The Rise of LinkedIn Influencer Marketing & How to Start
Influencers have changed the face of the digital realm forever. From Instagram and X/ Twitter to TikTok and LinkedIn, influencer marketing is here to stay.
With an average return of $5.78 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing campaigns for B2C companies, brands big and small are clamoring to get in on the action.
Modern influencer marketing for B2C brands has been a growing success since the mid-aughts, thanks to the emergence of social media platforms like Instagram and X. But what about B2B companies?
With LinkedIn boasting a cool 1 billion followers across 200 countries and territories worldwide, surely the same rules apply—and they do. Influencer marketing has met great success on the networking hub for professionals.
As businesses aim to connect with decision-makers personally and access their network of successful professionals, LinkedIn influencer marketing has seriously taken off.
Find out exactly what makes the platform such a great place for influencer marketing, examples of successful campaigns, and how to become a LinkedIn influencer yourself in the sections ahead.
What Makes LinkedIn A Great Place for Influencer Marketing?
Behind every company logo, there’s a real person making purchasing decisions. These decisions are often influenced by others in their industry, those who have had success with certain software, consultants, advertising, cloud services, and more.
Since LinkedIn is primed for professional growth and networking, it’s completely unique from other platforms. This also makes it a great place for influencer marketing. Here, content is king and quality trumps quantity.
What Is LinkedIn Influencer Marketing?
LinkedIn influencer marketing leverages the network of industry experts and thought leaders to promote B2B brands. Similar to influencer marketing on social platforms, LinkedIn influencer marketing will have desired outcomes such as lead generation or sales.
The Beginnings of Influencer Marketing on LinkedIn
Influencer marketing on LinkedIn didn't explode overnight. It started with professionals sharing insightful articles and grew as LinkedIn introduced features like posts and videos, allowing thought leaders to share their insights more dynamically.
This evolution has turned LinkedIn into a hub where influencers can impact decision-makers and industry leaders directly.
Benefits of LinkedIn Influencer Marketing
The unique environment of LinkedIn offers several benefits for influencers including:
- Professional Audience: Reach decision-makers and industry professionals interested in your niche.
- Enhanced Credibility: Sharing expert content on a professional network enhances your credibility.
- Higher Engagement Rates: Content on LinkedIn often receives more focused and meaningful engagement than social networks.
How Companies Find Success with LinkedIn Influencers
Many companies leverage LinkedIn influencers to reach their target audiences more effectively.
For example, a B2B software company might partner with tech influencers to reach IT managers and executives. These collaborations often result in higher-quality leads and increased brand awareness in relevant professional circles.
LinkedIn Influencers We Love Right Now
Goldie Chan
Creates top-performing videos and was called the “Oprah of LinkedIn” by Huffington Post. She’s partnered with brands like Adobe, LEGO, and Microsoft.
Check out her Microsoft Surface commercial to get a feel for the kind of content that can be shared within LinkedIn influencer marketing campaigns.
Melonie Dodaro
Author of LinkedIn Unlocked and Navigating LinkedIn for Sales, Melonie’s content is hyper-specific to the platform. She’s regarded as a general marketing influencer across LinkedIn and YouTube.
Hala Taha
The founder and CEO of YAP Media, Hala has an award-winning social media and podcast marketing agency and has significant influence on LinkedIn. She’s partnered with Podyssey Podcasts and BetterHelp.
How to Become a LinkedIn Influencer
You’ve had success on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, but if you’re considering diversifying your income stream, you’ll want to take advantage of opportunities on other social platforms.
LinkedIn is a unique networking platform for professionals, with users interested in building connections, sharing expertise, learning new skills, and advancing their careers. From job listings and company updates to mentorship advice and news articles, there are plenty of opportunities to transition to the platform. Here’s how to do it:
Transition to LinkedIn
Begin by getting to know the platform’s unique dynamics and audience expectations. After registering, browse suggested posts to see what works for others in terms of engagement, reactions, and comments.
Follow LinkedIn influencers like Melonie Dodaro for tips on finding success on the platform, or examine the way Goldie Chan uses LinkedIn to showcase her work. No matter what kind of industry you’re in, there’s an opportunity to become known as a thought leader or expert.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your resume to the world. It tells others what you do, why you do it, and why you’re the best at doing it. Be sure to have a:
- Professional Photo: Use a high-quality, professional headshot.
- Compelling Bio: Clearly state your expertise and what you offer.
- Featured Content: This is where you’ll highlight your best posts, articles, or external publications to showcase your thought leadership, so go on and start publishing.
Build an Engaging Content Strategy
LinkedIn content should be informative, well-researched, and provide value to your followers. Share industry insights, career advice, or case studies that reflect your expertise.
Some LinkedIn members share multiple times a day, while some share once per week. Just like your Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok content, it’s a good idea to develop a monthly content calendar.
Grow Your Network
Just like on social platforms, growing your network takes time. However, similar growth strategies apply: a follow for a follow is a common practice with people you already know, so it’s a good idea to start there.
- Connect with Peers: Regularly connect with other professionals and influencers in your field.
- Engage Actively: Comment on, share, and react to posts by others to increase your visibility.
Rise with MODERNSPEAK
MODERNSPEAK represents a range of micro and macro influencers and creators, helping facilitate successful brand partnerships and build long-lasting relationships. Learn more about how to become a top influencer by calling 403-605-7846 or filling out our contact form.
FAQ
Can anyone become a LinkedIn influencer?
Yes, anyone can become a LinkedIn influencer, but keep in mind it’s easier to find brand partnerships if you’re an established thought leader or expert in your niche. And just like running an influencer campaign on Instagram, the more connected you are with your audience, the better—which, as you know, doesn’t happen overnight.
Who has the most LinkedIn followers?
Bill Gates has the most followers on LinkedIn, sitting at 35,615,180. His follower count alone doesn’t make him an influencer, but it does give him—and any brand he chooses to showcase—a lot of clout.
