In case you haven’t noticed, LinkedIn has evolved way beyond a networking platform over the past few years. It has become a dynamic hub for thought leadership and personal branding, where professionals can carve a path to becoming influential figures in their respective industries – and it costs nothing to do so.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the potential to become a LinkedIn influencer is achievable to individuals who are strategic and consistent in their approach to building their network and presence on LinkedIn.
Just in case you didn’t know what influencer marketing is, it’s a digital marketing strategy where businesses partner with individuals with a significant social media presence to promote their products and services. It allows companies to improve their brand presence and reach a large audience on social media. And yes, law firms and legal service providers can use influencer marketing for their branding and visibility efforts.
Here are some of the steps I took to build my network and presence on LinkedIn that you can do as well.
Step 1: Define Your Brand
A powerful personal brand is the cornerstone of your influence on LinkedIn. Begin by defining your unique identity, values and expertise. What sets you apart? What makes your perspective valuable to your audience? Craft a clear and compelling personal brand that aligns with your why and resonates with your target audience. By being authentic and consistent in your brand messaging, you’ll make it easier for people to recognize and connect with you on a deeper level.
Step 2: Create Engaging, Value-Added Content for Your Audience
Content reigns supreme on LinkedIn. To establish yourself as an influencer, focus on producing content that provides genuine value to your audience. Share valuable insights, practical tips and thought-provoking ideas that your target audience can apply in their professional lives. Experiment with various content formats, including articles, podcast recaps, videos, infographics and presentations, to keep your content fresh and captivating. Remember, consistency is key. Aim to post regularly and maintain a cohesive tone and style across your content
Step 3: Be Human
While LinkedIn is a professional platform, your ability to connect with your audience on a human level is paramount to your success on LinkedIn and becoming a LinkedIn influencer. I always advise people to show versus tell with all of their posts. Share personal stories and experiences that align with your brand, showcasing the authentic person behind the professional persona. Engage with your audience by thoughtfully responding to their comments and messages promptly. Express appreciation for their support and feedback. Being approachable, relatable and responsive will foster a sense of community and loyalty among your followers and build your LinkedIn brand.
Step 4: Invest in Building Meaningful Relationships
Becoming a LinkedIn influencer goes beyond content creation; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Make sure you are continuously adding connections to your LinkedIn network – the more connections you have, the more influence you will have on LinkedIn and beyond. Take the time to connect with other professionals in your industry. Engage with their content by offering thoughtful insights and feedback (this helps your visibility too). Actively participate in discussions and contribute value to LinkedIn Groups relevant to your expertise. Networking with other influencers and industry leaders can expand your reach and open doors to exciting collaboration opportunities. Always remember that genuine relationships thrive on mutual support and reciprocity.
Step 5: Consistently Promote Your Content to Increase Your Reach
Creating great content alone won’t guarantee success as an influencer. You have to actively promote your content to extend its reach and impact. Utilize relevant hashtags to make your content discoverable to those interested in your niche. Share your content strategically within LinkedIn Groups, ensuring that your contributions provide value rather than coming across as spammy. Leverage your presence on other social media platforms and your personal website, as well as via email marketing to cross-promote your LinkedIn content and attract a wider audience.
Putting it All Together
Becoming a LinkedIn influencer is an achievable goal with the right strategy and dedication – trust me – I did it! Define your personal brand, focus on creating valuable content and embrace authenticity in your interactions. Nurture meaningful relationships with other professionals and influencers in your industry. Consistently promote your content to maximize your reach. All of these tactics will help you become a LinkedIn influencer.
Remember that becoming a LinkedIn influencer is a combination of standing out, being committed to building your network and visibility and consistently adding value to your audience’s professional lives. By taking these steps, you can become a recognized authority and an influential figure in your field on LinkedIn and beyond.
Stefanie Marrone advises law firms of all sizes, professional service firms, B2B companies, recruiters and individuals on the full range of marketing and business development consulting services designed to enhance revenue, retain current clients and achieve greater brand recognition. She also serves as outsourced chief marketing officer/marketing department for small and mid-size law firms.
Over her 20+-year legal marketing career, she has worked at and with a broad range of big law, mid-size and small firms, which has given her a valuable perspective of the legal industry. Connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, sign up for her email listand follow her latest writing on JD Supra.