One of the alternatives for business workers and managers in the social Web is Xing and LinkedIn professional networks. The copy of the U.S. model LinkedIn has been so far successful in Germany. This was primarily due to the language barrier. LinkedIn became available in German only in 2009, since then the number of German-speaking users has grown rapidly. LinkedIn is definitely the global market leader if to compare the two networks. However, the situation in Germany has a completely different picture. Google Insights chart shows very clearly that users here express their overwhelming interest in the German business network Xing:
The figures in the diagram show the number of a particular term searches compared with the number of Google search queries over a given time frame.
Similarities of the both networks
Xing and LinkedIn offer ideal ways to the companies and their employees, and also freelancers, to contact colleagues, other businesses and service providers via the Internet. The user enters a virtual business environment similar to classic exhibition setting built specially for him or her. Contact data transparency provides an effective way to enter into relations; it is also an ideal ground for headhunters.
Differences in the social media platforms
With its over nine million visitors, XING is one of the largest business networks and is the first choice for nationally based entrepreneurs and companies. Companies use the business network for staff recruitment purposes. Regional professional groups meet offline.
LinkedIn is the world’s leading business networking platform. More than sixty million users connect here internationally. The primary language is English. Its German interface was launched in 2009. LinkedIn is on course for growth in Germany having no more than a million users at the moment, though.
LinkedIn is interesting for the users that have international contacts or want to build an international professional network.
Importance of business networks based on SEO and SEM – preview
Each link counts in the battle for the top position in Google ranking. Both business networks are easily found using Google bots. It appears that LinkedIn entries in Google have higher rating than Xing entries.
For search engine optimization it is useful to create an entry with a relevant search engine description and a link to a landing page or a microsite of your own company.
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