Getting your LinkedIn presence just right for your startup can definitely seem overwhelming, from making your profile shine to nailing your unique voice. But hey, we’re here to simplify it for you! This week on Mind Your Business, we’re breaking down LinkedIn success into easy-to-follow steps to help you navigate the professional digital landscape with confidence.
From understanding the most important elements of a stand-out profile and finding your unique voice, to avoiding common mistakes and building simple habits for consistency, we’re answering all the key questions every startup should be asking to build a thriving and impactful LinkedIn presence! 💼
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Phillips, Head of Commercial Development at Welsh ICE. With over 15 years in the game, Tom’s passion lies in entrepreneurship, having supported hundreds of businesses and helped thousands develop the skills they need to build their dream careers and ventures.
More than just a Head of Commercial Development, Tom is a true partnership builder, growth mindset advocate, business mentor, and even the Welsh ICE “hype man” all rolled into one. He’s particularly focused on educating young people about enterprise, showing them how self-employment can truly become a reality, and has even helped several youth-led projects become successful trading entities.
From Invisible to Irresistible on LinkedIn
LinkedIn isn’t just an online resume; it’s a powerful tool for professional growth and connection. To truly get your profile noticed and make a real impact, it’s about strategically highlighting what makes you, and your business, unique. We all know that a strong profile helps create trust and a sense of familiarity, which ultimately leads to stronger brand loyalty.
It’s important to “focus on a strong headline that says exactly what you do in a simple way, a keyword-rich ‘About’ section that tells a story, a professional photo (ideally on a bold background), and clear, value-driven content to improve visibility and credibility.” These elements are your foundation, ensuring that when someone lands on your profile, they immediately grasp your value and expertise.
If you’re just starting out and wondering how to sound like you rather than a corporate robot, finding your authentic voice on LinkedIn is key. Your LinkedIn presence should be an extension of your brand, not just a box you tick off once a week. The best way to cultivate that unique voice is to “start by sharing genuine insights, small wins, and and reflections from your work / life… your voice will emerge through consistency and honesty.”
Make sure each post is purposeful, whether it’s offering valuable information, providing behind-the-scenes insights, or engaging with your audience through comments and messages. It’s okay to experiment with different content types, from short updates to longer articles, to see what resonates most with your audience. It’s not about having a perfect plan from day one, but about using LinkedIn as a space to learn and grow, allowing your true professional self to shine through! 🌟
Simple Habits That Lead to Big Visibility
If you’re wondering how to stay consistent and visible on LinkedIn without feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! It’s all about building simple habits that fit into your week. You don’t need to spend hours on the platform every day to get noticed, but understanding the power of consistent small actions will give you a solid foundation. Let’s break it down:
⏱️ Carve Out Consistent Time
The trick is to dedicate specific, manageable chunks of time. “Set aside 15–20 minutes a few times a week to comment thoughtfully, post or share something valuable, and connect with new people who’ll benefit your network.” This isn’t about being on LinkedIn all day; it’s about making those dedicated minutes count.
💬 Engage Thoughtfully, Not Just Superficially
LinkedIn thrives on genuine connection. Don’t just hit ‘like’ on everything you see. Take a moment to read a post and leave a meaningful comment or ask a question. This shows you’re truly engaged and helps build real relationships, making you more visible to others in your network.
✨ Share Value, Don’t Just Sell
Your LinkedIn presence isn’t solely for sales pitches. Focus on sharing insights, articles, or resources that you genuinely find valuable and that would benefit your audience. This could be a quick thought on an industry trend, a small win from your week, or a helpful tip. When you consistently provide value, people will naturally seek out your profile.
🤝 Connect Strategically and Purposefully
Beyond just accepting connection requests, take a proactive approach. Look for people who genuinely align with your professional goals or whose content you admire. When connecting, send a personalized note explaining why you’d like to connect. This turns a simple connection into a potential meaningful relationship.
LinkedIn Fails and Fixes Learning from What Not to Do
Building your LinkedIn presence is all about understanding what your audience wants and how to engage with them, which also means knowing what not to do. “Many over-promote, neglect engagement, or copy others’ styles.” This is a common pitfall; your LinkedIn posts should encourage interaction, feedback, and community-building, not just constant promotion. It’s about asking questions, responding to comments, and creating content that genuinely resonates with your audience’s interests, challenges, or aspirations, rather than just broadcasting your achievements or mimicking what you see other people doing. Remember, “authenticity and interaction matter more than vanity metrics.”
When it comes to choosing the right content strategy for your goals on LinkedIn, it’s about being intentional. “Align content with your goals, whether it’s thought leadership, networking, or career growth.” This means consistently sharing valuable posts that serve a purpose. The key is to show up, even if you don’t have a new product launch or big announcement. Keep your content varied—mix up educational insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your entrepreneurial journey, success stories, and even a little humor to keep your audience engaged.
The best part? You don’t need a budget to get it right. LinkedIn isn’t about spending big; “it’s about building a relationship with your audience and providing value consistently.” Whether you’ve been posting for a while or just starting out, your focus should always be on nurturing your community and being authentic, and then “let your audience’s response guide your adjustments.” 🤳
