Becoming a LinkedIn influencer takes dedication, knowledge, and persistence. It’s not something that happens overnight, but with the right strategy and commitment, it is possible to build authority and influence on the platform. Here are some tips to get you started:
Be Active and Engaged
The first step is to be active daily on LinkedIn. Post content regularly, comment on other’s posts, like and share content, and participate in LinkedIn groups. The more engaged you are, the more visibility you will gain. Aim to post at least 1-2 times per week, and spend time networking and connecting with others.
Establish Yourself as an Expert
Position yourself as an expert in your industry by consistently sharing high-quality content. This includes articles, videos, slide decks, and more. Focus on providing value for your audience rather than promoting yourself. Share tips, insights, actionable advice, case studies, and thought leadership content.
Grow Your Network
Focus on making new connections and expanding your network. Aim to connect with people both inside and outside of your immediate circle. Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and contribute to conversations. The larger your high-quality network, the more influence you can build.
Be Helpful and Engaging
When connecting with others, be helpful, thoughtful, and add value. Take time to build relationships, offer advice, provide feedback, and make connections between people. Being known as someone who is generous with their time and knowledge can boost your reputation.
Partner With Other Influencers
Collaborate with other influencers through content shares, cross-promotions, guest articles, podcast interviews, and more. Getting recognized by established influencers can help give you a boost. Offer to co-author content with them or interview them for your own content.
Use Advanced LinkedIn Features
Take advantage of LinkedIn’s advanced features designed for influencers. For example, you can publish long-form articles using LinkedIn Publishing. You can also use LinkedIn Live for broadcasting live video. Use Hashtags and tagged mentions to extend your reach.
Measure Your Impact
Analyze your LinkedIn metrics regularly to assess your impact and reach. Key stats to watch are content engagement, page views, follower growth, and social sharing. Use this data to refine your strategy and create more effective content.
Get Recommendations
Ask clients, partners, and colleagues for LinkedIn recommendations. Genuine recommendations can help establish you as a trusted expert. Offer to write recommendations in return to build relationships.
Apply for the LinkedIn Top Voice Program
The LinkedIn Top Voice program recognizes influencers who spark thoughtful discussions. There are tiers based on impact – Top Voice, Senior Top Voice, and Hero Top Voice. Check if you qualify and apply to give your influence a boost.
Promote Your Profile and Content
Don’t be afraid to politely promote your LinkedIn profile and content. Share updates across your other social channels and email signature. Run LinkedIn Sponsored Content campaigns to expand your reach to a targeted audience.
Offer Services as an Influencer
Once you build authority, offer your influencer services to brands and businesses. This could include content creation, employee advocacy consulting, influencer program management, and more. Having clients will further validate you.
Join LinkedIn’s Influencer Program
LinkedIn has an official Influencer program. It’s invite-only and acceptance rate is less than 1%. But if accepted, you gain access to special benefits. These include post analytics, multi-author publishing, help promoting content, and invitations to exclusive events.
Conclusion
Becoming a LinkedIn influencer requires determination, high-quality content, relationship building, and consistency over an extended period. But for those who put in the work, it can open up amazing opportunities and positions you as an industry leader. Start focusing on adding value, growing your network, and measuring your impact. With the right strategic approach, you can build significant authority and influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a LinkedIn influencer?
Some key requirements to become a LinkedIn influencer include:
– Having an extensive network with over 10,000 connections
– Consistently publishing high-value content that receives engagement
– Getting recommendations from well-known profiles
– Participating actively in discussions and groups
– Maintaining an up-to-date, optimized LinkedIn profile
– Possessing expertise and thought leadership in your industry
How do you get asked to be a LinkedIn Top Voice?
You can get invited to be a LinkedIn Top Voice by:
– Publishing regular long-form content and participating in discussions
– Maintaining high engagement levels on your posts
– Writing content on relevant industry trends and topics
– Joining conversations within your expertise area
– Promoting your content across channels to boost visibility
– Building relationships and networking with other Top Voices
– Consistently providing value through your contributions
How many followers do you need to be LinkedIn famous?
There is no definitive follower number that makes someone “LinkedIn famous.” However, influencers on the platform often have tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of followers. Some benchmarks for LinkedIn fame include:
– micro-influencer: 10,000 – 50,000 followers
– power influencer: 50,000 – 500,000 followers
– celebrity influencer: over 500,000 followers
The importance is not just the follower count but also consistently creating content your audience finds value in and engages with. Quality over quantity.
How do I write a good LinkedIn article?
Tips for writing compelling LinkedIn articles include:
– Focusing on providing value for your target audience
– Using an informative but catchy headline
– Structuring content with clear sections and subheaders
– Incorporating storytelling elements and real-world examples
– Making content skimmable with bullet points and short paragraphs
– Adding images, infographics or videos to make engaging
– Crafting a strong opening and closing
– Promoting the article through your other channels
What types of content do influencers share on LinkedIn?
Top types of content LinkedIn influencers share include:
– Long-form articles (1000+ words)
– Short form posts (tips, news, Q&As, polls)
– Case studies and expert interviews
– Slideshares, ebooks, whitepapers
– Videos and live streams
– Job and career advice
– Industry reports and analysis
– Conference and event highlights
– Book summaries
– Actionable how-to guides
How many posts per day are optimal for LinkedIn?
Posting 1-2 times per day is generally recommended as optimal for LinkedIn influencers. Any more than that risks overwhelming your connections. It’s important to find a balance between frequently posting valuable content and oversaturation. Focus on quality over quantity.
Influencer Strategies to Apply
Here are some specific influencer best practices you can apply:
| Strategy | Example |
| Curate content from industry websites, blogs, reports, etc. Add analysis and commentary. | “3 Marketing Trends from the Latest McKinsey Report” |
| Share commentary on current news/events in your industry | “How the Government Shutdown Impacts Cybersecurity” |
| Provide tips, how-to’s, and actionable advice | “10 Negotiation Tactics Every Sales Rep Needs” |
| Answer common questions from your followers | “FAQ: How Do I Handle a Lowball Salary Offer?” |
| Interview leaders and experts in your space | “Video: Instagram Founder Kevin Systrom on Going Viral” |
Measuring Your Influencer Impact
It’s important to consistently measure your influencer impact on LinkedIn to refine your strategy. Here are key metrics to track:
| Metric | Goal |
| Follower Growth Rate | 25-50% per year |
| Engagement Rate | 3-5% on posts |
| Shares per Post | 10+ |
| Content Views | 500+ |
| Click Rate | 5-10% on links |
Analyze this data regularly and set goals for continuous improvement. Identify content formats and topics that resonate best.
In Closing
Becoming a top LinkedIn influencer requires putting in the work – but the impact on your personal brand and reach can be immense. If you provide consistent value, build relationships, and leverage LinkedIn’s features for influencers, you can establish yourself as a thought leader. Start implementing the strategies today and measure your progress. With focus and persistence, you can continue growing your influence, one quality post at a time.
