Build Your Professional Brand on LinkedIn With These Strategies

Sharonda Jackson is the founder of Coffee to Create, which was established in 2020. Specializing in LinkedIn brand development, Sharonda has assisted coaches and consultants in enhancing their presence on the platform.

Drawing on her personal experience in building a successful LinkedIn profile and extensive research in social media strategy and management, she has effectively increased engagement and follower counts through organic methods. She has achieved over a 200% increase in page views and unique visitors, and a remarkable 1,300% growth in new followers within 30-60 days for her clients.

LinkedIn has become an essential platform for professionals and business owners alike–and for an executive woman looking to build a brand, you need to be there. In this Masterclass, Sharonda highlights how LinkedIn can help thought leaders connect with target audiences, and differentiate themselves in competitive industries.

"70% of your connections should be your target audience, and 30% can be industry peers or competitors...curate your network strategically."

Sharonda Jackson’s LinkedIn session focused on strategies for optimizing profiles, building connections, and standing out through thoughtful content.

‍Profile Optimization: Sharonda emphasizes the importance of a well-optimized LinkedIn profile, including a strategic cover photo, professional headshot, headline, and a clear call-to-action. She also suggests leveraging the "About" section to tell your story and showcase your expertise.‍
Relationship Building: She recommends using a "70-30 rule" for connections on LinkedIn, with 70% of connections being ideal clients and the remaining 30% including competitors and others. Engaging in meaningful comments on others' posts and starting conversations in DMs can build strong connections.
‍Content Strategy: Effective content is essential to build authority on LinkedIn. Sharonda advises creating relatable and engaging content using personal stories, trends, and "unpopular opinions" to inspire connection and stand out.‍
Avoiding Burnout: It's important to maintain a balanced, healthy approach to posting on LinkedIn. Quality matters over quantity, and repurposing content can keep your audience engaged without overwhelming yourself.
‍Continuous Adaptation and Patience: Sharonda stresses updating your LinkedIn profile periodically based on performance and trends. She advises patience, as building traction on LinkedIn can take six months to a year, and suggests considering premium features if they add value.

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