LinkedIn, like any social media platform, requires consistent input and effort. For B2B companies, it can be very worthwhile.  The following article from Social Media Examiner outlines how to set up your profile and how to build your niche network. Having 5000+ connections doesn’t help nearly as much as having 50 key contacts who want your knowledge!!

Looking for a clever way to grow a niche professional network and improve your visibility as an industry leader? 

By applying the following networking best practices, your LinkedIn presence can position you in the same way as being a well-prepared speaker at a top industry event. Gradually, you’ll become a go-to voice for ideas that benefit your peers and attract new clients and customers.

Prepare Your Profile

The first step to improving your LinkedIn presence is overhauling your profile. Treat this like preparing for an industry conference—you want to put your best foot forward to appeal to the right potential connections. 

Specifically, update your profile picture so you will be easily recognizable. Select a high-quality headshot that conveys professionalism. Next, craft the headline, which appears prominently under your name. Don’t use this valuable real estate to place a vague job title. Instead, use it to strategically communicate who you are, what you do, and who you help. 

Then, expand the About section to showcase how you assist others, not just facts about yourself. Outline the key problems you solve or questions you address. Share credentials that establish authority. End by providing a call to action to schedule a discussion or visit your website to learn more.

Check that your skills, experience, education, and more are all accurate and complete. Little profile tweaks like incorporating color or visual icons also enhance scannability. The goal is to intrigue visitors enough to click and keep reading.

Form Strategic Network Connections

Louise Brogan, LinkedIn strategist, compares prudent LinkedIn relationship-building to thoughtfully networking at an in-person conference. Avoid accepting invites from people who simply want to peddle something. Instead, seek out people who are truly interested and active in your industry niche. 

When requesting connections yourself, personalize the message. For example, reference enjoying their recent guest podcast appearance or an article they shared about your specialty topic. Explain why linking up would be mutually beneficial. This extra effort sparks more interest and jogs their memory later about who you are.  

If you want to connect but have hit LinkedIn’s restrictive free account limits, prioritize invites from desired targets. This then enables you to message those people directly to establish a reason for connecting. Another tactic is proactively sending notes when you notice someone visiting your profile.

Become Part of Regular Conversations With Thought Leaders

A prime way to raise your visibility is by actively engaging with top industry experts’ content. First, identify and follow select superstar thought leaders known for sharing ideas aligned with your goals. Turn on notifications to stay promptly updated whenever they post new pieces.  

Then, regularly provide thoughtful comments on their updates, contributing your timely perspective. When these influential figures repeatedly see your name attached to constructive remarks, they often start noticing you more. In time this can culminate into a direct outreach about partnering. Treat it like building relationships with VIP speakers you admire at an event.

Finally, Establish Your Own Thought Leadership

With this strategy, you should avoid posting heavy-handed product pitches in favor of establishing thought leadership by posting your helpful ideas. For example, contribute lists of tips, trends analyses, or tutorials relevant to your niche. Frame your guidance from your audience’s point of view, so that it’s evident you are solving their pain points.

This content will position you as an industry resource while allowing your knowledge, passions, and personality to shine through. When your connections share and discuss these posts, your reach rapidly expands. Before long you’ll transform into a sought-after speaker at your own metaphorical conference.

Today’s advice from the Social Media Examiner eNews (02/12/24)  is provided with insights from Louise Brogan.