LinkedIn has joined social media networks like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter in providing digital marketing and influencing opportunities for content creators and brands.

Since it first launched in 2003, LinkedIn has established itself as the world’s largest professional network for users to connect with colleagues, look for jobs, and make connections to support career development and business growth. 

Based on their mission, it makes sense that LinkedIn was one of the last social media platforms to join the creator economy, but the choice seems to have paid off. “Creator mode” (which launched in 2021) is LinkedIn’s version of influencer marketing. Creators and businesses are now crafting content strategies to include sharing engaging and inspiring content surrounding their expertise on the platform. 

With the help of stories, hashtags, and mentions, creator mode also helps put eyes on other content they create like podcasts, blogs, and live videos. LinkedIn users who share quality content are growing their audiences on the platform, and therefore being offered more opportunities to monetize the content through sponsored partnerships.

If you’re a brand, business, or fellow creator crafting a marketing strategy that includes partnerships with LinkedIn creators, you definitely have the right idea. Below is an outlined process to help you find and engage with creators on LinkedIn so these partnerships are efficient, clear, and worthwhile for everyone involved.

What makes a LinkedIn Creator different from the rest?‍

Before diving into process and strategy, it’s important to understand the type of creators that find success on LinkedIn and how they differ from influencers on other social media platforms. 

Influencers on TikTok or Instagram typically create content surrounding a lifestyle niche. Consumers often turn to these platforms for non-professional content. Meanwhile, LinkedIn creators are seen as thought leaders with executive influence. A brand that sells skincare products is more likely going to reach its target audience on TikTok. While a CEO of a marketing analytics company can build professional authority by sharing creative content on LinkedIn. Whether you’re a brand or creator, do some competitive analysis to ensure that LinkedIn is the right platform for you to reach your target consumers. 

‍Craft a strategy and set goals for your LinkedIn content

Even if you’re starting small, it’s essential to outline what you’d like to accomplish as a LinkedIn creator or a business partnering with one. Do you want to drive more traffic to your podcast? Sell your freelance services? Establish yourself as an expert in your industry through blog writing? Share thoughtful captions with tips and personal anecdotes? Or perhaps it’s a combination of these strategies!

The point is that your partnerships or content creation should play a purposeful role in your overall business goals. And the content itself should provide valuable insight and engaging ideas for your target audience and followers.

Find and connect with aligned creators

Providing engaging content for your growing audience on LinkedIn is closely related to what creators your brand chooses to partner with. You can search hashtags on LinkedIn to explore micro and macro influencers who’ve monetized their presence on the platform. You can also find aligned creators by browsing LinkedIn articles they’ve published or shared and commented on.

Do some research on the creators you think may be a great fit. Be sure to pay close attention to any mutual connections you may have, as that might be the perfect way to capture their attention to discuss potential partnerships. Otherwise, influencers often share a contact email for collaboration inquiries in their profile. Ask to view their media kid and LinkedIn creator analytics to determine if your target audience and brand values are a good fit.

Outline deliverables, rates, terms, and conditions

When a brand and creator agree to collaborate, it’s wise to craft a contract to ensure all parties know what’s expected from the partnership. Creator contracts often include an outline of deliverables, exclusivity agreements, content ownership, endorsement disclosures, payment rate, and payment method. (Don't worry - we’ve got you covered on that last one.)

It’s essential to have all of these terms and conditions in writing, even for smaller-scale content collaborations. Whether you’re a brand or a creator, it’s important to give the same care and attention to influencer engagements as any other area of your business.

Implement Lumanu: the best way to pay LinkedIn creators

When it comes to paying LinkedIn creators, Lumanu stands out among competitors likes PayPal, Bill.com, and Stripe — and here’s why:

Lumanu is a payment solution created specifically for brands and businesses that work with content creators, freelancers, and influencers. For a membership fee ranging between $99 - $299 per month, Lumanu helps teams manage creator payouts, send invoices, and receive early access to working capital. Lumanu also manages vendor onboarding and 1099 tax paperwork while integrating seamlessly with other business bookkeeping tools like Quickbooks. And because the Lumanu app was designed to serve the creator economy, it remains free for creators to use to send invoices and get paid. 

Whether you’re a brand hoping to reach a larger audience on LinkedIn or a creator yourself, payments are a central part of your professional experience. Lumanu is the secure and creator-minded platform for payment management.

Schedule a demo with our team to learn how Lumanu is the most simple, efficient, and best way to pay LinkedIn creators.