The Basics
4 min read

Every CMO Loves Referrals

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Every CMO Loves Referrals

Published on
22 Jan 2023
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The Power of Referrals in B2B Growth

Every CEO, every Head of Growth knows one thing for sure: referrals are the golden ticket. Whether you're leading a small startup or managing a large-scale enterprise, referrals consistently emerge as the most reliable way to attract new customers. The logic is simple yet powerful—when your product or service is exceptional, satisfied customers naturally become your best advocates, referring you to other potential clients.

But here's the twist. While the organic nature of referrals is unmatched, in today’s digital landscape, a robust **LinkedIn Content Strategy** is becoming an almost equally powerful force. Companies that leverage LinkedIn effectively are positioning themselves right on the cusp of being referred, often by building trust and credibility over time with their target audience.

LinkedIn: The New Age Referral Platform

Let’s imagine you’re on the hunt for buyer enablement software. Odds are, you're already following or connected with two or three key leaders on LinkedIn who specialize in this space. You’re not just consuming their content; you're learning from it, gaining insights, and building a mental shortlist. This is the beauty of **LinkedIn Content Marketing**—it creates an environment where decision-makers feel like they’re already "referring" themselves to a trusted solution before even reaching out.

By the time your team is ready to make a purchasing decision, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re gravitating towards a provider whose content has educated, informed, and, most importantly, built trust. This sense of familiarity, of having seen a company’s name and expertise repeatedly on LinkedIn, almost mimics the confidence of a traditional referral.

Building a LinkedIn Founder Brand that Drives Referrals

For founders and CEOs, establishing a **LinkedIn Founder Brand** is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Your brand on LinkedIn doesn’t just represent your company; it’s a digital extension of your leadership and vision. By consistently sharing insights, success stories, and valuable content, you’re not only building your brand but also paving the way for potential referrals.

Remember, the goal is not just to sell but to educate. When your LinkedIn content helps others make informed decisions, you’re not only positioning yourself as an authority but also creating a fertile ground for referrals. Over time, your followers and connections become your advocates, naturally recommending your products or services to others.

Content Marketing as the Silent Salesman

While referrals often come directly from satisfied customers, the indirect power of content marketing cannot be understated. A strategic **LinkedIn Video Strategy** can amplify your message, making complex concepts more digestible and relatable. Videos that address common pain points, showcase success stories, or offer insider tips resonate deeply with your audience, subtly nudging them towards your brand when they’re ready to make a decision.

Consider this: A potential client views your content regularly, learns from it, and begins to trust your expertise. When the time comes for them to decide, who do you think they’ll turn to? Even without a direct referral, your content has done the heavy lifting—establishing credibility, demonstrating value, and staying top of mind.

The Close Second: Content Marketing vs. Referrals

Let’s be clear—content marketing may not always beat a direct referral. The trust built through a recommendation from a satisfied customer is still king. However, with the right LinkedIn content strategy, you can get pretty close. By creating and sharing valuable content consistently, you’re not just waiting for referrals to happen—you’re actively nurturing a community of potential clients who feel as though they’re referring themselves to you.

In conclusion, every CMO, CEO, and Head of Growth should recognize the untapped potential of a well-executed LinkedIn content strategy. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being remembered, trusted, and eventually referred. As you build your brand on LinkedIn, remember that every piece of content is a step closer to becoming the go-to solution in your industry, even before the formal referral ever happens. And if you’re looking for a partner to help you execute this strategy, **Shake** offers a comprehensive service that turns your expertise into content that drives conversations and, ultimately, conversions.

What's Next

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The Basics
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First Objectives a New Head of Marketing

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Introduction
Stepping into the role of Head of Marketing or CMO brings immediate pressure to deliver. Especially in a Series A company, marketing strategies need to adapt fast. You’ve been hired because something is stagnating. The brand needs a reset, and you’re at the helm to lead this transformation. One of the quickest wins? LinkedIn content strategy. If you're not leveraging it, you're leaving significant opportunities on the table.

Why LinkedIn Should Be Your Focus

For any B2B brand, building trust is the ultimate goal. Customers don't just buy products—they buy confidence in your brand's ability to deliver. And trust is earned through consistency. This is where LinkedIn becomes critical in your content marketing toolkit.

While traditional avenues like events or paid advertising are still relevant, LinkedIn offers something that these channels can’t—daily, organic interactions with your target audience. By appearing in their feeds consistently, you position your brand as a reliable source of insights, solutions, and expertise. This is trust acquisition in action.

Building Trust with LinkedIn Content

The beauty of LinkedIn is its professional context. You’re not competing with lifestyle posts, but rather engaging with decision-makers and professionals in your space. Use this platform to position your brand as a thought leader.

But how do you start?

  1. Regular Posting: A consistent posting schedule establishes reliability. Posting once or twice a week isn’t enough. Your audience needs to see your insights repeatedly, which helps solidify your authority. A well-executed LinkedIn content strategy drives this effort, fostering a habit of engagement with your posts.
  2. Content That Educates: LinkedIn users are there to learn. Whether it’s industry trends, actionable strategies, or case studies, make your content a valuable resource. Remember, LinkedIn content marketing is about informing, not selling. The more value you offer, the more likely people are to follow and engage with your brand.
  3. Video Content is Key: LinkedIn’s algorithms are favorable to video content, and for good reason—video is engaging, personal, and easy to consume. A LinkedIn video strategy doesn’t need to be complex. Start with short, insightful videos that address key pain points in your industry. Use them to share thought leadership or behind-the-scenes looks at your company’s culture and process. This not only humanizes your brand but builds trust quicker than text alone.

The Role of the Head of Marketing: Execution and Accountability

As the new marketing lead, it's crucial to understand that LinkedIn success doesn't happen overnight. It requires a methodical approach, and most importantly, accountability.

  1. Internal Collaboration: Work closely with the founder or CEO. They are often the face of the company, and their presence on LinkedIn can amplify your efforts. If they’re hesitant to post regularly, partner with them to develop content ideas, provide drafts, or even manage the posting schedule. In Series A startups, the LinkedIn founder brand is a powerful asset.
  2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate: You don’t have to do everything alone. Build a team that can support content creation, whether it’s working with an in-house writer, video editor, or an external partner like Shake, which specializes in creating LinkedIn content that drives authority and revenue.
  3. Engagement Strategy: Posting isn’t enough. You need to be active in engaging with comments, responding to questions, and even joining relevant discussions in your field. LinkedIn is a platform built on interactions, and those who engage effectively get noticed.

Overcoming the Fear of Posting

Many founders and executives feel a reluctance toward posting, fearing judgment or lacking time. If you're leading the marketing charge, it's your responsibility to break through this barrier. Emphasize to the leadership team that failing to establish a LinkedIn content strategy will leave room for competitors to take the lead. They might already be creating content that gets in front of your target audience—and gaining traction as a result.

You can either seize this opportunity or allow others to do so. Encourage the leadership team to experiment. Perfection isn’t required, but consistent effort is.

The Shake Advantage

If developing a content strategy feels daunting, a service like Shake can take this off your plate. They specialize in producing LinkedIn content that builds authority, strengthens brand presence, and drives inbound revenue. With a done-for-you service, they ensure that your brand remains visible and valuable to your audience. For B2B SaaS, agency, or consultancy founders, this can be a game-changer, freeing up valuable time to focus on other critical areas of growth.

Conclusion

As a new Head of Marketing, your role is to innovate and execute. With LinkedIn, you’re leveraging one of the most powerful platforms available to reach your target audience. By establishing a consistent content strategy—supported by video and regular engagement—you can build trust, accelerate your brand’s authority, and ultimately drive growth.

If you’re not already leading with LinkedIn content, start now. Your competitors won’t wait.

The Basics
5 min read

New Head of Marketings First Steps

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Step 1: Capture the CEO’s Story

The first week as Head of Marketing in a Series A B2B SaaS company is about diving deep into the brand’s roots. To understand the business’s core and shape an effective LinkedIn Content Strategy, start by interviewing the CEO. Spend an hour recording video content, asking questions like:
- How did the company start?
- What problems does the product solve for our target audience?
- Who is the ideal customer?

Not only will this help you gain critical insights into the company's origins, but it will also generate a wealth of content. Break down the recording into 15-20 short video segments, perfect for LinkedIn. This approach taps into both LinkedIn Video Strategy and LinkedIn Content Marketing, using your CEO’s brand to position the company as an industry leader.

Step 2: Optimize for Multi-Channel Distribution

With your content created, the next move is strategic distribution. Repurpose those short videos, posting them on both the CEO’s and company’s LinkedIn profiles. This is a smart way to start developing a **LinkedIn Founder Brand**. When a CEO speaks directly about the company’s mission, it builds trust and authority in the eyes of your audience. This is key to establishing a strong **LinkedIn Content Strategy** that appeals to potential investors and customers alike.

The ripple effect is twofold: you position the CEO as a thought leader while reinforcing the brand across multiple channels.

Step 3: Analyze Audience Engagement

Now that content is live, it’s time to let the data guide you. Track which posts resonate most with your audience. LinkedIn provides valuable analytics that tell you which videos get the most interaction, comments, and shares. This feedback loop helps refine your strategy, ensuring that every piece of content speaks directly to your audience's needs.

After gathering insights, focus on the top-performing posts. Use these to craft longer-form content, such as in-depth articles or whitepapers. These can be gated behind a lead capture form to drive inbound leads—a proven LinkedIn Content Marketing tactic.

Step 4: Deep Dive into Long-Form Content

The next logical step is to take those successful short-form pieces and expand them into longer, more valuable content. This could include blog posts, webinars, or a comprehensive case study. Here, you’re leveraging the authority and insights gained in those short videos but drilling deeper into the pain points and solutions relevant to your target market.

By repurposing successful posts into long-form content, you establish a direct conversation with your audience. Long-form content gives you the ability to educate prospects, provide more value, and nurture leads who may not have been ready to convert from a short-form post.

Step 5: Build an Inbound Content Engine

Content isn’t just about visibility—it’s about driving action. The content generated from these CEO interviews does more than build trust—it also starts conversations. These conversations can quickly turn into inbound inquiries and sales opportunities.

With Shake’s done-for-you LinkedIn content service, you can create a continuous pipeline of this type of high-converting content. Shake helps B2B founders and CEOs turn their expertise into content that sparks discussions with key decision-makers, all while reducing the length of sales cycles and increasing inbound conversations.

The Basics
5 min read

If You Are A Marketing Lead, Use Your CEO

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Harness the Power of Your CEO’s Personal Brand on LinkedIn

If you’ve been leading the marketing charge for a business over the past decade, you’ve undoubtedly faced the challenge of leveraging your CEO's profile effectively. Senior management often proposes that the CEO should represent the company at events, on panels, or at networking sessions. While these opportunities are valuable, they pale in comparison to what’s possible today with a solid LinkedIn content strategy.

Your CEO isn’t just the face of your company—they’re a potent asset in your LinkedIn content marketing arsenal. Imagine your CEO speaking not to 50 or 500 people at a physical event but to tens of thousands online. LinkedIn offers a unique platform where B2B buyers are already active, engaged, and looking for thought leadership. By positioning your CEO as a subject matter expert on LinkedIn, you amplify your brand’s mission, vision, and values on a much larger scale with a significantly higher ROI.

The Role of the CEO in LinkedIn Content Strategy

In the modern B2B landscape, the CEO's voice is more than a figurehead—it’s a key component of your brand’s messaging and positioning. As a marketing leader, whether you're a CMO or Head of Marketing, you must recognize the untapped potential of your CEO's LinkedIn presence. Here’s why:

1. Thought Leadership: Your CEO can embody the thought leadership that drives your brand’s narrative. When your CEO shares insights, opinions, and experiences on LinkedIn, it resonates with your target audience. They’re not just buying a product—they’re buying into the vision and expertise of a leader they trust.

2. Brand Authenticity: In an age where consumers value transparency, having your CEO visible and vocal on LinkedIn humanizes your brand. This authenticity fosters trust, a crucial factor in B2B relationships. When your CEO speaks, they put a face to the brand, making your company more relatable and credible.

3. Sales Strategy Integration: Your CEO’s involvement on LinkedIn isn’t just about marketing; it’s also a strategic extension of your sales efforts. A CEO’s endorsement or insight can often carry more weight than traditional marketing messages, influencing decision-makers more directly and effectively.

Maximizing the ROI of LinkedIn Content Marketing

To truly leverage your CEO’s LinkedIn presence, a well-defined content strategy is essential. Here are the steps to ensure maximum impact:

1. Consistent Posting: Establish a regular posting schedule for your CEO. Consistency builds recognition and trust, ensuring that your audience sees your CEO as a reliable source of industry insights.

2. Content Variety: Mix up the content. While thought leadership posts are crucial, don’t overlook the power of videos, case studies, and personal stories. These elements not only keep the content fresh but also cater to different audience preferences.

3. Engagement Over Broadcasting: Encourage your CEO to engage with the audience. This could mean replying to comments, participating in relevant discussions, or even sharing others’ content. Engagement is a two-way street and is key to building a loyal following on LinkedIn.

4. Leverage LinkedIn Video Strategy: Video content on LinkedIn garners higher engagement rates. Utilize this by having your CEO share short, impactful videos that showcase their expertise and personality. Whether it’s a quick take on industry trends or a deep dive into a specific challenge, video content can significantly boost your LinkedIn strategy.

Avoiding the Competitor’s Trap

The most compelling reason to act now? Your competitors might already be doing it. If you delay in positioning your CEO as a LinkedIn thought leader, you risk losing attention and, ultimately, market share. Competitors who harness the power of their CEO’s LinkedIn presence will attract your audience, leaving you to play catch-up.

The B2B buying journey is increasingly influenced by content consumed on LinkedIn. CEOs who are visible, vocal, and strategic in their LinkedIn activity can significantly sway purchasing decisions. As a marketing leader, it’s your job to ensure your CEO’s voice is heard, loud and clear, in this crucial space.

Take the First Step Today

The time to act is now. Get your CEO’s buy-in, develop a comprehensive LinkedIn content strategy, and start posting. The benefits are clear—enhanced brand visibility, stronger industry positioning, and a more direct line to your target audience. Don’t let your competitors seize the advantage. Use your CEO as the powerful brand asset they are and dominate the LinkedIn space.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your LinkedIn content marketing efforts aren’t just keeping up with the competition but leading the charge. Your CEO’s personal brand, when utilized effectively on LinkedIn, can drive conversations, influence decisions, and ultimately boost your company’s bottom line.