The LinkedIn influencer badge is a prestigious designation given to thought leaders who consistently create engaging content that drives meaningful conversations on the LinkedIn platform. It’s not easy to get – LinkedIn says less than 0.5% of members have earned the influencer status. But if you establish yourself as an industry expert and publish popular posts over time, you can get there. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the LinkedIn influencer program?
LinkedIn launched the influencer program in 2014 as a way to highlight members who contribute valuable insights and perspectives. Influencers share ideas and advice with their professional communities in the form of long-form blog style posts published directly on LinkedIn.
Influencers come from diverse backgrounds and fields – business executives, consultants, investors, academics, journalists, activists, and more. But they all create thought-provoking content that spurs discussion. Examples of common influencer post topics include leadership, innovation, industry trends, career development, and workplace culture.
In addition to publishing regular articles, influencers also engage with their audiences by responding to comments on their posts. The combined factors of quality sharing and community interaction are what earns them the verified blue influencer badge displayed on their profiles.
Why become a LinkedIn influencer?
There are a number of potential benefits to gaining influencer status:
- Increased visibility and authority – The badge signals you’re a subject matter expert.
- Expanded reach – Your posts can gain widespread exposure beyond your direct connections.
- Professional brand building – Demonstrates thought leadership in your field.
- Business opportunities – Partnerships, speaking invitations, new clients.
- Impact and influence – Your ideas and insights can shape dialogues.
LinkedIn’s criteria for influencer status
LinkedIn has not publicly disclosed the exact criteria or process for designating influencers. But based on observations of current influencers, we can infer some key factors:
Consistent posting activity
To become an influencer, you need to publish posts frequently and consistently over a period of time. Many influencers post weekly or several times per month. Establishing a regular cadence for sharing content helps build anticipation and readership.
Post engagement
Influencers write posts that spark conversation and feedback. You’ll need to attract a high volume of likes, shares, and comments on your posts to qualify.
Article quality
Posts must offer unique perspectives, insightful analysis, actionable advice, or thought-provoking ideas. Generic, overly promotional, or unoriginal content won’t cut it.
Field expertise
Influencers are recognized authorities in their industries or subject matter areas. You’ll need to demonstrate specialized knowledge to earn trust and credibility.
Tips for becoming a LinkedIn influencer
Here are some best practices to boost your chances of getting the badge:
Focus on your niche
Establish a clear expertise domain like technology, healthcare, finance, etc. Then create content specific to that field to build a devoted audience.
Post long-form content
Influencer articles are typically 1000+ words. Longer posts allow you to explore topics more deeply and promote richer discussion.
Write about trending topics
Post content related to current events, industry news, or emerging trends to attract more immediate interest.
Share unique experiences
Draw upon your own career stories, case studies, and lessons learned to provide original perspectives readers won’t find elsewhere.
Include multimedia
Incorporate images, charts, videos, and other visuals to make your posts more engaging.
Promote your content
Share your articles across social media, email newsletters, your website, and other channels to expand their reach.
Respond to your audience
Actively participate in the discussion around your posts by replying to user comments and questions.
How long does it take to become an influencer?
There is no defined timeline. It takes consistency, patience, and persistence. Some members achieve influencer status in a year while others take several years to get there. Factors like your content quality, posting frequency, and engagement levels impact your pace. But with focused effort, you can earn the badge over time.
Examples of top LinkedIn influencers
The platform now has over 60,000 influencers globally across various industries. Here are a few standout professionals with this designation:
Richard Branson
The Virgin Group founder shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business management.
Bill Gates
The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist posts about technology, healthcare, social issues, and more.
Arianna Huffington
The Huffington Post co-founder writes about wellness, mindfulness, and workplace culture.
Guy Kawasaki
The former Apple executive publishes advice on startups, innovation, marketing, and leadership.
Sallie Krawcheck
The CEO of Ellevest posts about women in business, finance, and investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many followers do you need to be an influencer?
Follower count isn’t a stated prerequisite. While most influencers have large followings (10K+ connections), gaining influencer status seems tied more closely to post engagement and quality.
Can companies or brands become influencers?
Yes. Some corporate accounts like Salesforce, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have earned influencer verification.
Do you have to apply to become an influencer?
No, there is no formal application. LinkedIn actively monitors member activity and reaches out directly to invite qualified candidates.
How do influencer posts get featured?
Influencers don’t automatically get homepage featuring. LinkedIn curates top posts based on author reputation, content quality, and member interactions.
Can you lose your influencer status?
It’s unclear if LinkedIn revokes badges, but it’s assumed your designation depends on remaining actively engaged on the platform.
Conclusion
Becoming a LinkedIn influencer requires strategic effort, but offers rewarding opportunities to bolster your brand and share your thought leadership. Focus on building your industry expertise, writing compelling long-form posts, growing engagement, and being patient. With consistent, high-quality publishing and community interaction, you can eventually gain this esteemed badge of honor.
