Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice

Wondering how to become a LinkedIn Top Voice? You’re not alone. As platforms like Meta and X Premium ease their verification requirements, LinkedIn has taken a different route, prioritizing genuine expertise and impactful contributions over paid endorsements.

On LinkedIn, the coveted blue Top Voice badge remains a prestigious recognition. Unlike Meta’s new verification subscription or X Premium, LinkedIn rewards skills, experience, and consistent effort. Even though the Community Top Voice program will end on October 8, 2024, the blue Top Voice badge continues to hold significant value.

Interested in establishing your personal brand and becoming a thought leader? Here is a guide on how to navigate LinkedIn’s Top Voices program and elevate your professional presence.

Understanding LinkedIn’s Top Voice Program

LinkedIn’s Top Voices badges recognize top creators to highlight insightful and high-quality content. According to LinkedIn, these badges make it easier for members to follow valued industry experts. Although different from user verification, a Top Voice badge offers similar prestige.

Initially, LinkedIn Top Voices was part of the Influencer program. It still serves the same purpose: identify top industry leaders who contribute valuable content. In 2023, they introduced the gold Community Top Voice badge for contributions to collaborative articles. This program was discontinued as of October 8, 2024.

Steps to Become a LinkedIn Top Voice

Gaining a LinkedIn Top Voice badge involves several key strategies. Here’s a pathway to help you get started:

1. Define Your Audience

Identify who you’re delivering your message to and what unique insights you can offer them. Addressing your audience’s specific challenges effectively is crucial in positioning yourself as an industry leader.

2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Complete your LinkedIn profile to make a lasting impression:

• Activate Creator Mode: Switch to Creator Mode for extra features like analytics.
• Use a Professional Photo: Make your profile image clear and distinctive, using tools like Canva to enhance it.
• Craft a Compelling Headline: Highlight more than just your job title. Utilize the 200+ characters to fully detail your skills and expertise.
• Create an Engaging Cover Photo: Use a cover image that reflects your niche, including a call-to-action or a captivating tagline.

3. Create High-Quality Content

Consistently produce valuable and engaging content to build your personal brand. Share your knowledge, personal experiences, and lessons learned. Diverse content formats, such as photos and videos, can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

4. Engage with the Community

Active engagement is key. Respond to comments on your posts and contribute to discussions on others’ content. Thoughtful interactions will expand your network and increase your visibility.

Additional Resources for LinkedIn Success

For more in-depth strategies on personal branding and growing your LinkedIn presence, consider these valuable resources:

📚 How to Build a Personal Brand on LinkedIn (+ Why You Should)

📚 6 LinkedIn Experts Gave Me Their Personal Branding Secrets — I Tried Them All

📚 42K+ Followers on LinkedIn: How I Built My Audience and How You Can Too

📚 60 Days, 58 LinkedIn Posts, 568,000 Impressions: Here’s What I Learned

📚 LinkedIn’s Video Feed is Here: Here’s How to Create + Share Video on the Platform

Have questions about the LinkedIn Top Voices program? Reach out to @buffer on LinkedIn or Twitter, or leave a comment below.

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