Hi Sam, I run a local signage company,  thought I’d connect in case we can support each other in future” goes a long way. It’s personal, it’s friendly, and it gives context.

Don’t just post on your page, get involved in conversations. Comment on other people’s posts, ask questions, and join relevant groups. This keeps your profile active and helps people notice you for the right reasons.

You can also follow hashtags related to your industry. This gives you a feed of posts to engage with, making it easier to join the right conversations.

If this part feels awkward, there are LinkedIn workshops for small businesses that show you exactly how to build your network without being pushy. These can be local events or online sessions, many of them free or low-cost.

LinkedIn for small businesses isn’t about selling in every message. It’s about staying visible, being helpful, and showing people what you’re about. Do that consistently, and the right opportunities will start to come your way.

Generating Leads Without Paid Ads On LinkedIn

One of the best things about using LinkedIn for small businesses is that you don’t need to spend a penny to start finding new clients. While LinkedIn does offer paid ads, you can do a lot organically, especially if you’re willing to put in a little time each week.

The first step is to make sure your personal profile and business page are both active and up to date. This gives people confidence when they come across your name. A friendly photo, a short bio, and clear links to your business can make a big difference.

Next, think about who you want to reach. Use the search bar to look for people in your area or industry. You can filter by job title, location, and more. Once you find someone relevant, send a short, polite connection request, not a sales pitch. A simple “Hi, I thought it’d be great to connect as we both work with local businesses” works well.

Once they accept, take your time. Engage with their posts, comment when it makes sense, and build a genuine connection. Only message them directly if it feels right, and always lead with value, not a hard sell.

Posting helpful content on your page also brings in leads over time. Someone might see your post, click through to your profile, and reach out, without you doing anything extra.

You don’t need hundreds of leads at once. For many small businesses, just one or two new clients each month can make a big difference. LinkedIn gives you that chance, without the pressure or cost of advertising.

With a bit of consistency and a personal approach, your next client might just be a few clicks away.

FAQs: LinkedIn For Small Businesses

1. What should small businesses post on LinkedIn?
Post updates that show what you do, how you help customers, and what goes on behind the scenes. Tips, reviews, and honest stories work well. Keep it simple and consistent.

2. Is LinkedIn useful for small businesses without a marketing team?
Yes — LinkedIn Small Business use is ideal for solo owners or small teams. You don’t need fancy tools. A good profile, regular posts, and friendly networking can go a long way.

3. How often should I post on LinkedIn?
Once or twice a week is enough to stay visible. Focus on quality, not quantity. Share things that matter to your audience and show what makes your business different.

4. Are there any free LinkedIn workshops for small businesses?
Yes, many local councils, business groups, and online platforms offer LinkedIn workshops for small businesses. These can help you get started with confidence.

5. Where can I get small business help for LinkedIn?
LinkedIn’s own learning hub is full of free tips. You can also find small business help for LinkedIn through local mentors, online groups, and support services like ours.