How to Blow Up Your LinkedIn Audience with Just 1 Hour a Day

Nearly 1 billion professionals and business owners across 200+ countries now use LinkedIn to build their network and connect with others in their industry,

However, Less than 1% of users actually create any content to showcase their expertise!

With LinkedIn’s recent algorithm update prioritizing creators who share expert knowledge and advice, there has never been a better time to grow your business using LinkedIn as part of your content strategy and marketing strategy than now.

Normally you’d need to dedicate hours each day to build an engaged audience, however, to save you from burning through endless hours of time, I have listed my 5 best practices for building your LinkedIn network when 60 minutes is all you can invest:

1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile (5 mins)
2. Create content to demonstrate your expertise (30 mins)
3. Engage with your following (10 mins)
4. Connect with meaningful comments (10 mins)
5. Endorse & recommend (5 mins)

By following these 5 steps for an hour a day, you can expect to see a snowball effect and eventually an explosion of growth on LinkedIn.

Let’s break it down

Step 1: Optimize your LinkedIn Page & Presence (5 mins)

When it comes to social media, it’s important to constantly review and optimize your strategy to ensure you’re making the most impact.

In this step, I’ll guide you through the process of analyzing your recent post impressions, profile views, and analytics and making necessary adjustments to your strategy, SEO, copy, profile, posting times, and visuals. By diligently monitoring the results over the following days, you’ll be able to fine-tune your approach and achieve better engagement and reach.

Analyzing Impressions and Profile Views

Start by looking at the number of impressions your recent posts have received. Impressions refer to the number of times your content has been seen by users.

Take note of which posts have performed well and which have not. This analysis will help you identify the type of content that resonates with your audience.

Next, review your profile views. Profile views indicate the number of times users have visited your profile. Analyzing this data will provide insights into how effective your profile is in capturing the attention of potential followers. If you notice a low number of profile views, it may be time to update your profile information and visuals to make it more compelling.

Understanding Analytics and Insights

In addition to impressions and profile views, delve deeper into your social media analytics to gain a comprehensive understanding of your audience and how they are interacting with your content. Most social media platforms offer insights and analytics tools that provide valuable data such as demographics, engagement rate, reach, and follower growth.

By studying these metrics, you can identify trends and patterns that can inform your optimization strategy. For example, if your audience predominantly consists of individuals in a certain age group, you can tailor your content to cater to their specific interests and preferences.

Adjusting Your Strategy

Based on your analysis of impressions, profile views, and analytics, it’s time to make adjustments to your social media strategy. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

1. Copy: Review the language and tone of your captions and posts. Ensure that your copy aligns with your brand personality and resonates with your target audience. Experiment with different styles, such as storytelling or asking questions, to see which approach generates the most engagement.
2. Profile: Update your profile information to accurately reflect your brand and its unique value proposition. Use keywords that are relevant to your niche to improve discoverability.
3. Posting Times: Analyze the times when your posts have received the most engagement. Adjust your posting schedule accordingly to maximize reach. Experiment with different posting times to see if there are specific windows during which your audience is most active.
4. Visuals: Evaluate the visuals you use in your posts. Are they eye-catching and aligned with your brand identity? Experiment with different types of visuals, such as images, videos, or infographics, and observe their impact on engagement.

Monitoring Results

Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments to your strategy, it’s crucial to monitor the results over the following days. Keep an eye on key metrics such as post impressions, engagement rate, follower growth, and profile views.

Compare the data from before and after your optimizations to determine the effectiveness of the changes you’ve made. If you see improvements in engagement, reach, or profile visits, it’s a sign that your optimization efforts are paying off. On the other hand, if you don’t observe any significant changes, you may need to further refine your strategy and experiment with different techniques.

Remember, optimization is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor and analyze your social media performance, and don’t be afraid to iterate and experiment with new ideas to keep your content fresh and engaging.

Step 2: Explore Topics & Create Content for a B2B Audience (30 mins)

Once you have nailed down your niche and identified your target audience, it’s time to dive into the creation process. In this step, you will batch create educational and helpful posts that are specific to your niche. Additionally, you will learn how to repurpose high-performing posts into different formats, such as videos, images, or long-form articles. Finally, you will also discover the importance of scheduling posts ahead of time for maximum efficiency.

Batch Creating Educational Posts

When it comes to blogging, consistency is key. By batch creating posts, you can stay ahead of schedule and ensure a consistent flow of high-quality content for your readers. The first step in this process is to brainstorm a list of topics that are relevant to your niche and would be helpful to your target audience.

Once you have your list, it’s time to start writing. Set aside dedicated time for writing and create a quiet and distraction-free environment. By focusing solely on creating content during this time, you can enter a state of flow and increase your productivity.

As you write your posts, keep in mind that they should be educational and helpful. Provide valuable information, tips, or strategies that your readers can apply in their own lives. Make sure to do thorough research, cite credible sources, and use a clear and concise writing style.

After you finish writing a batch of posts, take a break before revisiting them for editing and proofreading. It’s always a good idea to have a fresh set of eyes review your work to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

Repurposing High-Performing Posts

While your blog posts are a great way to provide in-depth information, it’s important to cater to different learning styles and preferences. By repurposing your high-performing posts into different formats, such as videos, images, or long-form articles, you can reach a wider audience and maximize the impact of your content.

For example, you can turn a tutorial blog post into a step-by-step video tutorial that visually guides your audience through the process. You can also create infographic images summarizing the key points of your posts, making it easy for readers to digest the information at a glance.

Another option is to repurpose your long-form articles into downloadable PDF guides or ebooks. This allows your audience to take your content with them, even when they’re offline, and provides an added value to your readers.

By repurposing your content, you not only increase its reach, but you also give yourself an opportunity to showcase your expertise in different formats.

Step 3: Engage with your Target Audience on LinkedIn (10 mins)

Welcome to Step 3 of our blogging series: Engage! In this step, we will discuss the importance of writing thoughtful comments on others’ posts and responding to every comment on your previous post. By engaging with others, you not only build connections but also increase visibility for your own blog.

Engagement plays a crucial role in the blogging community. It allows you to interact with fellow bloggers, share your thoughts, and gain insights from others in your niche. By writing comments on others’ posts, you show that you are actively interested in their content and value their opinions.

Writing Thoughtful Comments

When writing comments on others’ posts, it’s essential to be thoughtful and constructive. Avoid generic comments like “Great post!” or “Nice job!” Instead, take the time to read the article thoroughly and provide valuable feedback or insights. This shows that you’ve made an effort to engage with the content and adds value to the discussion.

Here are some tips for writing thoughtful comments:

1. Be specific: Highlight specific points from the article that resonated with you. Explain why you found them interesting or how they relate to your own experiences.
2. Ask questions: Engage the author and other readers by asking relevant questions. This encourages conversation and demonstrates your genuine interest in understanding the topic better.
3. Provide additional resources: If you know of any related articles, books, or resources, share them in your comment. This not only helps the author but also adds value for other readers.
4. Offer constructive criticism: If you have differing opinions or suggestions, express them respectfully. Remember to focus on the content rather than attacking the author personally.

Responding to Comments

Engagement is a two-way street. It’s not just about writing comments on others’ posts but also responding to every comment on your own blog. When someone takes the time to leave a comment, it’s essential to acknowledge and respond to them.

Here’s why responding to comments is crucial:

• Building connections: By responding to comments, you show that you value your readers’ opinions and appreciate their engagement. This helps to foster a sense of community around your blog.
• Encouraging further discussion: When you reply to comments, it encourages others to join the conversation. It shows that you are active and engaged, making others more likely to participate.
• Gaining valuable insights: Comments often provide valuable feedback, suggestions, and additional perspectives. By responding to them, you can gain new insights and improve your future blog posts.
• Increasing visibility: When you reply to comments, it increases the visibility of your blog. Other readers see that you are actively engaging with your audience, which can attract more readers and potential collaborations.

When responding to comments, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Be timely: Try to respond to comments as soon as possible. This shows that you are attentive and value your readers’ time.
2. Be appreciative: Thank commenters for taking the time to engage with your content. It’s essential to acknowledge their contribution and make them feel valued.
3. Be open-minded: Embrace different perspectives and engage in respectful conversations. Remember, comments provide an opportunity for growth and learning.
4. Be concise: Keep your responses focused and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic.

Finally, remember that engagement goes beyond just comments. Make an effort to share others’ posts, follow fellow bloggers on social media, and participate in blogging communities. The more active you are in engaging with others, the more visibility and connections you will build for yourself.

So, let’s start engaging! Take the time to write thoughtful comments on others’ posts and respond to every comment on your previous blog entry. Watch as your connections and visibility grow, ultimately leading to a more successful and impactful blog.

Step 4: Connect with Meaningful Comments (10 mins)

In the world of business, connections are everything. The people you know and the relationships you build can be the key to success. It’s not just about the number of connections you have, but also the quality of those connections. And one of the most effective ways to connect with prospects, clients, and strategic partners is through direct messaging.

Direct message (DM) is a feature offered by various social media platforms and communication tools that allows you to send a private message directly to another person. Unlike public posts or comments, DMs offer a more personal and intimate way to connect with others. They provide an opportunity to have one-on-one conversations and build stronger relationships.

Why Direct Messaging?

Direct messaging has several advantages that make it an effective tool for connecting with prospects, clients, and strategic partners. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using DMs:

1. Personalization: DMs allow you to tailor your message specifically to the recipient. You can address them by their name and mention specific details about their business or interests. This personalized approach shows that you’ve taken the time to research and understand them, which can make a lasting impression.
2. Privacy: DMs offer a private and confidential space for conversations. This can encourage people to share more openly and honestly, leading to deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.
3. Less Noise: Public posts and comments can easily get lost in the noise of social media. In contrast, DMs provide a focused and uninterrupted environment for communication. Your message is more likely to be seen and read, increasing the chances of a response.
4. Convenience: Direct messaging is a convenient way to communicate. It allows you to reach out to people regardless of their location or time zone. You can connect with prospects, clients, and strategic partners from around the world, expanding your network and opportunities.
5. Build Rapport: Building rapport is crucial in any business relationship. DMs allow you to have meaningful conversations and establish a connection on a personal level. This can lead to trust, loyalty, and long-term partnerships.

How to Connect with Direct Messages

Now that you understand the benefits of direct messaging, it’s important to know how to use it effectively. Here are some tips to help you connect with prospects, clients, and strategic partners through DMs:

• Research: Before reaching out to someone, take the time to research their business, interests, and background. This will help you craft a personalized and relevant message. Use the information you find to start a conversation and show that you value their work.
• Be Thoughtful: When composing your message, be thoughtful and considerate. Avoid generic or spammy messages that are clearly copy-pasted. Instead, take the time to understand the recipient and tailor your message to their specific needs or challenges. Show genuine interest in their work and how you can potentially collaborate or support each other.
• Keep it Concise: While it’s important to be thoughtful, it’s also essential to keep your message concise and to the point. People are more likely to read and respond to shorter messages that don’t require a significant time commitment.
• Follow-Up: If you don’t receive an immediate response, don’t be discouraged. Follow up with a polite and friendly message after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Sometimes, people get busy or overlook messages, so a gentle reminder can be helpful.
• Offer Value: One of the best ways to connect with prospects, clients, and strategic partners is by offering value. Provide useful information, resources, or insights that can benefit them in some way. This shows that you’re invested in their success and not just focused on self-promotion.

Remember, building connections takes time and effort. It’s not about sending hundreds of generic messages and hoping for a response. Instead, focus on cultivating genuine relationships and providing value to others. As your network grows, so will your opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and business growth.

“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale

By leveraging direct messaging, you can connect with prospects, clients, and strategic partners in a meaningful and impactful way. So don’t hesitate to reach out, start conversations, and expand your network. The connections you make today could be the stepping stones to your future success.

Step 5: Endorse to Build Credibility for your Personal Brand (5 mins)

Building and growing your professional network on LinkedIn is an essential step towards advancing your career. It’s not just about connecting with as many people as possible, but also about nurturing those connections and forming meaningful relationships. One effective way to increase your level of connection with your close connections is by endorsing their skills or leaving a recommendation.

Endorsing someone’s skills on LinkedIn is a way of vouching for their expertise in a particular area. Whether it’s their project management skills, leadership abilities, or technical knowledge, endorsing their skills can help to strengthen your relationship with them. It shows that you value their expertise and are willing to publicly acknowledge their strengths.

Leaving a recommendation takes the endorsement one step further. It’s a more detailed way of expressing your support and admiration for someone’s work. In a recommendation, you can share specific examples of how they have excelled in their role, and highlight their unique qualities and contributions. A well-written recommendation can be a powerful tool for boosting someone’s credibility and reputation within their industry.

Endorsing and recommending your close connections not only strengthens your relationship with them, but it also reflects positively on your own professional brand. When others see that you are actively endorsing and recommending others, it demonstrates that you value collaboration and are supportive of your network. This can lead to increased visibility, opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately, career advancement.

How to endorse someone on LinkedIn:

1. Go to the profile of the person you want to endorse.
2. Scroll down to the “Skills & Endorsements” section.
3. Click on the “Add a new skill” button if the skill you want to endorse is not listed. Otherwise, click on the “+” icon next to the skill you want to endorse.
4. LinkedIn will then ask you to confirm your endorsement. Click on the “Endorse” button to finalize your endorsement.

Remember, only endorse someone for skills that you have personally witnessed them demonstrate. Endorsing someone for skills they do not possess can undermine the credibility of both parties involved.

How to leave a recommendation on LinkedIn:

1. Go to the profile of the person you want to recommend.
2. Scroll down to the “Recommendations” section.
3. Click on the “Ask to be recommended” button if you want to request a recommendation in return.
4. If you want to leave a recommendation without asking for one in return, click on the “Recommend” button.
5. LinkedIn will guide you through the process of leaving a recommendation. Take your time to craft a thoughtful and genuine recommendation that highlights the person’s strengths and contributions.

When asking for endorsements or recommendations, it’s important to do so in a respectful and considerate manner. Personalize your request and explain why you value their opinion and support. Remember to reciprocate by offering to endorse or recommend them in return, as it demonstrates your willingness to give as well as receive.

Endorsing and leaving recommendations on LinkedIn is an effective way to enhance your professional relationships and boost your credibility. By actively engaging with your close connections in this way, you show that you are invested in their success and are willing to support and celebrate their achievements. So take the time to endorse and recommend your close connections, and watch as your network flourishes and your own professional brand grows.

Build Consistency before building Quality

As you go off now to build your audience on LinkedIn with just one hour per day, take heart with what I’m about to say.

It will take time and consistency before you start to see momentum.

It is important to establish a consistent presence and demonstrate to LinkedIn and your readers that you will show up regularly to engage and provide high-value content.

This not only helps to build momentum for your personal brand but also allows you to establish meaningful connections with others in your industry. 

While it will take time to develop a strong following and produce high-quality content, it is important to remember that success on LinkedIn comes from being part of a community of accountable peers who support and encourage one another. 

So keep at it, stay engaged, commit to your 1 hour per day and the quality will come with time.

Connect with me on LinkedIn to get more helpful tips as your build your architecture firm or business.