We all know LinkedIn as the place to polish our resumes, network with colleagues, and maybe even brag about our latest promotion. But hold up – there's a new player entering the influencer marketing game... That's right, LinkedIn is shaping up to be the next big thing for brands and content creators alike.
For years, influencer marketing has been dominated by the visually driven worlds of Instagram and TikTok, or the long-form content of YouTube. But LinkedIn? It might seem like an unlikely contender. However, with record engagement and a recent rollout of monetization options for creators, it's time to rethink the potential of this professional powerhouse.
LinkedIn isn't just about job titles anymore. The platform has seen a massive surge in original content, with a whopping 41% increase in 2022 alone. People are hungry for insights, industry news, and thought leadership, and they're finding it on LinkedIn.
Video content, in particular, is booming, with a 36% year-over-year increase in watch time. This appetite for content has paved the way for influencers to connect with a highly engaged professional audience.
Recognizing this shift, LinkedIn recently launched BrandLink, an evolution of its video advertising program. This feature connects brands with trusted publishers and individual creators, allowing for the promotion of short video ads alongside their content.
For advertisers, BrandLink offers a unique opportunity to reach a highly targeted professional audience with enhanced credibility. Early results are impressive, showing significantly higher video completion and view rates compared to standard LinkedIn video ads.
And for the creators? This is a game-changer. BrandLink marks LinkedIn's first real foray into monetization for individual content creators, sharing ad revenue with a select group of prominent B2B influencers.
This opens up a direct path for creators to earn from their valuable content, incentivizing more experts to share their knowledge and build their presence on the platform.
LinkedIn offers some serious advantages for businesses looking to leverage influencer marketing:
Targeted Professional Audience: With over a billion members worldwide, including a huge number of decision-makers and C-suite executives, LinkedIn provides unparalleled access to a specific professional demographic.
Building Trust and Credibility: Endorsements from respected LinkedIn influencers, often seen as industry experts, can significantly boost a brand's reputation and trustworthiness.
B2B Lead Generation Powerhouse: LinkedIn is a lead generation machine for B2B, reportedly generating around 80% of B2B social media leads. Influencer content can be incredibly effective in driving qualified leads.
Amplified Reach and Visibility: Partnering with influencers exposes your brand to their engaged networks, significantly expanding your reach within relevant industries.
Establishing Thought Leadership: Collaborating with industry experts positions your company as an authority in your field.
LinkedIn is no longer just a professional network. It's a dynamic platform where people come to learn, connect, and grow. With its increasing focus on content creation, high engagement rates, and the introduction of monetization options like BrandLink, LinkedIn is poised to become a major player in the influencer marketing landscape.
So, whether you're a business looking to reach a valuable professional audience or a content creator eager to share your expertise and build your brand, it's time to pay attention to LinkedIn.