My LinkedIn company page delivered a message. Loud and clear.

It was not pretty − or unexpected.

• More like forgotten
• A boomer brain moment

My company page reminded me of a simple, well-known fact.

Social media platforms change. 

• Well Duh, right?
• Maybe this happened to you, too
• If not, please lie so I feel better

LinkedIn Company Page

If you are unfamiliar with this feature of LinkedIn, the following provides a brief summary.

• LinkedIn launched Company Pages in 2010
• Overview contained a company snapshot (size, location, services, etc.)
• Careers shared job openings
• Products & Services offered a platform for featuring products/services
• Analytics shared statistical data for insight on the page’s performance

All Your Eggs in the LinkedIn Company Page Basket

I do not jump on every social media bandwagon. That’s putting it mildly. However, from the start, I have been a fan of LinkedIn. By far, it is my best social media source for my business.

I decided to make use of the LinkedIn company page feature. I even created a video of my early attempts.

• I spent a lot of time on Products & Services
• Most products/service linked back to this site
• So I thought I was following my cardinal rule

What rule?

Don’t rely on a social media platform for your business.

In 2012, LinkedIn introduced a new design to company pages (and most of LinkedIn). While frustrating, I did update my company page and imported my logo, which I have to admit, looked better that the previous company page headers.

Guess what happened.

• Yep. LinkedIn changed features of company pages again.
• In April 2014, LinkedIn slapped my Products & Services into oblivion.
• ALL. THAT. HARD. WORK.

A Slap in the Head

Now they are introducing features like Showcase Pages.

Sorry, LinkedIn. I’m done.

To be fair, it’s not LinkedIn’s fault.

• I ignored my cardinal rule when it tapped me on my shoulder
• As a result, LinkedIn company page slapped me silly

I kept my company page but I am focusing on my personal page. If someone stumbles on my company page, they will see the basics about my business and a link to this site.

It took a couple of slaps but I learned my lesson − again.

I’m not saying the company page is a bad idea.

For me, it does not make sense. And that goes for any business or company page – Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn.

As a sole proprietor, maintaining a personal AND a company page is counter-productive.

• Particularly on LinkedIn, my personal page updates work well
• I’d rather spend time developing business relationships

Here is a publisher article that I thought offered a good perspective => LinkedIn Company Page Vs Personal Profile: Which Is Better?

Are you a sole proprietor or small business owner?

• Do you maintain a personal and a company page (on any platform)?
• Is it working for you? What are the pros and cons?

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