Almost all professionals these days have a LinkedIn account, and for good reason, as it is by far the most powerful and widely used social network for business. Creating an account is the first step, but to get the most out of the platform, it’s necessary to produce content. There’s quite a bit of competition for attention out there though, as over two million posts, articles, and videos are published each day.
Sharing just any random article simply won’t do these days. If you want to make a meaningful splash, your content needs to be both high quality and tailored towards your audience.
If you aren’t sure what this exactly means, have no fear, for the experts are here and ready to answer that question for you. Josh Steimle, the author of “60 Days to LinkedIn Mastery,” has outlined some surefire signs that your content is making the right kind of impact.
1. It Sparks Action
“The first sign is by far the easiest to gauge,” says Steimle.
“Do your content posts generate action? This can take the obvious form of likes or comments, but private messages and emails also qualify. These kinds of outreaches are a good sign that your content resonates with your audience on some level, and should be seen as a green light to keep going on your current path.”
This doesn’t mean to be inflammatory of course, but by bringing up important topics and asking pertinent questions, you generate a kind of digital motion around your account. This kind of attention is a powerful asset, which when harnessed correctly can bring your profile to new heights in your industry. Action is just one small step and ideally, you can then stoke the flames into something larger — an authentic conversation.
2. Your Content Creates Conversations
While a few comments on your content are always nice to see, when legitimate conversations are formed and flowing around your posts, you know you have a winner with your content. “A back and forth public discourse is a telltale sign of content success,” notes Steimle.
“These conversations allow multiple viewpoints to present themselves and for ideas to cross-pollinate of perspectives across industries. This is exactly the kind of back and forth the network was designed for, and its algorithms will reward you with an increase in visibility. Content which serves as a catalyst towards conversation is as exciting for you as the host and for your onlooking audience.”
Authentic conversations lead to a better understanding of the issues we all face in the business world. When you start to see this happening around your posts, you should be confident that the content you shared was quality.
Once your profile is buzzing with actions and conversations, you might then notice that you are garnering a new level of attention, which is another positive sign for your posts.
3. Your Reach Increases
After you get some cadence with your content posting, you will likely see an increase in contact requests likes and comments from those beyond your immediate network. This means your reach has increased, and it’s a clear as day sign that your content strategy is working.
“An increased digital reach is a fantastic indicator of effective content,” remarks Steimle.
“This means your impact is going beyond your immediate circle of contacts and you provided something new for people to consider. In many ways, our digital reach is a reflection of our content’s effectiveness, and those who share unique or intriguing content are rewarded with more followers.”
Once people start seeing and associating your name with quality content, you automatically gain a certain level of credibility. In time this will cement your status as an authority in your industry, a level of success that will often draw in other high-quality contacts.
4. People Ask for your Help
“The ultimate measure of your success as a thought leader in your industry is when others ask for your advice,” asserts Steimle. “This means they see what you are doing and saying and wish to emulate your success. By recognizing a connection with you as an avenue to further their own career trajectory, your status is instantly lifted from contributor to expert. You can then use this status in all sorts of ways, whether it be consulting or public speaking.”
Others asking for your help means you have not only arrived as a thought leader but that the content you create and share has taken root with your audience. Regardless of your industry, these distinctions are invaluable assets for anyone looking to make waves in the modern business world.
You can have all the accolades and titles in the world on your LinkedIn profile but without posting quality content regularly, your profile appears a bit listless. Audience right now crave posts that not only are relevant but have a unique take on them.
There’s all the opportunity in the world right now to step up and fill this role, all it takes is some consistency in action, and before you know it your inbox will be flooded with opportunities.
