A new Wall Street Journal article by internet culture reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara, details how dramatically LinkedIn has evolved. It began as a platform for professional networking. Now, it is a space where influencers and content creators are finding both fame and fortune. This shift represents a significant change in how users interact with the platform.
The story of April Little, an HR executive from Rochester, N.Y., exemplifies this trend. Little’s journey to LinkedIn stardom began with a thought-provoking post about layoffs and recruitment services. Today, Little boasts over 260,000 followers and has earned $150,000 in the past two years through her LinkedIn presence.
Little’s success is not an isolated case. Content creators like 24-year-old Piper Phillips are also making their mark on the platform. Phillips earned $8,000 from brand deals in her first month on the site. (Check out her free guide, 10 Steps to Monetizing Your Socials, here.)
The platform’s evolution has been supported by strategic changes implemented by LinkedIn. The introduction of “creator mode” in 2021 and the addition of video features have facilitated this new wave of content creation. You can learn about that here.
Companies have found that partnering with LinkedIn creators offers better engagement and longevity for their campaigns compared to other social media platforms.
As LinkedIn continues to evolve, it’s clear that the line between personal and professional content is blurring. This shift is creating new opportunities for individuals to build their personal brands, find clients, and launch businesses, while transforming LinkedIn into a more dynamic and engaging platform for its users.