LinkedIn Or Facebook For Better B2B Marketing Results? [Includes Infographic]

B2B Marketing: LinkedIn or Facebook?I know what you’re thinking just by reading the headline of this post: Of course LinkedIn is better for B2B marketing and Facebook for B2C.

But wait, that is not necessarily the case. I have to admit I’m not as active on LinkedIn as I am on Facebook, or even Google+. That’s probably because my focus on this blog is to talk to entrepreneurs and small business.

But when it comes to approach Corporate America, I automatically think I need to get out of these networks and go to LinkedIn. Some of you probably don’t know I’m also a partner at Plural and Partners, a digital agency in Los Angeles and Chile that works with brands and big ad agencies.

Even though I have established Facebook connections with some individuals, when I want to connect with people about Plural, I’m not sure that I want to poke folks on their personal profiles, it feels like I’m coming to your family BBQ on Sunday to discuss business.

On the other hands, it feels to me that LinkedIn does not offer the same level of engagement. I heard people say they never check their messages or invites to connect. I have actually sent invites that were accepted 6 months later. By then, I don’t even know who you are anymore.

But how about results? How about learning a bit more about where my prospect is hanging out, or what kind of people should I approach on LinkedIn or on Facebook. That’s the objective for this infographic from Bop Design that starts by saying that conventional wisdom says LinkedIn is better if you play in the B2B league but…

And this is what I’m taking away from it. Of course I’d love to get your thoughts on this in the comment section:

  • You should target individuals by their level, looks like top level execs are more likely to do “business” on LinkedIn while middle management use it to network and entry level are just looking for jobs
  • Regardless of the numbers, I think I will follow my intuition on where to approach people
  • Just because my target prospect spends more time on Facebook doesn’t mean I will add to the pile of invites, messages, likes, and other forms of digital pokes. Maybe a channel less congested will have more impact
  • Does this mean I will scratch Facebook from my B2B marketing strategy? Of course not, you should not ignore Facebook at all

LinkedIn or Facebook for B2B Marketing?

Infographic courtesy of Bop Design

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About Francisco Rosales
I'm the author of SocialMouths. I also help entrepreneurs and small businesses turn their vanilla "web presence" into a profit powerhouse using techniques on social media, content and email marketing to generate traffic and convert to leads and sales. Caffeine addict and a hopeless fan of Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Bazinga! Learn more

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  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/mdyoder Michael D. Yoder

    I don’t think anyone should ever eliminate a social channel without first understanding the audience you want to reach regardless of whether they are B2B or B2C. The key is knowing where the people you want to engage with are spending their time, and how they are spending their time.
    I like the point you made about top level executives, middle managers, and entry level employees and how they use LinkedIn differently.

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisTerry247 Chris Terry

    Thanks for this useful article

  • http://twitter.com/supportawahp Support a WAHP

    I was discussing this with someone on twitter during the Small Biz Success Conference (SME) and we both concurred that although we do B2B, our people are all on Facebook because that’s where their people are. I am also on Linkedin but I find it ineffective for the most part and cannot keep up with all the group discussions. I much prefer my networking groups on Facebook at the moment.

  • Rhia Roberts

    WOW. You really help us decide where best to spend our time courting followers. Thank you.

  • http://learnit2earnitwithlynn.com Lynn Brown

    I’m a huge fan of Linkedin only because the connections, contacts and clients that I make are significant to my business.  Facebook seems to be more ‘window shoppers’ which is ok, because I still provide huge visibility and invitation for them to connect and engage. 

    Thank you for sharing these stats, although even though Linkedin is shown here with lower ‘numbers’, I feel they have much more significant results when it comes to business.  But either way, I invite you to please visit my fan page and connect with me on Linkedin! 

  • http://mysocialgameplan.com Jonathan

    I’ve always had more success with B2B via LinkedIn. I can’t imagine doing too well with Facebook.  People are way more “defensive” on Facebook.

  • http://www.nichesense.com/ Anshul

    Really depends on the type of business. I work with a lot of small businesses and always find Facebook to be a more accessible medium to reach out to the market although I know of many people who work with larger companies and prefer to use Linkedin.

  • http://profiles.google.com/nataliesisson Natalie Sisson

    I’m like you and am not using LinkedIn as much as I should but I do find it’s a totally different kind of audience to Facebook and therefore I find it great for having my business portfolio there and getting recommendations, answering questions and being of value. FB seems more engaging, friendly and instantaneous.

  • http://www.premierclaimsplus.co.uk/ Tena Brinson

    I have actually sent invites that were accepted 6 months later. By then, I don’t even know who you are anymore.

  • http://www.lingeriespicy.com/ Felipa Waldrop

    Facebook and therefore I find it great for having my business portfolio
    there and getting recommendations, answering questions and being of
    value. 

  • http://www.dealership-marketing.net/ Ajaima

    But wait, that is not necessarily the case. I have to admit I’m not as
    active on LinkedIn as I am on Facebook, or even Google+. That’s probably
    because my focus on this blog is to talk to entrepreneurs and small
    business.

  • http://exclusivehomebath.com/ modern bathroom vanities nyc

    I know what you’re thinking just by reading the headline of this post: Of course LinkedIn is better for B2B marketing and Facebook for B2C.

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