Ever scrolled through LinkedIn and noticed those eye-catching blue or gold badges next to some users’ names and thought, “How do I get one of those?”
Well, you’re not alone!
LinkedIn Top Voice badges aren’t just for show, it’s LinkedIn’s way of saying, “Hey, this person knows their stuff!” It’s like a golden ticket to visibility, credibility, and opportunities that could skyrocket your career.
Now the question is: how to become a LinkedIn Top Voice? Don’t worry! You’re at the right place!
This no-fluff guide will help you crack the code. No generic advice, no beating around the bush. Just actionable, insider strategies from someone who’s already holding a LinkedIn Top Voice Badge! 😉
So, let’s get started!
What is a LinkedIn Top Voice Badge?
Alright, let’s start with the basics.
A LinkedIn Top Voice isn’t just someone who posts a lot or has tons of followers (although that doesn’t hurt). It’s much more than that. In short, LinkedIn’s Top Voices are the thought leaders in the specific industry.
But here’s something people don’t realize: LinkedIn doesn’t just hand out these badges based on follower count or post frequency.
The algorithm considers a complex mix of factors, including:
- Engagement rate (not just likes, but meaningful comments and shares)
- Content quality and originality
- Consistency and frequency of contributions
- Niche expertise and authority
- Community building and interaction
In essence, a LinkedIn Top Voice is someone who consistently adds value to the LinkedIn community in their specific area of expertise.
Types of LinkedIn Top Voice Badges
There are two main types of LinkedIn Top Voice badges:
Blue Badge (LinkedIn Top Voice)
LinkedIn Top Voice is an invitation-only program featuring a select group of experts chosen by LinkedIn’s Editorial team. The blue badge is awarded to approximately 300 users each year who have been hand-picked for their expertise and influence.
These individuals are vetted to ensure they meet high trust standards, are consistently active on the platform, and share valuable content that demonstrates their unique, original contributions to a topic.
Key things to know:
- The badge appears next to your name in feeds and on your profile.
- It’s awarded annually, so you need to maintain your status.
- There’s no application process – LinkedIn’s team selects Top Voices based on their criteria.
Insider Tip: While you can’t directly apply, you can position yourself to be noticed. More on that soon!
Gold Badge (Community Top Voice)
Community Top Voice badge is awarded to users who contribute their skills, knowledge, and experiences to collaborative articles on specific topics. The Community Top Voice program recognizes professionals who provide quality content and engage actively with the LinkedIn community.
To earn a Community Top Voice badge, you need to contribute to at least three articles in a category and be in the top 5% of contributors for that particular skill. LinkedIn considers factors such as quality, engagement, and quantity of contributions when determining badge recipients.
While the main Top Voice program gets all the attention, the Community Top Voice badge is an excellent stepping stone.
Key things to know:
- The Community Top Voice badge is focused on contributions within LinkedIn groups.
- This gold badge is easier to achieve as it’s less competitive.
- Plus, the gold badge is great for building a loyal, niche following.
Benefits of being a LinkedIn Top Voice
Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice offers numerous advantages that can significantly boost your professional profile:
- Increased Visibility: Having a top voice badge puts you in the top 1% of LinkedIn users, helping you stand out from the crowd. This increased visibility leads to more profile views, better engagement, and new opportunities.
- Authority and Credibility: The badge helps you build authority and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry. This helps you improve credibility in the eyes of other professionals, potential clients, and recruiters.
- Networking opportunities: With a top voice badge, you’re more likely to receive and have your connection requests accepted. This can help you grow your professional network and create new opportunities.
- Attract Clients and Customers: The badge can boost the confidence of potential clients or customers who are considering working with you. It serves as a form of social proof, indicating that LinkedIn recognizes your expertise.
- Improved Content Reach: Users with top voice badges often see a significant increase in their content’s reach and engagement.
- Enhance personal brand: The LinkedIn Top Voice badge helps you strengthen your personal brand. It helps you showcase your expertise, attract more clients, and grow your businesses.
- Exclusive Benefits: LinkedIn offers various benefits like increased visibility in search results and LinkedIn homepage, invitations to exclusive events and programs, and opportunities to collaborate with LinkedIn on content and initiatives.
How to become LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge)
The LinkedIn Top Voice badge is the platform’s highest recognition for content creators. It’s that coveted blue badge you see next to a user’s name, signifying their status as a top contributor in their field.
Now comes the most asked question: How to become a LinkedIn Top Voice?
Short answer: There’s no guaranteed formula (believe me, I wish there was!), but here are a few strategies that actually worked for me.
Step-by-step guide on becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s your actionable roadmap:
1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
The first step is to make sure your profile is complete and fully optimized. Here are a few things:
- Add a profile picture. Use a headshot that covers 60% of the space.
- Upload a high-quality banner. Add what you do and how you can help.
- Use a well-optimized headline that covers more than just your job title.
- Add a compelling summary in a storytelling format that covers details.
- Fill in your work experience. Briefly describe your role and responsibilities.
- Ask for endorsements and recommendations as they help build credibility.
A well-optimized profile increases your chances of being discovered though the search results. Learn more about LinkedIn profile optimization.
Pro Tip: Use keywords relevant to your niche in your profile to improve searchability. But remember, write for humans first, algorithms second.
2. Nail down your niche
Identify your area of expertise. But don’t just pick any topic – find the sweet spot between your passion, your knowledge, and market demand.
Simply, niche down, then “Niche Again”. Don’t just pick “marketing” – go for “TikTok marketing for B2B SaaS companies.” The more specific, the better.
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn’s search function to explore trending topics in your industry. Look for areas with high engagement but low saturation.
3. Create a content strategy
Develop a content plan that showcases your expertise and provides value to your audience. Aim for a mix of:
- Thought leadership pieces
- Industry insights and trends
- How-to guides and practical tips
- Personal stories and experiences
- Curated content with your unique take
Pro Tip: Create a content calendar to ensure consistency. I use a 3-2-1 weekly strategy: 3 short-form posts, 2 pieces of shared content from others, and 1 promotional piece.
4. Stay consistent
Consistency is the key. Establish a posting schedule and stick to it. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors accounts that post frequently.
However, remember that consistency does not mean posting daily. It means staying committed, creating quality content, and posting strategically. Even posting thrice a week is being consistent, if you do it on a regular basis.
Here’s a quick guide on how to post on LinkedIn.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Start with 4-5 posts per week.
- Gradually reduce it to 3 posts per day.
- Use LinkedIn’s scheduling feature to plan ahead
Remember, Quality > quantity. It’s better to post high-quality content less frequently than to flood your followers with mediocre posts.
Pro Tip: Use a tool like Socialsonic to schedule your posts in advance. I aim for at least 3 posts per week.
5. Use storytelling
People connect with stories. Learn to weave narratives into your content.
Use personal anecdotes, case studies, and real-world examples to illustrate your points. This makes your content more relatable and memorable.
Here’s an example:
Pro Tip: Start your posts with a hook – a question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement. For example: “I once lost a $1 million client. Here’s what it taught me about customer retention…”
6. Write engaging posts
Develop a writing style that’s both professional and conversational. Use clear, concise language and break up your posts into easily digestible chunks.
Start with a hook to grab attention, provide valuable content in the middle, and end with a call-to-action or thought-provoking question to encourage engagement.
Use Socialsonic to come up with high-quality content in no time.
Pro Tip: Read your posts aloud before publishing. If it sounds natural and conversational, you’re on the right track.
7. Engage with your audience
Creating and posting content is just half the battle. The other half is how you engage with your audience.
So never simply post and ghost. Respond to comments on your posts, engage with others’ content, and participate in relevant discussions. Building relationships is crucial for growing your influence on LinkedIn.
Pro Tip: Set aside 30 minutes each day for engagement. Comment thoughtfully on posts from influencers in your field to increase your visibility to their audiences.
To speed up the process Socialsonic is soon coming up with Engage feature where you don’t even have to invest 30 minutes, but just a few seconds.
8. Analyze and iterate
Use LinkedIn’s analytics to understand what content resonates with your audience.
Pay attention to metrics like views, engagement rate, and follower growth. Then, use these insights to refine your content strategy.
Pro Tip: Create a monthly “content performance report” for yourself. Identify your top 3 performing posts and analyze why they worked well. Then tweak your content strategy accordingly.
By following this blueprint and consistently applying these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stay consistent, and most importantly, stay authentic to your unique voice and expertise.
How to become LinkedIn Community Top Voice (Gold Badge)
Earning a Community Top Voice badge on LinkedIn is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and build your presence on the platform.
This recognition is more accessible than the blue Top Voice badge and offers a great opportunity to stand out in the LinkedIn community. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Secure Your Invitation
Getting invited to collaborate to the LinkedIn articles is the first step. LinkedIn handpicks experts based on their experience, skills, and platform engagement. Here’s how to increase your chances:
- Optimize your profile: Ensure your work experience and skills are up-to-date and comprehensive.
- Engage actively: Like, comment, and share content in your area of expertise.
- Be patient: Keep building your presence; invitations often come to consistent, engaged users.
Pro Tip: Don’t just wait for an invitation. Actively seek out collaborative articles in your field and engage with them (like and comment on other’s contributions) regularly. This puts you on LinkedIn’s radar.
2. Choose Your Niche Wisely
With nearly 2,400 categories available, it’s tempting to spread yourself thin. Resist this urge! Focus on dominating one category that aligns with your expertise and career goals.
- Find your strengths: What topic can you discuss for hours without preparation?
- Consider competition: Some niches are less crowded, potentially offering a quicker path to the badge.
- Think long-term: Which area will benefit your career trajectory the most?
Pro Tip: While you can earn multiple badges, only one appears on your profile. Choose a niche that you’re passionate about and willing to commit to long-term.
3. Craft Compelling Contributions
Quality > Quantity. Your answers should be concise yet insightful, offering unique perspectives based on your experience.
- Keep it scannable: Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and clear headings.
- Share personal anecdotes: Real-world examples make your contributions stand out.
- Provide actionable advice: Readers should walk away with practical tips they can implement.
Pro Tip: Before answering, scan existing responses to ensure you’re adding new value, not repeating what’s already been said.
4. Consistency is Key
LinkedIn suggests contributing to at least 3 articles in your chosen category, but in competitive niches, you’ll likely need more.
- Set a goal: Aim for 2-3 contributions per day, several times a week.
- Track your progress: Keep a log of the articles you’ve contributed to.
- Stay current: Regularly check for new articles in your niche to maintain your activity level.
Pro Tip: Quality engagement on your contributions matters. Respond to comments on your answers to boost interaction and visibility.
5. Expand Your LinkedIn Presence
Your Community Top Voice efforts should be part of a broader LinkedIn strategy.
- Create original posts: Share insights beyond collaborative articles.
- Network actively: Connect with others in your field and engage with their content.
- Utilize LinkedIn features: Experiment with polls, LinkedIn Live, and newsletters to increase visibility.
Pro Tip: Cross-promote your collaborative article contributions in your regular posts to drive more engagement to your answers.
6. Maintain Your Badge
Remember, your Community Top Voice badge is active for 60 days after you earn it. To keep it:
- Stay consistent: Continue contributing regularly even after earning the badge.
- Monitor your performance: Keep an eye on the engagement your contributions receive.
- Modify your strategy: As your niche evolves, ensure your insights remain relevant and valuable.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 45 days after earning your badge to ramp up your activity and ensure you maintain your status.
Becoming a LinkedIn Community Top Voice is a rewarding process that not only earns you a shiny badge but also establishes you as a thought leader in your field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistency in Posting Solution: Use a content calendar and scheduling tools to maintain regularity.
- Focusing Too Much on Self-Promotion Solution: Follow the 80/20 rule – 80% valuable content, 20% promotion.
- Ignoring Analytics Solution: Regularly review LinkedIn analytics to understand what content resonates.
- Neglecting Visual Elements Solution: Incorporate high-quality images, videos, and infographics in your posts.
- Failing to Engage with Others Solution: Dedicate time daily to comment on and share others’ content.
- Using a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Solution: Tailor your content to different segments of your audience.
- Overlooking the Power of LinkedIn Articles Solution: Regularly publish in-depth articles to showcase your expertise.
- Not Optimizing Your Profile Solution: Regularly update your profile, ensuring it aligns with your content strategy.
- Focusing on Quantity Over Quality Solution: Prioritize creating fewer, high-quality posts rather than numerous mediocre ones.
- Ignoring LinkedIn’s Algorithm Changes Solution: Stay updated with LinkedIn’s latest features and algorithm updates.
Is Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice Worth It? (Personal Thoughts)
As someone who’s achieved LinkedIn Top Voice status, I often get asked if it’s worth the effort. Let me share my experience:
When I first earned my blue badge, the impact was noticeable. Within the first three months:
- My follower count surged by 5,000, averaging about 25 new connections requests daily.
- Post engagement skyrocketed, with LinkedIn impressions increasing by 300% compared to the previous quarter.
- Inbound inquiries for speaking engagements and collaborations doubled.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the badge itself isn’t a magic wand. The real value comes from the consistent effort and quality content that led to earning it. The badge amplified my existing strategy.
While the Top Voice status can boost your visibility, it’s your authentic voice and valuable insights that will truly engage your audience. Focus on delivering consistent value, and the badge will be a bonus, not the end goal.
Remember, becoming a Top Voice is a journey of continuous learning and sharing. It’s opened doors I never imagined, but the most rewarding part has been the meaningful connections I’ve made along the way.
Skyrocket Your Journey With Socialsonic
As a LinkedIn Top Voice, I’ve tried countless tools to enhance my presence on the platform. But nothing quite compares to the power of Socialsonic, an AI-powered LinkedIn partner by Writesonic.
Let me break down why this tool is an absolute must-have for aspiring Top Voices:
- Content creation: No more writer’s block! With Socialsonic you can generate engaging posts resonating with your audience in just a few clicks.
- Schedule posts: Plan your content calendar in advance with Socialsonic’s scheduling feature and maintain consistency.
- Boost engagement: With Socialsonic, you can stay active and connected. Respond to comments and messages quickly and increase your engagement.
- Track analytics: Keep an eye on your growth and fine-tune your content strategy with Socialsonic’s insights to quickly get a competitive edge.
Socialsonic is not just a tool; it’s a partner that empowers you to create better content, engage more effectively, and ultimately accelerate your path to Top Voice status.
Your Top Voice Journey Starts Now With Socialsonic
Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice isn’t just about getting a fancy badge next to your name. It’s about establishing yourself as a thought leader, expanding your professional network, and opening doors to incredible opportunities.
Remember, consistency is key. Post regularly, engage authentically, and always strive to provide value to your audience.
Leverage tools like Socialsonic to streamline your efforts and gain data-driven insights. But most importantly, stay true to your unique voice and expertise.
