Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
How’s your LinkedIn looking?
Maybe creating an account has been on your to-do list for ages, or you want to up-level your current strategy, but either way, you clicked on this episode for a reason.
LinkedIn has more than 900 million members in 200 countries and regions, so chances are your ideal client is on it right now, and it’s a great place to market your business!
My guest today is Hala Taha, a business owner, podcast host, and LinkedIn expert, and she’s the perfect person to help us. Hala is one of the biggest influencers on Linkedin with over 224K followers and 8 million post views per month!
She also hosts a top 100 podcast, Young and Profiting, which frequently ranks as a #1 Business and Entrepreneurship podcast across all apps. Then in January of last year, Hala launched YAP Media Network: a business podcast network with a full-service social media and podcast marketing agency for top podcasters, celebrities and CEOs!
Today, she’s teaching how to grow our personal brands on LinkedIn and market our businesses just as she has. She is seriously such a powerhouse and I can’t wait for you to hear her insights – click play above, or keep reading for the highlights!
Why LinkedIn?
In today’s digital age, social media is like the Swiss Army knife of business outreach, and LinkedIn happens to be the sharpest blade in the toolkit. Why?
Because LinkedIn isn’t just another social platform; it’s a bustling hub of 135 million daily users who mean business—literally.
Unlike Instagram or Facebook where folks are scrolling for leisure or personal connections, LinkedIn users are in work mode. They’re researching, making professional decisions, and even looking to buy. This means they’re not just open to sales talks; they’re practically waving you over with a smile.
The magic of LinkedIn doesn’t stop there. When it comes to sliding into DMs, LinkedIn is the friendliest playground. Unlike Instagram, where your DMs might be seen as an intrusion, on LinkedIn, it’s expected. People here appreciate getting messages related to their professional lives.
It’s like walking into a store and having the friendly store clerk offer you exactly what you were looking for!
Then, there’s LinkedIn’s superpower: its algorithm. While other platforms have become like walled fortresses, LinkedIn still has open gates. With the right tricks up your sleeve, you can grow your presence here organically. Even if your marketing budget isn’t bursting at the seams, LinkedIn’s hackable algorithm lets you reach a broader audience. No need for fancy boosts or automation; just understanding the LinkedIn landscape can take you far.
Plus, LinkedIn rewards quality content and engagement. If you consistently serve up valuable stuff, you’re like a magnet for your target audience. By crafting content that’s informative and engaging, you can become the go-to expert in your field and build trust like a pro.
On LinkedIn: Engagement > Followers
According to Hala, on LinkedIn, forget the follower count hype—it’s all about ENGAGEMENT. Sure, having a massive following might make you look like a big shot, but it won’t necessarily make you one. The real currency on this platform is the interaction your content gets.
Hala is dead-on when she says it’s not just about racking up views; it’s the likes, comments, and shares that hold the secret sauce. Those little heart clicks, thoughtful comments, and the “Share” button are your golden tickets to reaching more eyes and, potentially, sealing those sweet sales and business deals.
Here’s the kicker: even if someone’s got an army of followers, it doesn’t mean they’re cashing in. In our conversation, Hala even dishes out examples of folks with massive followings who struggle to turn that into dollars. That’s why you should laser-focus on engagement instead of building a connection army!
What Content You Should Create on LinkedIn
When it comes to LinkedIn, your content game plan should be all about motivation and education, and Hala has the inside scoop on why.
Motivational content (inspiring stories, memorable quotes, and valuable lessons that resonate with everyone) is your secret weapon on LinkedIn. But here’s the trick: make it easy to skim through. Write it line by line, add a catchy hook, and ditch those hefty paragraphs. LinkedIn loves content that’s easy on the eyes!
Now, let’s talk education, especially for business owners. Share your wisdom and insights, show that you’re the industry expert, and watch your credibility SOAR. According to Hala, you can do this with articles, videos, infographics—whatever floats your content boat. The goal is to give your audience valuable, actionable knowledge that hits home.
Now, when it comes to content style, remember LinkedIn’s quirks. Forget those vertical videos that work on Instagram; go for a four by five-sized graphic for LinkedIn posts.
And remember: LinkedIn’s all about making connections with people who vibe with your vibe. To really hit the engagement jackpot, don’t just connect with anyone; target folks who are likely to go viral with your stuff! Nail these strategies, and LinkedIn becomes your go-to for connecting with your audience, bagging leads, and driving sales.
Hala’s Best LinkedIn Branding Tips
- Consistency
We all know that consistency is CRUCIAL to building a thriving brand, and on LinkedIn, it’s no different. Be consistent across the board with your profile, bio, captions, comments, video content, and direct messages. Plus, be consistent in your values and messaging – values serve as a decision-making compass and help individuals understand what they stand for, especially during challenging times when logical thinking may be compromised.
- Don’t Be Too Direct.
Something that surprised me in my conversation with Hala was when she shared the importance of not being too direct in LinkedIn interactions. Instead of telling someone directly that they may be interested in a product or service, Hala says it’s better to soften the approach by saying that they “seem like the type of person who would be interested.” This avoids coming across as pushy or presumptuous, allowing individuals to prove the person wrong if they are not interested.
- Speak Like Who You’re Trying to Attract
Another key point Hala made in our conversation is that we should be reflecting the personality of the audience we are trying to attract, rather than solely focusing on our own personality. This is because people are naturally drawn to others who are similar to them, and by mirroring the way their audience acts and thinking about their demographics, interests, and influencers they resonate with, individuals can create a personal brand that appeals to their target audience.
- Have a Clear Transformation
Hala also highlights the significance of having a clear transformation or impact that an individual wants to make with their audience. This involves identifying four or five key messages that will be consistently communicated in various ways. By repeatedly sharing these messages, you can establish yourself as an authority in the transformation they wish to experience.
Join Hala’s 2-Day LinkedIn Secrets Masterclass
Hala is hosting a two-day workshop covering various aspects of LinkedIn, including the development of a personal brand, the psychology of design, copywriting, understanding the algorithm, storytelling, content calendar creation, and sales strategies. If you’re ready to up-level your LinkedIn strategy, use code JENNA for 20% off Hala’s 2-Day LinkedIn Secrets Masterclass!
Thank you to our Goal Digger Sponsors
Learn how your business can grow better with HubSpot
Use code JENNA for 20% off Hala’s 2-Day LinkedIn Secrets Masterclass
