How to Become a LinkedIn Influencer in 5 Steps
If you’ve been looking for a sign to prioritize LinkedIn in 2023 — this is it.
Here’s how to become a LinkedIn influencer in five steps:
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Define Your Goals
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Prioritize Authenticity
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Post, Post, Post
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Engage Within & Outside of Your Network
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Don’t Stick to One Niche
Step #1: Define Your Goals
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — defining your goals is pivotal to your success on social media.
And LinkedIn is no different.
So, before you prepare your first post, it’s important to create SMART goals.
This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what “success” looks like for you on LinkedIn and how to drive your strategy forward.
Sophie reminds us: “If you were launching a new product, the first thing you would think about is your strategy,” she says.
“So, when we’re marketing ourselves, why wouldn’t we do the same thing?”
TIP: Bookmark this post to help you set your own SMART goals: How to Set Social Media Goals in 2023 (+ Achieve Them!).
Step #2: Prioritize Authenticity
While LinkedIn is a professional network, it doesn’t mean you have to post like a CEO.
Brandon’s recommendation? “Share the advice you wish you got, your thoughts on X topic, or your reaction to recent news.”
Likewise, Sophie shares a trick she learned from Amelia Sordell: type how you talk.
Not only can it streamline your writing — it’ll help you stay true to your brand.
“It creates a really authentic first impression,” Sophie explains.
The takeaway? Don’t let LinkedIn dim your brand voice (or emoji usage).
FYI: makes planning and scheduling your social media content easy. Share your unique thoughts and perspectives on LinkedIn in advance when you create a free account today:
Step #3: Post, Post, Post
Simple: you can’t grow on LinkedIn if you don’t share your golden thoughts and ideas.
And while Sophie’s found the sweet spot to be 2-3 posts a week, she acknowledges that sharing your unique perspective can seem scary and in her experience, cringe.
“When I first started posting on LinkedIn, an old coworker liked one of my posts, and I thought ‘Hell no — no one from real life can see me on this platform,’” Sophie recalls.
“So, I blocked everyone I know [except for] my best friend.”
Fast forward a few years and she has a combined LinkedIn audience of 200K+ followers.
Our advice? Embrace the cringe!
TIP: Discover the best time to post on LinkedIn so you can reach your audience when they’re most active: The Best Time to Post on LinkedIn in 2023.
Step #4: Engage Within & Outside of Your Network
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a simple LinkedIn comment can unlock dozens of potential networking opportunities, sponsorships, and customers.
“The goal is to put yourself in rooms and conversations you might not be in because [potential connections and followers] don’t know who you are,” Sophie says.
But it’s not only about connecting with new creators and brands.
You need to maintain strong relationships within your network too.
“Connect with others peers in your space,” Brandon reminds us.
“They are the ones who will engage with your content most.”
Aka, network, but don’t forget about your day ones.
Step #5: Don’t Stick to One Niche
Unlike other social media platforms, sticking to a single niche could actually hinder your LinkedIn growth.
Brandon recommends speaking to 3-5 content pillars, because “[t]hat diversity of subject matter helps your content from getting too mundane and widens your audience.”
His go-tos? Social media, career development, content strategy, and being Black in tech.
Coupled with his use of hashtags and relevant keywords, Brandon’s managed to rack up 1M+ impressions and 10K+ followers in just two months. 🔥
So, what are you waiting for?
There’s never been a better time to invest in your LinkedIn growth.
As long as you stay true to you, build lasting connections, and embrace the cringe, you’re bound to make a splash in this newfound creator economy pool.
We’ll see you on our LinkedIn feed.
