5 Easy Ways to Build a LinkedIn Strategy that Works

I used to think LinkedIn was just a job search platform. I had a basic profile and rarely engaged with others. When it came time for me to look for a job, I realized the true potential of the platform as a way to meet other people.

It can be intimidating to reach out to a stranger online or to post content when you don’t consider yourself an expert. I’ll tell you right now though - doing so changed my life. Since then, I’ve grown my following to 9,000+, writing 400+ posts and reaching 1.8M across 70 countries. Now I help others realize the true potential of the platform so they can accelerate their careers.

LinkedIn is proven to be a powerful platform for professionals to connect, network, and showcase their skills and experiences. There’s 900 million members globally, but less than 50% use it monthly, and only 16.2% use it daily. In today's digital age, having a strong, regular LinkedIn presence is essential for individuals and businesses looking to grow and stand out from the crowd.

If you’re looking for a way to build a successful LinkedIn strategy, whether you're an individual looking to advance your career or someone looking for work, here are 5 easy tips to help you build a LinkedIn strategy that works.

Identify Your Target Audience

Identifying your target audience is one of the first steps to building a successful LinkedIn strategy.

Who are you trying to reach with your content and networking efforts? Who is interested in your expertise? Understanding your target audience's demographics, interests, and needs will help you tailor your content and messaging to engage with them and subsequently improve your reach.

For example, if you want to work in EdTech, you can share EdTech trends and stats, or strategies that can help people incorporate microlearning into their personal development. Leaders in the EdTech space will see your content and realize your expertise and interest in the space.

Define Your Goals

Once you have a target audience in mind, you need to define what you’re trying to accomplish through your LinkedIn strategy.

You may have different goals and objectives depending on your stage or position. Are you looking to build your professional network, learn new skills, or increase brand awareness for your company? Clearly defining your goals will help you focus your efforts, providing more value to you and your network.

Some questions to help you reflect on your goals can include:

1. Why are you posting on LinkedIn?

2. What do you want to happen from posting on LinkedIn?

3. Who needs to know you exist?

4. Who can you help?

5. What’s one thing you know a little bit more than the average person about?

6. What could you talk about for 30 minutes straight without preparing?

7. When people hear your name, what do you want to come to their mind?

8. What did you wish you knew a few years ago?

Create Engaging Content

One of the most effective ways to build a strong LinkedIn presence is to create and share engaging content consistently.

This could include blog posts, articles, infographics, videos, or other types of visual content. Some examples for a marketing professional may include:

• 4 no-cost strategies to grow your customer base

• 5 things to consider before starting paid ads

• What I wish I knew before partnering with an influencer

• 10 tools that enhance my productivity as a marketer

When developing your content, consider what your target audience is interested in and how you can add value to their lives or businesses. Remember to use relevant hashtags and keywords to make your content more discoverable.

Use LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and engage in industry-specific discussions.

Search for groups that align with your interests or industry, and actively participate in discussions by asking and answering questions, sharing relevant content, and building relationships with other group members. Leverage your industry expertise to develop professional connections and build your network.

Engage With Your Network

Building a strong LinkedIn presence isn’t just about creating and sharing content. It involves actively engaging with your network through commenting and liking other people’s content who may have the same audience base, connecting with new professionals, and responding to messages and requests. By actively engaging with your network, you’ll build stronger relationships and increase the visibility of your content and profile.

Keep in mind that the best way to navigate relationships on LinkedIn is to give more than you take. If you make introductions for others, engage with their content, and share their job postings, they’ll be more likely to return the favour for you.

Hashtags and keywords are a great way to find other people’s content in your niche. Leaving insightful comments on these posts will help position you as an expert in your niche. Some sample comments can include:

• Love these tips {Name}. I’d also add X.

• 100% {Name} - love your point about X. I’ve {personal experience related to X}

• These are super helpful - thanks {Name}

• John - check this out. (tag a friend you think would benefit from the post)

In summary, building a successful LinkedIn strategy involves many steps, but by following these steps, you can effectively build your professional network, generate leads, and increase brand awareness on LinkedIn.