How to Become a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2024

Are you often scrolling through LinkedIn, noticing some profiles with that "Top Voice" badge, and wondering, "How can I get there too?"

It feels pretty exclusive, doesn't it?

You might think that standing out on such a crowded platform is impossible.

Here's the thing, though—you might be closer than you think to achieving that recognition. Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2024 isn't just for well-known names or industry giants.

It's also for you: someone eager to share meaningful insights and connect genuinely with your network.

This blog is going to take you through a step-by-step journey on how to elevate your LinkedIn marketing game and get a badge for your profile. 

If you've ever dreamt of seeing your name amongst those celebrated for their contributions to conversations in your field, this is where you start.

What is LinkedIn Top Voice?

LinkedIn Top Voice is an exclusive recognition given to standout members who significantly contribute to the platform through valuable content and thought leadership in their respective fields and educate their professional community.

There are two types of accolades:

• Golden Badges for industry-specific thought leaders

• Blue badges, which are harder to get and invitation-only.

Achieving Top Voice status hinges on a mix of quality content creation, timely discussions, and forging genuine connections through interaction. Consistency is also key. Moreover, once earned, the recognition requires ongoing participation to be maintained.

Benefits of LinkedIn Top Voice

Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice comes with  the following benefits.

1. Increase in Visibility

Achieving Top Voice status significantly boosts your profile's visibility on LinkedIn. This increased exposure can attract new connections, followers, and opportunities as your content reaches a broader audience beyond your immediate network.

2. Enhanced Credibility

Being recognized as a Top Voice is a badge of authority in your industry. This endorsement from LinkedIn enhances your credibility, making your insights and opinions more valued by peers and potential collaborators or employers.

3. More Networking Opportunities

With the spotlight on your expertise, you're more likely to attract like-minded professionals, leading to meaningful networking opportunities. These connections can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and new projects.

Top Voices are frequently sought after for speaking engagements, webinars, and media interviews, providing a platform to further share your insights and solidify your status as an industry thought leader.

Steps/Tips to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice

If you're serious about becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, here are some steps you can take to get started:

1) Understand Your Audience

Understanding your audience's challenges and questions to create content that resonates with their interests and needs.

• Define your target audience: People browse Linkedin with an intent that differs from other social media. People use Linkedin to keep track of industry insights, thought leadership, new narratives in their industry, as well as, meetups, webinars, etc. - preferences that are vastly different when browsing through Instagram and other social platforms. So creating a persona that specifically captures the specific needs and interests of your ideal Linkedin audience. This will help you validate and prioritize content ideas, and share content that is useful for your audience.‍
• Engage and listen: Linkedin believes that its strict content policies has made it most trusted social media platform for users. Based on our observations, we can also add that Linkedin is the least polarized and has fewer echo chambers. So by simply participating in discussions on individual posts and Linkedin groups one can understand their audience's needs and preferences. Linkedin also has useful features such as polls and direct questions to gauge audience interests and garner opinions.

2) Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized. It should accurately represent your professional identity, with a clear summary, up-to-date experience, and a professional headshot. A polished profile reinforces the credibility of your content.

• Professional Photography: Use a professional headshot that conveys approachability and professionalism. Your profile picture is often the first impression you make.
• Compelling Summary: Write a summary that highlights your expertise, accomplishments, and the value you bring. Use keywords related to your industry for better visibility.
• Showcase Your Work: Utilize the featured section to highlight top projects, articles, or achievements. Regular updates to this section keep your profile dynamic and engaging.

To simplify things, use the free tools from Highperformr to create a better headline and your PR picture.

3) Craft High-Quality Content

Invest time in creating informative, well-structured, and engaging content. Use images, anecdotes, and industry insights to enrich your posts and encourage engagement. Using GIFs and images on LinkedIn can make a memorable impact elevating your storytelling or adding a touch of lightheartedness.

• Start by conducting a self-assessment to pinpoint what you are deeply passionate about and where you have the most authoritative knowledge. Ask yourself, "What topics can I talk about confidently and in depth?"
• Create niche content that not only demonstrates your expertise but also adds substantial value to discussions in your field.
• Create content that covers topics in depth. Using credible sources and including data or case studies can enrich your content.
• Experiment with various content formats such as articles, videos, infographics, or posts to see what resonates most with your audience. Visual elements can significantly increase engagement.
• Before publishing, ensure your content is clear, concise, and error-free. A well-edited piece reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

Pro tip: You can use the get post idea feature from Highperformr to gather all the Reddit trends and latest news. Then, you can use AI to write posts and then schedule them.

5) Engage with Industry Leaders

Connect with other thought leaders in your industry. Collaboration can provide new perspectives and amplify your content's reach.

Also, engage before and after posting content on LinkedIn. This will automatically boost your post's engagement. Here are more tips to be seen in the crowded space:

• Reach Out: Don't hesitate to message other professionals in your field with a proposal for collaboration. Be clear about what you admire in their work and what you wish to achieve together.
• Co-create Content: Work on articles, host joint webinars, or participate in panel discussions. This not only enriches your content but also exposes you to their audience.
• Share and Tag: When you mention or use insights from other leaders, give credit by tagging them. This fosters good relationships and encourages them to share your content in return.

6) Embrace Originality

Showcase your unique viewpoint and experiences rather than echoing common thoughts and ideas. Authenticity makes your content stand out and can foster a loyal following.

• Share Personal Insights: Don't shy away from infusing your content with personal experiences or unique viewpoints. Authenticity attracts genuine engagement.
• Avoid Buzzwords: Use clear, straightforward language and avoid overused industry jargon. Stand out by being genuine and accessible.

7) Recognize the Contributions of Others

Participate in the community by acknowledging and reacting to content shared by peers. This encourages reciprocal engagement and helps build relationships.

• Engage with Content: Regularly comment on, like, and share content from your network. Thoughtful comments can spark meaningful interactions.
• Give Kudos: Use LinkedIn's "Kudos" feature to publicly appreciate your connections' achievements. Recognizing others encourages a positive community ethos.

8) Be Consistent

Consistently share and engage with content on LinkedIn. Regular activity helps maintain visibility in your connections' feeds and establishes you as an active member of the community.

• Set a Schedule: Plan your content in advance and stick to a consistent posting schedule. Regularity keeps you at the top of your mind within your network.
• Stay Active: Even when you aren't posting new content, engage with others' posts and contribute to discussions.

You can use Highperformr’s bulk scheduling feature to plan your content calendar in advance and not worry about missing posting deadlines. 

9) Analyze and Adapt

Review engagement on your content regularly to understand what resonates with your audience. Use these insights to refine your strategy and optimize future content for better reach and impact.

• Use Analytics: Regularly check LinkedIn analytics to understand which content performs best. Look at engagement rates, the best times to post, and audience demographics.
• Be Adaptable: Based on analytics, adjust your content strategy. Experiment with different approaches to refine what works best for engaging your target audience

If you want to get actionable advice on what can be improved on your LinkedIn profile, check Highperformr’s analytics feature.

Adhering to these steps with diligence and strategic forethought will pave the way towards becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, not just in name but in the value shared and appreciated within the professional community.

How to Earn the LinkedIn Community Top Voice Badge?

Getting recognized as a LinkedIn Community Top Voice means you're seen as a critical contributor to your expertise. Here's how you can work towards earning this badge without overcomplicating things, ensuring we stick to the straightforward guidelines provided by Highperformr.

1. Focus on What You Know Best

Identify and stick with the area you know a lot about when creating content. This approach helps you stay consistent and insightful, making your contributions valuable. LinkedIn lists topics that can guide you to where your input might be most appreciated.

You can see the topics here.

2. Share Thoughtful Comments

When you come across articles that match your expertise, add your thoughts in a way that contributes to the discussion. It's not necessary to comment on every detail - what matters is that your comments are thoughtful and make people think or offer them something new.

3. Be Yourself

People appreciate authenticity. When you share your experiences or viewpoints, make it personal and authentic to who you are. This authenticity will make your posts and comments stand out because you offer perspectives based on your unique experiences and knowledge.

4. Engage Genuinely

Actively participating in the community by liking and commenting on posts that resonate with you is essential. But it's more about the quality of your engagement than the quantity. Genuine interactions can help you build connections and make your voice heard.

5. Keep At It

Consistency is key. Regularly contributing posts and engaging with others show you're committed and reliable. Don't just aim for a certain number of posts or comments; focus on making each interaction meaningful.

6. Badge Maintenance

Remember, the Top Voice Badge is not permanent. You need to stay active and continue providing valuable insights to keep it. Sharing your contributions more widely can also help engage a broader audience, keeping the interest in your content high.

Essential Tools to Aid Your Journey

To make the best use of your time and effort, having the right tools at your disposal is essential. Here are a few that can help you become a Top Voice on LinkedIn:

1. Highperformr

Highperformr is designed as a comprehensive platform for individuals and businesses looking to maximize their LinkedIn strategy. It aids users in creating more engaging content, amplifying their presence, and effectively building their LinkedIn network.

The tool leverages data-driven insights to guide users in enhancing their LinkedIn profiles and posts. It makes it easier to connect with the right audience and achieve specific LinkedIn goals, such as growing a network, increasing engagement, or positioning oneself as a thought leader in a particular industry.

Features

• Trending Topic Analysis: Identifies what's currently popular in your field to inform your content strategy.
• Engagement Tips: Provides advice on improving engagement with tailored suggestions for content optimization.
• Profile Enhancement: Offers actionable tips to make your LinkedIn profile stand out to your network and potential connections.
• Viral Post Templates: Provides a library of pre-written posts that can be customized to fit your needs.
• Content Creation: Helps you create engaging content by suggesting topics, headlines, and images.
• Performance Tracking: Allows you to measure how well your content performs, with insights into likes, shares, and comments.
• Team Collaboration: This allows you to collaborate with your team members by sharing drafts and getting feedback.
• Automation Tools: Simplifies maintaining a consistent presence with features for scheduling posts and automating other LinkedIn activities.

Highperformr is free to get started, so test it yourself.

2. Canva

Canva democratizes design, offering a user-friendly platform that unlocks the capability to create compelling, professional-grade visual content. Ideal for enhancing LinkedIn posts, Canva caters to design novices and professionals with its intuitive interface. 

This tool simplifies the process of producing eye-catching images, infographics, and videos, ensuring your content stands out in the crowded LinkedIn feed and captures your network's attention.

Features

• Extensive Template Library: Provides access to thousands of customizable templates for various content types.
• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Facilitates easy design creation without the need for advanced graphic design skills.
• Multimedia Content Creation: Supports various content formats, including images, infographics, and videos, meeting diverse content needs.
• Brand Kit Integration: Allows for easy incorporation of brand elements (logo, color scheme, fonts) to ensure consistency across all designs.
• Collaboration Tools: Offers features for real-time collaboration with team members, streamlining the design process for group projects.

3. Feedy

Feedly is a central hub for professionals eager to stay ahead by following the latest trends, news, and developments. It streamlines the task of keeping up with an ever-growing amount of online content across various industries by aggregating it into one manageable feed. 

This enables users to stay informed, share insights, and create engaging content for their LinkedIn networks, reinforcing their status as thought leaders.

Features

• Personalized News Feeds: Customizes content streams based on your professional interests and industry trends.
• Article Save and Share: This allows you to save articles for later and easily share insightful content with your LinkedIn network.
• Source Addition: This feature allows you to add any blog, news site, or RSS feed you desire, broadening your scope of information.
• Keyword Alerts: This service notifies you about important terms or topics, ensuring you never miss relevant developments in your field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Path to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice

Earning the LinkedIn Top Voice badge is a significant accomplishment that requires careful strategy, consistent effort, and genuine engagement. However, even the most enthusiastic candidates can sometimes veer off course. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Spreading Too Thin Across Multiple Domains

While showcasing knowledge in various fields is tempting, this approach can dilute your brand and scatter your audience. Focus on your core expertise to establish a recognizable voice and build authority in one domain rather than being a marginal figure in many.

2. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality

A common misconception is that more posts mean more visibility. However, LinkedIn values the quality of interactions over sheer volume. Prioritize creating thoughtful, well-researched content that sparks discussion and resonates with your audience rather than overwhelming them with frequent, less substantial posts.

3. Underestimating the Power of Engagement

Merely posting content isn't enough. The failure to engage with your audience—responding to comments, participating in discussions, and supporting other content creators—can stymie your growth. Engagement demonstrates your commitment to the community and can significantly amplify your reach.

4. Ignoring LinkedIn's Features

Not leveraging LinkedIn's features, such as articles, videos, and LinkedIn Learning, can limit your visibility. Diversifying your content format caters to different audience preferences and showcases your adaptability and creativity.

5. Neglecting Your Personal Brand

Failing to cultivate a distinct personal brand can make your profile blend into the background. Your content should reflect your unique perspective and professional identity. Share personal anecdotes where relevant, and present your experiences and achievements in a way that adds value to your network.

6. Inauthentic Networking

Networking out of a sense of obligation or with a transactional mindset can be insincere. Genuine relationship building is based on mutual interests and respect. Strive to connect authentically with peers in your industry, offer help without expectation of immediate returns, and celebrate others' success as you would your own.

Take the First Step Towards Getting Your Top Voice Badge

The path to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice is characterized by what you do and what you consciously avoid doing. 

Avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on generating value-driven, engaging, and insightful content can significantly increase your chances of earning the LinkedIn Top Voice badge.

Be patient, stay committed, and, most importantly, keep learning and adapting.  

Highperformr will help you easily amplify your presence on Linkedin; sign up for free and start by creating a content calendar and planning your posts in advance. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're consistently publishing high-quality content. 

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