As social media continues to dominate the digital landscape, influencer marketing has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. On platforms like Instagram, the rise of influencer marketing has been so meteoric that experts predict the global market to skyrocket, doubling from $13.8 billion to a staggering $27.6 billion by 2025.
However, not every business or brand can effectively leverage the more casual and visually-driven approach of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. LinkedIn offers a wealth of untapped potential for those seeking a more professional, business-focused strategy.
Becoming a LinkedIn influencer means accessing a massive audience you can engage with to promote your services, share your expertise, and build your personal brand. It is a proven method for establishing a highly engaged online following that trusts your judgment and values your insights.
Of course, achieving influencer status on LinkedIn won’t happen overnight. But with dedication, consistency, and the right tactics, anyone can cultivate a following on the platform and establish themselves as a thought leader.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of LinkedIn influencer marketing, providing you with all the information and step-by-step tips you need to become a successful LinkedIn influencer yourself.
What is a LinkedIn Influencer?
At first glance, one might not immediately associate LinkedIn with influencer marketing. However, with over 800 million users, it stands as the largest professional networking site in the world, making it a prime platform for thought leaders to establish their presence.
For B2B brands and executives, LinkedIn is the ultimate destination. In fact, the platform boasts the highest concentration of B2B leads, with 80% of them being generated on the site.
So, what exactly constitutes a LinkedIn influencer? Simply put, a LinkedIn influencer is an authority in their field, acting as a thought leader and sharing valuable, organic content with their audience. They are both content creators and value providers, leveraging their extensive knowledge to build meaningful relationships with their followers and establish themselves as experts in their niche.
Why Do LinkedIn Influencers Matter?
Influencer success on social media can often be attributed to their magnetic personalities and undeniable charm. Yet, charisma and likeability are not the sole determinants of influence. In fact, the human connection draws followers in, allowing them to see the faces and hear the voices behind the content.
However, LinkedIn offers a unique and influential edge – trust and authority. On this platform, influencers are respected for their valuable contributions, whether it’s through imparting industry knowledge, offering expert advice, or granting an inside glimpse into the workings of the business world. The opinions of LinkedIn influencers carry a heavier weight and are listened to with great attention, as they have earned the trust of their followers.
Consequently, when these trusted influencers endorse a product or service, the likelihood of conversions increases dramatically, making LinkedIn a powerful tool for driving lead generation and sales.
Top Examples of LinkedIn Influencers
LinkedIn influencers stand out from the crowd, towering above their peers on other social media platforms with an aura of professionalism and expertise. They possess an unparalleled ability to command the attention of a diverse and influential audience, making them a force to be reckoned with.
But what makes these LinkedIn influencers so exceptional? To truly grasp the essence of their impact, we must delve into the stories of a select few who have left an indelible mark on the platform. So, without further ado, let us take a closer look at three of the most remarkable LinkedIn influencers shaking things up on the site.
1. Neil Patel
As a renowned master in digital marketing, Neil Patel leverages his LinkedIn presence to impart valuable insights and wisdom on how organizations can elevate their digital marketing endeavors to the next level. With his thought-provoking, knowledgeable, and engaging content, he challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on online marketing, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies and complexities of this ever-evolving field.
2. Marsha Collier
Marsha Collier, a veritable empress of e-commerce on LinkedIn, captivates audiences with her insightful posts that delve into the intricacies of the virtual marketplace. Her extensive collection of “For Dummies” books is a testament to her expertise in demystifying various topics, from e-commerce to social media marketing. With a keen ability to simplify complex ideas, Marsha engages her followers through a series of captivating videos, thought-provoking discussions, and well-crafted posts that provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter at hand.
3. Liz Ryan
Liz Ryan, an expert in human resources, is the trailblazer behind Human Workplace, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the conventional approach to work. She is the CEO and co-founder and leaves an indelible mark on the industry with her insightful books on human resources. Ryan’s writing portfolio is not limited to HR topics; she also provides thought-provoking pieces on a wide range of subjects, from enhancing employee efficiency to conquering the age-old struggle of balancing work and life.
For those seeking more information on the leading LinkedIn influencers, we highly recommend checking out our post, “10 Top LinkedIn Influencers to Follow.” Discover the top thought leaders in the field and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving business world.
6 Steps on How to Become a LinkedIn Influencer
LinkedIn’s annual release of its “Top Voices” highlights the social media platform’s most engaging influencers, but it’s not necessary to compete against big names or well-known CEOs to leave a lasting impact. Instead, establishing your own distinct area of influence is key to establishing yourself as a successful influencer on LinkedIn. You can cultivate a dedicated following and make your mark on this platform by showcasing your expertise and delivering exceptional value to your followers.
Here are six steps you can take to reach coveted influencer status on LinkedIn.
1. Create a Personal Brand
Success on LinkedIn begins with a well-crafted personal brand, for without it, one’s ability to persuade others to follow them may be challenging. Defining one’s brand entails clearly understanding who they are, the type of content one produces, and how one presents themselves to the world.
An effective personal brand sets an individual apart from the crowd of influencers and showcases the unique essence of who they are, but it also involves a strategic approach. The objective is not to attract every LinkedIn user but instead to attract those who matter.
To truly succeed on this platform, it’s crucial to consider the ideal audience and what they seek to learn about you. Delving into their pain points and determining how to position yourself as the solution to those problems is crucial to establishing a strong personal brand.
2. Build Trust With Your Audience
Trust is the cornerstone of LinkedIn. Without it, one can barely wield the influence and lead-generating potential of the platform. Hence, it is imperative to establish trust with your audience as one of your top priorities.
To cultivate trust, it’s vital to carefully curate your bio, presenting yourself in a manner that is transparent, concise, and accurately reflects your professional qualifications and niche.
The same level of consideration should be applied to the content you create. Prior to crafting an article or posting, ponder on how you can present the topic in a way that showcases your expertise. While you may not have to be an ultimate authority on every subject, ensure that the insights you offer are intentional and unique and highlight your strengths.
3. Tell a Story With Your Content
Narrative storytelling is the key to capturing an audience’s attention on any social media platform. Transform your content into a captivating story by weaving together pictures, statements, blog posts, and more.
Reflect on the experiences that have molded you, be it personal struggles, your entrepreneurial journey, the trials and tribulations of building a business, or the dynamic landscape of the hiring market. Share the valuable lessons you have learned and impart them to your audience.
While highlighting your achievements is crucial, it’s equally important to delve into your setbacks. People are drawn to powerful and motivational stories, but they also crave vulnerability, authenticity, and content that resonates with their own experiences.
4. Bring Value to the Table
Value is the crux of any successful content marketing campaign, especially if you aspire to establish yourself as a respected thought leader. Your content should constantly deliver value, regardless of its form – be it personal anecdotes, insightful commentary, or elucidation of intricate subjects.
Bear in mind that value can take many forms and doesn’t always have to be educational. Even humor or relatable posts can add value if they bring a smile to someone’s face or evoke an emotional response. So strive to infuse your content with value, no matter the subject matter.
5. Make Your Audience Feel Included
Attaining the status of a LinkedIn influencer involves more than just publishing captivating content for your followers. It’s about fostering a community of involved and dedicated individuals who feel like they are part of a larger entity.
Therefore, it’s imperative to integrate your audience into the conversation. You encourage them to participate and share their thoughts and experiences by crafting posts and captions directly addressing them. This creates a sense of inclusion and appreciation among your followers, bringing together a diverse group of people as a unified community.
6. Set Yourself Apart
Breaking through the crowded arena of LinkedIn and establishing yourself as a successful influencer, even with a robust brand and insightful content, can be daunting. With an overwhelming number of established influencers across all industries, standing out from the crowd is absolutely necessary.
To differentiate yourself and have your voice heard, you must think outside the box and identify untapped content avenues. Ask yourself, what have others not yet explored or created? Utilize your unique personality and perspective to inject some character into your content. Whether you aim to come across as relatable and witty or authoritative and trustworthy, an appealing and strong personality will attract followers.
Don’t be afraid to tackle topics that may be perceived as controversial, but do so with caution and integrity. Thought-provoking content that incites conversation and sparks debate can be memorable and leave a lasting impact. However, it’s crucial to avoid posting offensive or misleading content. Instead, leverage a unique take on an issue by challenging the status quo and uncovering new and powerful insights.
How to Be a Top LinkedIn Influencer
As a professional social network, LinkedIn has become a hub for influencer marketing, providing an ideal platform for both personal brands and businesses to showcase their expertise and build a following. In today’s digital age, a standout presence on the site can be a powerful tool for attracting high-quality leads and building a strong network.
However, building a strong LinkedIn influencer presence requires dedication and effort. The platform’s users are discerning and tend to follow voices they trust, which means that there’s often a lot of work to do before you can gain traction and see meaningful results.
There is a solution for those looking to take their LinkedIn presence to the next level. Enter Prospect Engine, the experts in crafting impactful LinkedIn content. Our team of professionals understands exactly what it takes to build a network, generate engagement, and deliver results. So why wait? Learn more about our LinkedIn content ghostwriting services today and take the first step towards becoming a LinkedIn influencer.
