What are LinkedIn audio events?

First of all - What is a LinkedIn audio event, and why should you host one?

Remember Clubhouse?

Well, LinkedIn audio events are the platform's own version of Clubhouse. You can broadcast an audio room directly from your LinkedIn profile (note you need your personal profile to be in creator mode to access the functionality)

And why should you host a LinkedIn audio event?

Hosting a LinkedIn audio event can have lots of benefits.

It allows you to engage directly with your audience, and do so by choosing a topic of your choice! i.e. sharing your expertise.

So whether you’re representing an organisation, your own business or you’re a professional you can host an event depending on your own goals or company objectives.

Here are some reasons why you might consider hosting a LinkedIn audio event:

Networking

LinkedIn audio events provide a platform for you to connect with industry professionals, peers, and potential clients or customers.

When you set up your event you can invites your connections and as you give live LinkedIn share notifications so it helps you to be really visible!

Thought Leadership

I can't tell you how many people I work with want to be thought leaders in their industry. Hostin an audio event is the perfect way to help you gain thought leader status in your field.

By sharing your expertise, knowledge and encouraging discussions around relevant issues in your industry you will gain credibility and authority as well as attracting a broader audience and increasing your professional network.

Content Marketing

You can use LinkedIn audio event as part of your overall marketing strategy. We all know how effective content marketing is! You can record the audios through Otter.ai (unfortunately they don't save on LinkedIn at the moment) and you can repurpose the content into other formats too (blog posts, short snippets or even videos)

Engagement

Live audio events enable real-time interaction with your audience. You can ask the attendees to join in the discussion by putting their hand up and you can add them to the stage. This creates engaging conversations, you can answering questions, and receive feedback which again feeds into your content strategy!

You all know how much I harp on about engagement (whether on posts, messages or in audio rooms), it really is the best way to grow a trusted network here on LinkedIn.

Brand Visibility 

LinkedIn audio events definitely increase your visibility on the platform. Notifications are sent to your connections, potentially attracting a larger audience and helping you reach new followers.

When I've hosted LinkedIn events I have 2nd degree and 3rd degree connections join as they have seen the event on LinkedIn and been free at the time and jumped in to hear the conversation. The reach really is pretty exceptional for audio events.

Lead Generation

I can share first hand that I have sold my services off the back of audio events that I've hosted. If your event includes valuable information or offers, it can be a way to generate leads or inquiries about your products or services.

Please be careful when it comes to selling though, nobody likes a hard sell.

Market Research

By hosting discussions in the area of your expertise not only can you show your authority but it also give great insight into how others feel or think about the same issues. Plus hosting a Q&A sessions can help you gather valuable insights from your audience, including their pain points, preferences, and questions, which can help you to create your business strategies.

Collaboration Opportunities

The best events I've been to always have 2 or more speakers. Having hosted my own where it was just me speaking i can confirm it can be rather awkward just talking to yourself, especially if you can't see the audience reactions and it can feel like a long tirade.

I recommend that all audio events should involve multiple speakers or panelists. Collaborating with industry experts or complementary businesses can open doors for future partnerships and collaborations. In addition to creating better and more engaging discussions.

Personal Branding

If you're a professional hosting LinkedIn audio events can contribute to your personal brand and digital footprint by enhancing your reputation and career prospects.

Stay Relevant 

By having real time live discussions it allows you to talk about the latest news, trends and issues in your industry. Engaging in discussions can provide fresh perspectives and new information. And of course this helps you to gain thought leadership status!

Audience Growth

Over time, hosting regular audio events can help you build a community of like-minded professionals who share your interests and values.

Why not start hosting a monthly clinic - it will grow and gain legs as the months pass.

Accessibility

Audio events are more accessible than some other content formats. People can listen while multitasking or during their commute, potentially reaching a broader audience.

Also, lunchtime audio events are really popular in my experience.

Remember that the success of a LinkedIn audio event depends on your goals, preparation, and the quality of the content you provide.

It's essential to consider your target audience and what they would find valuable in such an event.

Whether you're aiming to boost your professional profile, grow your business, or engage with your network, LinkedIn audio events can be a valuable tool in your strategy.

I hope this has given you some food for thought and as well as some inspiration and encouragement to host your own audio event on here soon!

Plus in the next edition of my newsletter I will be sharing my top tips for how to prepare for a LinkedIn audio event and what you need to consider in advance.

If you are reading this, thinking ‘I need to leverage LinkedIn but I’m not sure how to’ and you don’t know where to start with your content, engagement, and audience growth then please do get in touch. 

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