LinkedIn introduced a new feature that can help marketers get their messages in front of the right industry influencers.

B2Bs understand the power of LinkedIn when it comes to forging professional connections. Relationships developed on the site can surface qualified job candidates, sales leads and contribute to conversions. Brafton recently covered a study that deemed LinkedIn the “Professional Network,” and touted its revenue-generating potential. Marketers might have even more reason to create social media content for the network because a new LinkedIn feature aims to help companies connect with key influencers.

Members can follow influencers on the site, a group that boasts names like Bill Gates, Tony Hsieh, Maria Shriver, Michael Bloomberg and Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts. By LinkedIn’s count, there are now more than 300 influencers active on the site.

Members can follow influencers on the site, a group that boasts names like Bill Gates, Tony Hsieh, Maria Shriver, Michael Bloomberg and Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts.

With the newly introduced functions, marketers can quickly and easily engage in conversations with industry leaders and members. As of today, LinkedIn users will be able to respond directly to influencers’ posts or Like the content shared. If members spot opportunities to connect with other users, they can mention specific participants, a function that’s expected to foster deeper connections between professionals. Because influencers’ posts are heavily trafficked and highly visible, participation in these discussions will also give marketers’ branded content more exposure on the site.

Essentially, LinkedIn is helping companies get in touch with the industry leaders that were previously out of reach. Sharing the right content and making smart connections can help marketers get noticed when it counts most.

Lauren Kaye is a Marketing Editor at Brafton Inc. She studied creative and technical writing at Virginia Tech before pursuing the digital frontier and finding content marketing was the best place to put her passions to work. Lauren also writes creative short fiction, hikes in New England and appreciates a good book recommendation.