With over 700 million users, LinkedIn influencer marketing can help you reach and engage professionals with extremely targeted criteria quicker than ever before.

When it comes to LinkedIn influencer marketing, audiences respond to experts in the field, as opposed to bigger names – the latter might have more followers but the former brings industry credibility.

94% of B2B marketers use LinkedIn to market their business which they say is trusted 3x more than other social media sites.

A broad definition of LinkedIn Influencer includes anyone on the platform who regularly shares valuable insights and ideas with the community and actively engages with their followers.

LinkedIn’s official influencer list includes personalities such as Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and Arianna Huffington. They are hand-picked by LinkedIn’s editorial team who works with them to create new content regularly.

While these names have millions of followers, studies suggest that micro-influencers with 10-150k followers have more influence on their audience and are more trusted as thought leaders.

Like so many relationships, the best kinds of brand and influencer partnerships are mutually beneficial. While the brand leverages the influencer’s network, the influencer reinforces their position as a thought leader by discussing engaging ideas and exciting brands.

If that benefit flows both ways, a long-term partnership is more likely. A long-term relationship can often be the difference between successful and unsuccessful influencer programs.

A longer term strategy gives audiences the time to expand their trusted relationship with the influencer and the brand, while providing brands the time needed to convert awareness into adoption.