Hey there, Solopreneurs~

How’s it going, everyone? Welcome to K.I.S.S., the newsletter built by business owners for business owners.

(And, of course - Aspiring business owners are especially welcome!)

This newsletter aims to break down high-level business concepts into easily understandable chunks of knowledge. No more Reddit/YouTube holes!

Let’s Talk LinkedIn

There’s an 80% chance you found this newsletter VIA LinkedIn.

This platform has honestly built my business brick by brick. I’m not quite sure what I’d do without it. And, in honor of reaching 2,500 followers there this week (WOO!), I’m sharing everything I know about this highly rewarding, highly annoying tool.

Here’s a quick peek at today’s docket:

• Weekly Resource Recommendation

• How To Start Posting (AKA: Getting Over Yourself)

• Do You Actually Make Money On LinkedIn?

• Why Your Content Sucks (+ How To Fix It)

• One More Thing…

Weekly Resource Recommendation

Since today’s newsletter is LinkedIn-themed, I’m going to share with you my top LinkedIn tool: Kleo.

Maybe you know about it, maybe you don’t. But, Kleo has been SO fucking helpful.

It’s a COMPLETELY free (not sponsored, LOL) Chrome extension that helps you navigate LinkedIn and learn more about what makes specific content “pop off,” so to speak.

Here are a few of the features I use:

• When drafting a post, Kleo shows a side-by-side of what the post will look like on mobile. This helps you write posts optimized for “skimability.”

• I often go to users’ profiles and sort their posts by “most liked” or “most views” because this gives me their highest-value content immediately.

• When I’m looking for ideas, I type in a specific topic and read about similar posts that have performed well.

It’s honestly a great way to navigate LinkedIn more easily! 10/10!

How To Start Posting (AKA: Getting Over Yourself)

Let’s be honest: If you aren’t posting on LinkedIn, you won’t get very far.

Having a presence on this platform is, like it or not, a MASSIVE asset for solopreneurs.

The biggest roadblock my clients have? Being embarrassed or worried about sharing parts of themselves online.

If you aren’t a huge social media person, I can understand why sharing something as intimate as your life’s work can be stressful.

BUT… You’ve gotta get over yourself.

Take it from me—someone who started posting on LI when I was 19.

TO THIS DAY, I get comments from peers about my LinkedIn. It’s not very common for someone my age to post that frequently. But, honestly? The response from people I know has been overwhelmingly positive.

Here are three of the most common objections people give me and how I suggest dealing with them:

“I feel like I have nothing to post about.”

Yes, you do. If you’re not someone who lives under a rock and doesn’t go outside, there’s some thought in your head worthy of vocalizing.

Think about your story. Where do you come from? When did you decide to pursue whatever venture it is you’re involved in? What roadblocks have you faced?

These stories are all things that your audience could get major value from.

“I’m nervous about discussing my personal life.”

This is very fair. Sometimes, things are best kept private.

You don’t need to betray your comfort zone to start posting.

Start small: What’s an industry development you have an opinion on? What projects have you worked on recently?

Your content doesn’t need to be invasive to be thought-provoking.

“I’m a shit writer. I have no ideas.”

Uhm, listen—that’s quite literally why I have a roof over my head.

If you truly don’t know where to begin, I’d love to offer you a 100% free call to discuss what your LinkedIn path could look like.

If my advice is helpful, but you still don’t think you have the capacity to take the reigns yourself, we can discuss my ghostwriting services!

Just reply to this email with the word “Call,” and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Do You Actually Make Money On LinkedIn?

I am over the moon to report that I DO make money from LinkedIn!

Unlike other social platforms, you can’t actually make money from LinkedIn itself. For instance, if a post gets 1,000,000 impressions, you won’t get a commission from the site.

But having an optimized, active LinkedIn gets me more leads than my website ever has.

How LinkedIn “Scouting” Usually Goes:

You need to hire a freelance graphic designer for your eco-friendly t-shirt company.

What’s the easiest way to find one?

Typing “ Freelance graphic designer t-shirts” into the LI search bar.

Chances are, you’ll look into the 3-5 first people who show up.

Then, you’ll consider:

• Does this look like a real person? Is their profile filled out with accurate information, and do they show their face?

• What other stuff have they worked on? Are there any examples here, or maybe something linked that I can look at?

• How does this person fit into my business and my values? What’s their vibe?

I hate to say it, but it’s really that simple.

There’s no magic method or formula: It’s about showing up and demonstrating that you are who you say you are, you’re experienced in your role, and you have a discernable personality.

How do I know?

My first ever four-figure client was an HR company that reached out to me because my profile was “easy to find,” and I replied quickly. LOL!

Why Your Content Sucks (+ How To Fix It)

Okay… What if you already post, but you haven’t found any success?

This means it’s time to troubleshoot.

Here are three things to implement into your content THIS WEEK, and if you don’t see any numbers go up, I owe you $5. (Hold me to it!)

1. Get REAL. REALLY real.

What do I mean by that? Easy: Start sharing your true feelings.

What’s an unpopular opinion that you have, something that really grinds your gears?

What’s a struggle that you’ve been through recently that you’ve held back on sharing?

What’s a value you have that’s been shaped by a not-so-great experience?

Show off more of your true self to your audience. It’ll have serious results.

2. Add some media to the mix

I find that, 9 times out of 10, a post with a relevant image will get WAY more attention than a barren one.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to take a random selfie (though it does help, ngl).

Think about things like:

• Photos from networking events

• Photos of you doing work actively

• Your morning cup of joe

People eat that stuff up. I’m being so serious. It makes you seem more human!

3. GIVE more than you TAKE.

People aren’t going to randomly find you. You need to make yourself visible.

Take 10-15 minutes before and after posting to interact with your network.

Give insightful, GENUINE comments underneath other people’s posts.

This is how you not only build great rapport but also make yourself visible and memorable.

One More Thing…

I feel personally obligated to let you know that there are certain things you should NOT post about on LinkedIn. Like, ever.

Obviously, like with any social media account, having a “personal brand” is a no-brainer. But, sometimes, people take the “personal” part of the term a bit too far.

No one wants to know about your divorce. No one wants to know about your (I can’t believe I’m saying this) relationship with p*rnography.

As a general rule of thumb, anything you’d mention to your therapist shouldn’t be on your account.

I know what you’re thinking, too: “Sam, why even mention this? Surely it’s not an actual issue?” …

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

If your jaw is on the floor, no worries—I’ll pick it up as I reach down to grab my own.

That’s All, Folks 👋

That’s all for this week’s edition - I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

LinkedIn can be a bit of a cruel mistress, but the trouble is worth it for the world of opportunity it can provide. Don’t just take my word for it—try giving it a genuine effort for 30 days. You’ll see exactly what I mean.

If you have any further questions about today’s topic, or any general insights/inquiries, don’t be afraid to shoot me a message on LinkedIn or simply reply to this email!

Until next time - Remember to keep things simple!