LinkedIn Marketing with Louise Brogan: 7 Tips for Real Results

In this week’s episode of the Social Media Takeaway, (available on all the leading podcast platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and Youtube!) I sat down with Louise Brogan, an international speaker, writer, and the host of the LinkedIn with Louise podcast. Louise has over ten years of experience supporting small businesses who want to use social media, specifically LinkedIn, for business growth. Whether you’re a LinkedIn regular or just getting started, Louise’s advice offers simple, practical ways to make your presence more effective without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s what she shared about using LinkedIn to grow your network, build trust, and maybe even land a few new clients along the way.

1. Optimising Your Linkedin Profile: As Louise pointed out, many people have LinkedIn profiles but don’t take the time to polish them up. Think of your profile as your first impression—it’s like showing up in a nice outfit with a confident smile. Louise recommends focusing on what you bring to the table in a way that’s clear and inviting, so when someone lands on your profile, they instantly get who you are and what you do.
2. Create a Network That Matters: Louise encourages being intentional with your connections. LinkedIn isn’t about racking up random connections; it’s more about quality over quantity. Picture it like being at a networking event where you’re talking to people who either need your services or can connect you to those who do. Louise says building a network of value means connecting with those who resonate with your expertise and can keep the conversation going.  I always tell people, LinkedIn connections are like quality networking at an event—finding those who genuinely align with what you offer makes your interactions much more meaningful.
3. Be Helpful and Consistent: No need to stress about posting every day. Louise suggests aiming quality over quantity.  Share helpful tips, industry insights, or even behind-the-scenes moments. I completely agree with Louise that the goal is to spark conversation, so ask questions or invite thoughts on a topic. It’s less about showing off and more about helping others learn. It’s amazing how regularly posting something useful, even just once a week, can build your reputation and make you a go-to person in your industry.
4. Engage, Don’t Just Scroll: Louise emphasises the power of thoughtful engagement. Yes, scrolling is easy, but commenting and liking with purpose shows people that you’re interested. Engaging with others’ posts can keep you on their radar and makes them more likely to check out your profile too. It’s like a quick “Hey, I see you!” that helps build familiarity and trust over time. I’ve seen firsthand that engagement is a two-way street on LinkedIn. Just a simple comment or like on someone’s post opens up new opportunities and keeps your presence active in your network’s feeds.
5. Use LinkedIn Live and Events: If you want to mix it up, Louise loves using LinkedIn Live and events to create a memorable presence. LinkedIn Live, she says, is a fantastic tool for real-time interaction, letting people see who you are and what you’re about. And LinkedIn events? Think of them as online gatherings where you can offer value directly to your audience. Setting these up a week in advance helps build anticipation and gives people a reason to tune in.
6. Message with a Soft Touch: Louise advises keeping messages friendly and authentic. Avoid the hard sell, and instead, introduce yourself in a way that invites conversation. Louise often starts by asking, “How did you find me?” This helps break the ice and keeps things low-pressure, which can eventually lead to business without anyone feeling like they’re being pushed. I agree—starting with a friendly message sets a welcoming tone that keeps things genuine and helps foster real connections.
7. Play the Long Game: Louise is upfront about LinkedIn being a “long game,” where relationships are built over time. Don’t expect immediate results; instead, show up consistently and watch as relationships blossom naturally. As Louise says, by the six-month mark, you’ll start to see real leads coming in if you stick with it. LinkedIn rewards persistence and thoughtfulness, so take your time and trust the process.  I completely agree; consistency is key. LinkedIn rewards patience, and the leads you gain through building these relationships are more likely to be high quality and relevant to your goals.