Tips & myths on building a personal brand with LinkedIn

Kelsey Sullivan

LinkedIn is a key platform for building a personal brand and making professional connections, but there are a lot of myths out there that can steer you in the wrong direction.

We recently held a webinar with Nataly Kelly, CMO at Zappi, on how to elevate your personal brand on LinkedIn. In this article, I’ll dig into the common myths to debunk as well as some of the top profile tips she shared to help you on your personal brand building journey. 

Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to up your game, these insights will help you make the most of your LinkedIn experience.

Elevate your personal brand as an insights leader using LinkedIn

Watch the full webinar to learn how to increase your visibility, build your personal brand and stand out in your organization.

The myths

Myth 1: The LinkedIn algorithm ignores hashtags

Many believe that using hashtags on LinkedIn is pointless because the algorithm ignores them. But this simply isn't true! 

Hashtags help categorize your content, making it discoverable to those interested in similar topics. However, unlike platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn is more about quality than quantity. Overloading your post with hashtags can make it look spammy. Aim for 3-5 relevant hashtags to enhance your post’s reach.

💡 Tip: Use specific hashtags related to your industry or the content of your post. This targeted approach can attract a more relevant audience.

Myth 2: You need to post daily to stay relevant

There’s a widespread belief that posting daily is essential to maintain visibility. While consistency is important, the quality of your posts matters more than frequency. Posting meaningful content a few times a week is more effective than daily posts that add little value. Plus, overposting can overwhelm your connections and reduce engagement.

💡 Tip: Focus on posting valuable content 2-3 times a week. Engage with others' posts and comments to maintain an active presence without overloading your followers.

Myth 3: The best time to post is the same for everyone

The idea that there is one perfect time to post on LinkedIn that suits everyone is another myth. The best posting time can vary based on your industry, audience and of course, time zone. 

But that’s why LinkedIn offers analytics that can help you identify when your audience is most active.

💡 Tip: Experiment with posting at different times and use LinkedIn’s analytics to determine when your posts get the most engagement. Adjust your schedule accordingly to maximize visibility.

“Each one of you has unique knowledge. You have different lived experiences. You have different work experiences. So you have a perspective that is singular and unique in this world. I believe everybody has something valuable to say, but it doesn't matter if people can't find you. If they can't find your unique content, your unique thought leadership, your unique perspectives, then you might as well not exist on LinkedIn.”

- Nataly Kelly, CMO, Zappi

The tips

Making your LinkedIn profile stand out

Your LinkedIn profile is like your professional landing page. It’s where you convert visitors into followers, connections and even customers. 

Here are some key tips Nat shared to help enhance your profile:

  1. Background image: Don’t stick with the default background. Use a custom image that reflects your personal brand or company. Easy-to-use tools like Canva can help you create an eye-catching background that's unique to you.

  2. Headline: Make your headline compelling and informative. It should clearly convey what you do and why someone should connect with you. This is also where you can include a call to action if appropriate.

  3. About section: This is a valuable space that’s often underutilized. Here, you should share your mission, values and what you bring to the table. Think of it as your professional story that gives a deeper insight into who you are and what you do.

  4. Featured section: Use this section to highlight key achievements, articles or projects. Visual content here can draw attention and provide proof of your expertise.

  5. Calls to action: Don’t be afraid to include calls to action in your profile. Whether it’s inviting people to connect, subscribe to your newsletter or book a consultation, clear CTAs guide your visitors on how to engage with you.

Action steps

Once your profile has been optimized, it's time to really get started! Here’s a few simple action steps to help you get going: 

  1. Set a posting goal: Decide on a manageable number of posts per week.

  2. Schedule time: Block out time on your calendar for LinkedIn activities.

  3. Note ideas: Jot down content ideas as they come to you.

  4. Engage: Consistently interact with others’ posts and comments.

Wrapping up

By debunking these myths and following these practical tips, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your LinkedIn presence and building a powerful personal brand.

And remember, progress is more important than perfection. Continuous improvement is the key to building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn.

If you’d like to hear more, check out the full recording of our webinar below.

🚀 Elevate your personal brand as an insights leader using LinkedIn

Now it's your turn! Watch our webinar to learn how to increase your visibility, build your personal brand and stand out in your organization.

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