When it comes to business networking, LinkedIn is the number one social network in the world. That’s why business professionals around the world – and B2B companies like yours – have registered themselves as LinkedIn members

Whether you are new to LinkedIn, or have been a member for a while, you’ll want to ensure that you are making the most of your B2B LinkedIn presence. Here are five great ways to use LinkedIn as a B2B marketing tool.

• Promote Products and Services: In addition to establishing a company page for your brand, you’ll also want to take advantage of the business tools that LinkedIn offers. Be sure to add products and services, including links to special offers and promotional videos, to your LinkedIn company page.

• Optimize Your Content: Obtaining inbound links from influential websites is a sound SEO strategy, so creating links between your website and your company’s LinkedIn page is a must. You can do this by including your website’s URL in your company description on LinkedIn – and including links to your website whenever you post a status update for your company.

• Create Great Updates: Consistently posting high quality content to your LinkedIn page is one of the best ways to spread the word about your company. Use the status update section to share valuable updates about your company, such as blog posts, press releases, webinar invitations and new product launches.

• Share Your Expertise: Answering questions in LinkedIn Groups you belong to will demonstrate your expertise and make other users aware of your company’s presence. To get started, find a few groups started by others in your industry and take part in the group’s discussions.

• Start a Group: LinkedIn groups also give you a venue to gather employees – and other LinkedIn users – together in one place. You can use your LinkedIn group to begin discussions with clients and prospects, run polls and post exclusive content for group members.