LinkedIn Launches Targeted Updates & Follower Statistics

Just over a month ago, LinkedIn announced a follow button for companies that allowed users to connect with brands across the social network.  Today the follower ecosystem is expanding as LinkedIn is now offering follower statistics and targeted updates.

The targeted updates functionality will allow companies to target specific messages to a segmented audience.   The above photo shows the various sectors that companies can target with the new update feature. LinkedIn describes targeted updates by saying:

 They (marketers) will be able to create hyper-focused follower lists – based on several targeting criteria, including Industry, Seniority, Job Function, Company Size, Non-company Employees, and Geography – to which they can deliver highly relevant content to increase engagement.

The other announced upgrade to the follower system is the addition of detailed statistics for companies.  Not only will companies be able to view follower count, but also track engagement metric that include likes, shares, comments, percentage engagement as well as folower demographic information.

Overall the LinkedIn follower ecosystem has been a success and these additions should only help.  The company points out some statistics gathered around the follower system as well:

• 70% of LinkedIn members follow, or would follow companies on LinkedIn
• Half (47%) of current followers agree that LinkedIn is a more appropriate social environment for hearing company news and updates.
•  63% of LinkedIn members expect companies to have a presence on LinkedIn.

For more information on how the follow button see the video below:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jykqF-neZ2I[/youtube]

About The Author

Greg Finn

Greg Finn is the Director of Marketing for Cypress North, a company that provides world-class social media and search marketing services and web & application development. He has been in the Internet marketing industry for 10+ years and specializes in Digital Marketing. You can also find Greg on Twitter (@gregfinn) or LinkedIn.