LinkedIn is not just any digital platform, it’s sacrosanct for any professional looking to create a network.

It’s a space where you can establish yourself as an industry leader and generate leads. Its ability to connect professionals, share insights, and foster relationships makes it a goldmine for businesses looking to expand their customer base. 

Suggested read: Linkedin Marketing Solutions

However, merely having a LinkedIn profile isn’t enough. You need to have a strategic approach if you want to do it sustainably and in a manner where you get the ROI you’re looking for. 

How do we do this? This is where our 3-layer LinkedIn strategy comes in.

Layer 1: Profile Optimization

Just like any digital presence, Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront. It’s what creates the first impression, therefore optimising is essential. Let’s get right into it! 

  • Headline: When someone visits your profile, this is one of the first things they see. Use it to clearly communicate your expertise without being generic. For instance, instead of “Brand Manager” try “Growth Driven Brand Manager | Helping Brands Build a Community”. 
  • Summary: Your summary should be a compelling story about who you are, what you do, and who you help. Don’t forget to use accurate keywords. 
  • Experience: This section should highlight your achievements, not just job descriptions. Use quantifiable results whenever possible. 
  • Skills & Endorsements: Showcase your expertise by listing relevant skills and encouraging endorsements. This boosts your credibility.
  • Recommendations: This is the part of your profile that speaks for itself. It’s your social proof. This will help build trust for new clients. 

LinkedIn Profile Audit: Regularly assess your profile for completeness, clarity, and visual appeal.

You may find it helpful: LinkedIn Content Strategy – Plan High-Engagement Content that Converts

Layer 2: Content Creation and Sharing

Just as is true for any platform, what you put out is what will bring you a loyal following. Here’s how you can plan your content creation smartly:

  • Define Your Target Audience: Understanding their pain points, goals, and challenges will help you create content that resonates.
  • Content Pillars: Develop a few core topics that align with your business goals. For example, if you’re a marketing consultant, your pillars might be content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing.
  • Content Formats: Don’t just upload articles, try out different formats to keep your audience engaged. This includes polls, videos, images, etc.
  • Content Calendar: You need to plan out what you’re going to upload and when. You can use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to streamline your content management.
  • Content Promotion: Share your content on other social media platforms, in email newsletters, and through your professional network.
  • Engagement Strategies: Don’t just post and forget. Respond to comments and messages promptly. 

Pro Tip: Use relevant hashtags to increase your content’s visibility. LinkedIn allows you to follow specific hashtags, so monitor discussions and join the conversation.

Readers’ choice: When to Consider Linkedin Advertising – 5 Scenarios

Layer 3: Relationship Building and Lead Nurturing

The best part about social media, including LinkedIn, is the opportunity to build relationships.  Focus on nurturing connections, providing value, and converting leads into customers.

  • Build Connections: Connect with people in your industry, potential clients, and former colleagues. Quality over quantity is essential.
  • LinkedIn Groups: Don’t hesitate to join relevant LinkedIn groups to participate in discussions and connect with like-minded professionals.
  • InMail Etiquette: Take advantage of the InMail feature but do it strategically and respectfully.
  • Lead Qualification: Not all connections are created equal. Look out for which ones could become leads based on their profile.  
  • Lead Nurturing: Provide valuable content and information to potential leads to build trust and move them through the sales funnel.
  • CRM Integration: Integrate LinkedIn with your CRM to manage leads and track interactions efficiently.
  • Sales Enablement: Equip your sales team with the necessary tools and information to convert leads into customers.
  • Conversion Optimization: Continuously analyze your lead generation process to identify areas for improvement.
  • LinkedIn Ads: While organic growth is very important, LinkedIn Ads can accelerate your lead generation efforts.
  • LinkedIn Analytics: Use LinkedIn’s built-in analytics to measure engagement and lead generation.

Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator for advanced lead generation features like lead recommendations and account insights.

Implementing this 3-layer LinkedIn strategy requires time and effort, but the rewards are substantial.

By consistently optimising your profile, creating valuable content, and building strong relationships, you can significantly increase your lead generation and drive business growth.

If you’re looking to build your LinkedIn following, you’ve come to the right place! Leave us a query and we can get started on creating an impact-driven LinkedIn strategy together!

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We Think North
We Think North

This piece was collaboratively written by multiple members of the We Think North team, bringing you perspectives from across the branding, marketing, content and tech verticals.