5 Creative Uses of LinkedIn for Unique Customer Experiences

In a time where consumer attention is the ultimate commodity, maximizing each social media channel to create memorable experiences has become a powerful strategy. While many companies are turning to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more, do not discount what’s possible on LinkedIn. Take inspiration from these five companies that have gone beyond content and company pages to craft unique experiences for their customers.

1. Connect with KFC’s Founder

KFC’s founder Colonel Harland Sanders may have been born in 1890, but that hasn’t stopped him from embracing modern technology to create a robust LinkedIn profile. Developed as the company introduced his new redesign, the Colonel’s LinkedIn summary tells his story in a humorous way — he admits to doing “a whole mess of jobs poorly” up until age 65, when he “finally found the thing I could do better than anyone in the world: cook fried chicken.” The profile includes descriptions of all the jobs the Colonel has held in his impressive 115+ year career, including “Goat-milker,” “Student of the Law,” and “Band Leader.”

What’s unique about this effort is that it’s hard to find any notable brand personalities or mascots on the platform. KFC’s founder is a core part of the company’s brand persona and marketing efforts, and LinkedIn offers a unique opportunity to connect with fans of the brand and tell the story of his background and accomplishments, even if it’s in a humorous way. And who knows — if the Colonel accepts your invitation to connect, maybe he will send back a message with career advice or an endorsement.

2. Apply for a Travel Enthusiast’s “Dream Job” With Virgin Atlantic

To promote its Premium Economy amenities, Virgin Atlantic took to LinkedIn to post what could quite possibly be a dream job as a Freelance Flyer. To apply, applicants were asked to submit 1,500 words or less via LinkedIn on why they deserved to be the company’s Freelance Flyer. The prize? On a weekly basis, one traveler would win round-trip transportation from their city of origin to London, England to pursue their personal or professional goals. Note: this campaign happened before COVID-19.