LinkedIn initially only allowed members with the distinguished influencer title to follow one another, but now anyone can change their Personal Brand on LinkedIn profile button from “Connect” to “Follow.” Here’s how the “Follow” option can help…
Though other platforms have had a follow option for years, LinkedIn’s recently added follow button provides professionals and business-focused users with a more purposeful way to establish themselves as B2B thought leaders. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for children to communicate with others who share similar interests. I often speak with other entrepreneurs and marketing company executives about how to use LinkedIn correctly for things like prospecting, social selling, partner recruitment, and account mapping.
Connecting vs. Following
LinkedIn offers two unique options for interacting with other users- Connecting and Following. A connection is a relationship between two users that requires an invitation to be sent and accepted. Meanwhile, following another user allows you to see their content and activity without being connected. The Follow option will enable you to reach a large audience without being bombarded by connection requests from individual users.
A connection is a relationship between two users that requires an invitation to be sent and accepted.
If you want your Personal Brand on LinkedIn to display the ‘Follow’ button instead of ‘Connect,’ go to your ‘Settings’ on the LinkedIn mobile app. Then select the ‘Privacy’ tab. There should be a setting that says, ‘Who can follow you.’ Tap on it and choose which CTA (call-to-action) you prefer for your profile. Right now, this option is only available through mobile devices.
LinkedIn states that when people follow you, there’s a higher chance they’ll see your content on their feed. They also said it could be overwhelming to constantly get connection requests from strangers. This new option makes connecting and sharing your insights easy without feeling bombarded. If you want to build a loyal following, always share valuable information.
Grow your clout by positioning yourself as a thought leader
In simpler terms, you can only accept a few hundred or even thousands of connection requests to show your content to those who want it. Additionally, it allows you to keep your newsfeed and the information you see more relevant and purposeful.
The term “social media influencer” might make you think of an Instagram celebrity or a YouTuber. But it can also apply to any blogger who has gained the trust of an online audience. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for networking and developing your credibility by sharing your ideas, perspectives, and helpful answers with others. A study showed that LinkedIn is the source of 80% of social media leads for B2B marketing, while all other platforms only sum up to 19.67%. If you want more people to demand your services and learn about what solutions and benefits your business offers, position yourself as a trusted advisor. When you consistently share helpful content relevant to your audience, you will develop a loyal following of potential and current customers.
If you’re a B2B marketer, then you know LinkedIn is valuable. Check out these tips to engage your channel partners on the platform, and feel free to reach out if you want help optimizing your social profiles or creating a LinkedIn strategy!
