If you’re sharing your writing on LinkedIn (or even thinking about it), this week’s episode of The Online Writing Club Show is your go-to listen.
So many of you are showing up, posting, engaging on LinkedIn—and wondering:
👉 Is this worth it?
👉 Is anyone even reading?
👉 How do I stand out?
That’s exactly why I invited tribe member, 6x author and book coach
on the show.Neera didn’t come from a writing background. In fact, someone once told her:
“You’ll never make it to senior management because of your written English.”
Ouch!
But instead of letting that stop her, Neera took it as a challenge. She joined a life story writing group, practiced every day—and eventually quit her job early to write full time.
“The writing bug bit me hard,” she told me.
“I never thought I’d come this far.”
And then? She became a LinkedIn Top Voice—that little blue badge that made all the writing and unpaid hours feel seen.
What Is a Blue LinkedIn Top Voice Badge?
This is what LinkedIn shares:
LinkedIn Top Voices are a select group of global experts, leaders, changemakers, public figures and innovators on LinkedIn. The badge identifies writers who consistently educate, inspire, and inform the community.
But here's what most people don’t know:
In 2024, LinkedIn changed the program.
Top Voice status now lasts only 6 months.
Yes—you can earn it.
Yes—you can lose it.
Yes—it can feel like a game you didn’t know you were playing.
And yes… Neera had the badge when we spoke in autumn 2024. A few weeks back she told me the 6 months were up.
So what happens next?
You can meet Neera on May 5 and talk with her about winning (and losing) the Top Voices badge, plus how to grow on LinkedIn without it by joining the Online Writing Club as a paid member.
Neera’s Top Tips for Successfully Writing on LinkedIn
During our interview Neera shared five smart strategies for writers who want to grow without burning out:
#1 Master the scroll-stopper
You have three seconds to hook the reader.
➡️ First line: a bold claim, question, or pain point.
➡️ Second line: blank. (Yes—on purpose.)
➡️ Third line: a curiosity gap that makes them click “See more.”
#2 Use the 7-step post formula
Neera builds her posts with:
A hook
A re-hook or explanation
A credibility line (Why you?)
3–7 value-packed points
A summary/power statement
A CTA (like: try this today)
A P.S. question to spark comments
#3 Rotate between 5 storytelling types:
Origin story: Who are you? Why are you here?
Transformation story: How did you improve?
Reflection story: What did the journey teach you?
Purpose story: Why does this matter to you?
Client story: How did you help someone else?
#4 Comment with intention, not fluff
Avoid generic “great post!” comments.
Instead, respond to the person, not just the post. Ask questions. Reflect back their story.
#5 Show up consistently—but sustainably
Post 3–5 times/week
On non-posting days, engage for 5–20 minutes
Use in-between time (like coffee breaks) to build connections
What’s The Best Way to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Substack?
If you check her profile, Neera uses 2 simple placements:
Her banner
Her profile with “Join my newsletter” link
Her featured section
A link in her posts and comments
🎧 Want To Listen To The Show?
Want to dive deeper into Neera’s story and learn how she got the Top Voices badge? Listen to the full podcast interview where the book coach and ghostwriter shares her journey and actionable tips you can start using today when you’re writing on LinkedIn.
Can’t wait to share this incredible interview with you. Enjoy!
🎙️If you say, “Kristina, let me listen to the show!”…
…now you have the chance to listen to the interview.
You can listen to it as a Substack podcast or on Spotify.
You can also watch it on YouTube.
Enjoy the show!
🔍 LinkedIn Top Voices FAQ
Here’s what LinkedIn shares:
Q: How long does the Top Voices badge last?
A: As of 2024, it’s valid for 6 months. After that, LinkedIn may review your activity and decide whether to extend it.
Q: Do you have to apply?
A: No. You can’t apply. You’re selected based on your consistency, insights, and community engagement.
Q: Do you need to join a LinkedIn editorial program?
A: Not at all. Neera happened to be invited into one, but it’s not required. Anyone can be selected organically.
Q: Is it available in every country?
A: No. The editorial programs rotate across countries, but the Top Voices badge itself is global.
Q: Can a Top Voices badge help grow your audience?
A: Yes! Neera saw a steady increase in followers, higher-quality connection requests and new clients after earning the badge.
Q: Do you get anything else with it?
A: Top Voices get free LinkedIn Premium, worth over $180/month (AUD). Plus: more visibility and authority.
Q: What happens if you lose the badge?
A: It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. The badge expires after 6 months unless renewed. You can absolutely regain it with continued original (!) writing and making an impact that fits to what LinkedIn is looking for.
Masterclass: LinkedIn (Top Voices) & Substack Flywheel
On May 5 at 5 pm EST, you can learn how to:
Write posts on LinkedIn that stop the scroll
Win your first clients with LinkedIn
Earn the Top Voices badge (and get it back (or not) when you lose it)
Build a content flywheel between LinkedIn and your Substack to gain more subscribers and generate leads
✨ Stay tuned—this one’s going to be so good especially because tribe member
who’s also writing on LinkedIn and building a LinkedIn-Substack flywheel is gonna join the session too and many more who are having a LinkedIn presence.Until then,
Keep showing up. Keep writing. Keep building!
P.S. If you know someone who could benefit from this podcast episode, please forward this newsletter. Thanks!
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