LinkedIn Marketing Made Simple: A Q&A with Kate Merryweather
When it comes to small business marketing, many owners underestimate the power of LinkedIn. In this Q&A, I sat down with Kate Merryweather, a LinkedIn specialist and founder of Dot Com Words, to talk about how small businesses can use LinkedIn to grow visibility, attract clients, and stop hiding online.
Kate’s insights will help you rethink LinkedIn not as “just another social platform” but as a professional networking tool that can deliver real results.
Q: Kate, why do you think LinkedIn is such a powerful platform for small business owners?
Kate: LinkedIn is one of the few platforms where people show up with a business mindset. They’re ready to network, collaborate, and do business. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where people might be scrolling for fun, LinkedIn users are actively thinking about opportunities. For small business owners, that means your content is being seen by people who are primed to engage with you professionally.
Q: Many small business owners tell me they feel invisible on LinkedIn. What’s your advice for building visibility?
Kate: The key is consistency and confidence. You don’t have to post every day, but you do have to post regularly and strategically. Share your expertise, use your voice, and don’t hide behind “corporate speak.” The more you show up as yourself, the more visible — and memorable — you become. And don’t underestimate commenting on others’ posts. That’s a powerful way to get your name and face in front of new people without having to reinvent the wheel.
Q: What kind of content works best on LinkedIn in 2025?
Kate: Storytelling is everything right now. People remember stories far more than they remember facts or statistics. Share client wins, lessons you’ve learned, or moments that show your personality. Mix in practical tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and thought leadership posts. Remember: your ideal clients want to see the human behind the business.
Q: A lot of people worry about “getting it wrong” on LinkedIn. What are the common mistakes you see?
Kate: The biggest one? Treating LinkedIn like a résumé instead of a marketing tool. Your profile isn’t just about your past experience; it should be a magnet for your future clients. Another mistake is posting once and then disappearing. LinkedIn rewards consistency. And of course, the dreaded copy-paste sales pitch in DMs — please, don’t do that! Build a relationship first.
Q: For someone just starting to take LinkedIn seriously, where should they begin?
Kate: Start with your profile. That’s your shopfront on LinkedIn. Make sure your headline is clear and customer-focused, not just your job title. Use your “About” section to tell your story and show how you help people. Then set yourself a simple posting goal — maybe once a week to start. As you build confidence, increase it. And don’t forget: engaging with others is just as valuable as posting.
Q: What’s your best piece of encouragement for small business owners who feel nervous about showing up on LinkedIn?
Kate: You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be present. The people who will connect with you aren’t looking for polished perfection — they’re looking for real humans who can help solve their problems. When you show up authentically, opportunities start to find you.
Final Thoughts
Kate Merryweather reminds us that LinkedIn isn’t about broadcasting, it’s about connecting. Small business owners who use the platform to share stories, show their expertise, and engage authentically will stand out in a sea of sameness.
If LinkedIn has been on your “too hard” list, let this be your reminder: your future clients are already there, waiting to hear from you.
And if you want to learn more marketing strategies to grow your business in 2025, don’t miss the Social Media & Marketing Conference in Melbourne on 29 August 2025 — where brilliant minds like Kate will inspire and empower you to take action.
0 Comments