With around 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become a must for any professional, most importantly for small businesses interested in networking and building a social media strategy. It’s easy to use, great for finding relevant contacts, and makes getting in touch with anyone easy and safe.
However, a new player has swiftly gained traction, particularly among small businesses in Central New York. Alignable, a rapidly growing networking tool, is specifically designed to cater to the needs of small businesses.
In this article, we will delve into the depths of Alignable and uncover the distinctive features that set it apart from LinkedIn. Join us as we explore the question: What is Alignable and how does it differentiate itself from LinkedIn?
LinkedIn: A Breakdown
First established in 2003, LinkedIn is currently one of the world’s largest social media platforms. It’s used by many to network and find connections, as well as browse and apply to job opportunities, share thoughts, and post about professional achievements.
LinkedIn also has business pages, which allows companies to post news and content as the brand, rather than an individual. This can be favorable for giving a company different voices and touch points for people to reach out to.
It can be a difficult platform to navigate for small businesses. While there are plenty of opportunities to connect with a wide range of people on LinkedIn, sometimes, their voices get drowned out by the larger corporations with thousands of followers.
That’s where Alignable comes in.
What is Alignable?
Alignable is an online networking tool for small businesses. It works similarly to LinkedIn in that it allows you to connect with others on the platform, as well as share your business’s top services. You can make posts and look at others’, all with the ability to like, share, and comment.
Similar to Facebook, other users can also write recommendations about your business and specify whether they recommend you. Once you get a certain number of recommendations, you’re given a badge that indicates you’re “highly recommended on Alignable.” This then shows up on your profile and can also be placed on your website.
Much like a LinkedIn company page, you can also have multiple admins on your page. They all have the ability to make posts on behalf of the company.
LinkedIn vs. Alignable: The Main Differences
LinkedIn is great for building up your personal brand and finding jobs that suit your interests. Recruiters will often use it to find new talent, even if that person isn’t outwardly looking for a new position.
LinkedIn also has groups, which individuals can join in order to share information or otherwise start an online community centered around a shared interest.
Alignable, on the other hand, is specific to small businesses and microbusinesses, and is therefore less centered around the “individual” brand. It tends to be more specific to the business’s brand and learning how to get other businesses to recommend yours.
Therefore, Alignable achieves similar end goals as LinkedIn (for example, networking), but it’s more about business and less about people.
LinkedIn vs. Alignable for Your Social Media Strategy
In terms of activity, the basics of LinkedIn and Alignable are quite similar. You have to post regularly and be willing to start conversations with other people. It’s important to be engaging and actively providing great content.
However, the approach should differ depending on the platform you’re using. Alignable is reliant on organic marketing. If you can provide great advice and add value, people will want to interact. This will then translate into generating interest in your business, which can help you get referrals.
LinkedIn, on the other hand, can be more competitive. Not only is it important to create great content and be active on the platform, you also need to be able to use hashtags strategically and be slightly more intentional about what time of the day you’re posting (mainly because of the stiffer competition).
To summarize, LinkedIn seems to be more about gaining attention and spreading brand awareness. Therefore, your strategy should be focused on content, visuals, hashtags, and tagging. With Alignable on the other hand, you can afford to be less loud. Just make sure to consistently add value and start conversations with individual companies. It’s not quite as flashy as LinkedIn appears to be.
Maximize the Potential of Alignable
In conclusion, Alignable emerges as a powerful tool that complements LinkedIn in the realm of social media strategy for small businesses. While both platforms offer valuable opportunities for networking and brand building, Alignable brings distinct advantages that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses. They will help you connect with others and build your brand voice online.
By leveraging Alignable’s targeted approach and community-focused features, small businesses can forge meaningful connections within their local or niche markets. Alignable’s emphasis on collaboration and referrals fosters a supportive ecosystem where businesses can thrive and expand their reach.
If you could use some help with building and implementing a social media strategy, the Vervology team can handle it all for you. Based on your brand and preferences, we will partner with you to create a strategy that best suits your unique needs.
Remember, aligning your social media strategy with the right platforms can be a game-changer. Embrace the potential of Alignable and unlock new possibilities for your small business.