Demystifying the Content Game on LinkedIn: A Personal Journey

When I first dipped my toes into the vast ocean of LinkedIn content creation 5.5 years ago, I was as green as they come.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and the journey that lay ahead was filled with countless hours of hard work, numerous calls, and endless direct messages.

But let me tell you this – it was all worth it.

Today, I want to share with you the unvarnished truth about my journey, the lessons I learned, and the strategies I used to gain traction on LinkedIn.

This isn't a quick fix or a magic formula, but a real, raw, and honest account of what it takes to succeed in the content game on LinkedIn.

1. The Time Investment

Let's start with the most significant investment you'll make in your LinkedIn journey – your time.

Anyone who tells you that you can gain tens of thousands of followers by simply copying a certain style of post or commenting thoughtfully is not giving you the full picture.

The reality is, they probably spend hours each day grinding on this platform.

Hours of Hard Work

When I first started, I spent hours each day on LinkedIn.

I was constantly creating content, engaging with other users, and refining my strategy.

It was a lot of work, but it was also incredibly rewarding.

I learned so much about my audience, my niche, and myself during this time.

So, if you're just starting out, don't expect great results from under an hour of work each day.

It's going to take time, effort, and a lot of patience.

But trust me, the results are worth it.

Quality Over Quantity

It's not just about the amount of time you spend on LinkedIn, but also about how you spend that time.

Quality trumps quantity every time.

Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your feed or posting content for the sake of posting, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Remember, your goal is to build genuine relationships and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.

This takes time, effort, and a lot of strategic thinking.

2. The Power of Calls

Another crucial aspect of my LinkedIn strategy was getting on calls.

Almost daily, I was strengthening new relationships made in comments and DMs through quick calls.

This was a great way to reinforce my credibility and build stronger connections.

Strengthening Relationships

These calls were not always about business or networking.

Sometimes, they were just nice chats with like-minded individuals.

But every call was an opportunity to learn something new, gain a different perspective, or make a new connection.

So, don't underestimate the power of a quick call.

It's a powerful way to firm up a connection you've made, especially with those who are bigger or ahead of you in your field.

It can significantly speed up your ability to gain traction on LinkedIn.

Time Management

However, it's important to manage your time wisely.

While these calls can be beneficial, they can also be time-consuming.

So, make sure to balance your time between calls, content creation, and other important tasks.

Remember, your time is valuable.

Use it wisely.

3. The Magic of Direct Messages

The third and perhaps most surprising element of my LinkedIn strategy was engaging in direct messages (DMs).

I made a point of engaging in the DMs with anyone who showed interest in my content or profile.

And let me tell you, this is where the magic happens.

The Power of DMs

DMs are a powerful tool for building relationships, nurturing leads, and closing deals.

They allow you to have one-on-one conversations with your audience, understand their needs and challenges, and offer personalized solutions.

So, if you're not already using DMs as part of your LinkedIn strategy, I highly recommend you start.

It's where the opportunities and the money are truly made.

The Art of Nurturing

But remember, DMs are not a place for hard selling.

They're a place for nurturing relationships and building trust.

So, take the time to engage with your audience, thank them for their support, and offer value wherever you can.

When done right, DMs can be a game-changer for your LinkedIn strategy.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the unvarnished truth about my LinkedIn journey.

It wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't quick.

But it was worth every second.

Because today, I have a thriving community on LinkedIn, a strong personal brand, and a successful business.

So, don't believe the hype.

Success on LinkedIn doesn't come easy.

It takes time, effort, and a lot of hard work.

But with the right strategy and a little bit of patience, you too can achieve great results.

If you're ready to take your LinkedIn strategy to the next level, check out the Warming Your Audience Bundle for more insights on nurturing relationships and building a community that converts.