Make the Connection with Templates for Maximum Impact on LinkedIn? Vol. 26

“A/B testing is a way to compare two versions of something to figure out which performs better.” - Harvard Business Review

Key Takeaways in this Newsletter:

1. Templates Boost Efficiency and Consistency: Templates save time by providing a structured foundation for posts, allowing you to maintain a steady brand voice and quickly create impactful content without starting from scratch.
2. A/B Testing Saves Time and Refines Messaging: For executives and teams, A/B testing different template versions helps identify the most effective messaging, leading to data-driven improvements and faster iterations in content creation.
3. Diverse Content Categories Drive Engagement: Leveraging a mix of promotional, personal, educational, and user-generated content templates keeps your LinkedIn? strategy varied and engaging, helping to build a strong personal brand and industry authority.

[BONUS! EXAMPLES AND TEMPLATES FOR YOU TO RECREATE AND REIMAGINE ARE ENCLOSED!]

LinkedIn? is a powerhouse for networking, lead generation, and brand building. But with so many voices in the mix, how do you make yours stand out in a sea of sameness? It is maddening how everyone looks and feels THE SAME lately. Enter your portfolio of post templates—the secret weapon for consistency, efficiency, and reinforcing your brand identity in this crowded space. It is an additional SEXY asset to your toolkit of controls and processes—whether you're leading at a Fortune 200 company or building your business as a solopreneur. (who says LinkedIn cant be a little provocative;))

Why Templates Matter

Templates aren’t just about saving time (though that’s a nice bonus!). They’re a strategic tool that can help you keep your voice steady, your messaging sharp, and your brand top-of-mind.

• Efficiency: Templates let you craft your messages quickly without starting from scratch each time. This means you can stay timely and relevant with less stress.
• Consistency: A consistent tone, style, and message are crucial for your brand identity. Templates help you maintain that steady voice across all your interactions.
• Effectiveness: Well-crafted templates are designed to boost engagement, giving you a solid foundation that you can easily personalize for maximum impact.

How A/B Testing Saves Time and Enhances Results

For executives, leadership teams, or individual contributors, A/B testing templates can be a game-changer. We A/B test EVERYTHING!

Here’s why:

• Data-Driven Efficiency: Instead of guessing which message will resonate most, you can test two versions of a post or message to see what drives more engagement. By identifying top-performing content quickly, you eliminate the trial and error that often slows down content creation.
• Refined Messaging: A/B testing lets you experiment with different tones, CTAs, or formats. Over time, this helps you refine your messaging based on what your audience responds to—saving you the time and energy of constantly reinventing your approach.
• Scalable Insights: For leadership teams managing large organizations, insights gained from A/B testing can be scaled across departments. A high-performing template from one team can be adopted and personalized across the board, creating efficiency on a larger scale.
• Faster Iterations: By testing small variations in templates, teams can rapidly iterate on what works, reducing the time spent on brainstorming or long content creation cycles. In turn, this allows for more frequent posting and a stronger LinkedIn? presence.

Types of Templates You Should Use

At The Borden Group, we focus on four key content categories to keep our strategy diverse and engaging:

1. Promotional Posts
2. Personal Posts
3. Educational Posts
4. User-Generated Content Posts

Promotional Posts

Promotional posts spotlight a product, service, event, or achievement. They’re designed to engage your network, raise awareness, and drive action. Make sure your offer is specific and guide your network with what you want them to do.

My post! Example:

[This was the podcast I was promoting with Jess Ekstrom ! How to Crack LinkedIn to Work for You

Template:

At [Your Company Name], we’re dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Our services are designed to [describe what your services do and who they benefit].

Here’s what we offer:

[List Services]

Ready to elevate your business?

Let's connect and explore how we can tailor our services to meet your unique needs.

You can also schedule a meeting here: [Calendar Link]

Personal Posts

Personal posts allow you to share your professional journey, insights, and experiences with your network. These are the posts that humanize your brand and create those deeper connections.

Vulnerable Posts:

These posts often resonate the most because they showcase your authenticity.

Eugina Jordan 's Example:

Template:

[Start with a relatable or intriguing hook]

[Share your personal story]

[Conclude with a relatable, inspirational message]

[CTA encouraging your readers to find inspiration in their own experiences]

Inspirational Posts:

Inspire your audience by sharing personal anecdotes, goals, or experiences.

Delaney Chaffee 's Example:

Template:

[Begin with a hook that conveys a feeling or situation your audience can relate to]

[Share your experience or goal]

[Ask a question or include a CTA to engage your audience]

Humorous Posts:

Adding humor to your posts can engage your audience and make your content memorable; a little humor goes a long way.?

Blair Sharp ?? 's Example:

Template:

Humor is subjective, so trust your instincts. Start with something light-hearted, add a personal anecdote, and wrap it up with a playful CTA that encourages interaction. Playing off of what is trending in the media always works too!

Educational Posts

Educational posts are your chance to share valuable knowledge and establish yourself as an industry authority. These posts keep your audience coming back for more.

Listicles:

Listicles are a popular format for sharing insights in a structured, easy-to-digest manner.

Timotej Jerman 's Example:

Template:

[Begin with an engaging statistic or fact]

[Share a personal story or insight]

[List your points, keeping them relatable]

[Include a CTA or a giveaway at the end]

Actionable Advice:

Give your audience practical steps they can take to achieve a specific goal.

Olivia Ganguzza 's Example:

Template:

[Start with an attention-grabbing hook]

[Outline actionable steps your readers can take]

[End with a CTA or a link to additional resources]

Industry Insights/Tools:

Sharing insights or tools relevant to your industry positions you as a thought leader.

The Borden Group 's Example:

Template:

[Introduce the insights or tools you’re sharing]

[List the tools or insights, with brief explanations]

[Include a CTA encouraging your audience to share their own tools or insights]

User-Generated Content Posts

User-generated content (UGC) is powerful because it demonstrates real-world trust in your brand. Incorporate client reviews, testimonials, or any content your audience shares about you.

Annette Hines ' Example:

Template:

[Share a recent event or milestone]

[Include a client review or testimonial]

[Tag the client and thank them for their feedback]

[End with a CTA that encourages others to share their experiences]

Crafting Effective Messages

Remember, templates are just the starting point. To truly connect with your audience:

• Customize: Address recipients by name and tailor the message to their context.
• Add Value: Highlight the unique value you bring, whether it’s your expertise, insights, or opportunities for collaboration.
• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Show real interest in your audience’s work or achievements.

LinkedIn? templates can be your secret weapon for consistent and effective communication. Use them wisely, adapt them thoughtfully, and watch as your personal brand grows and your industry authority strengthens!

Need help getting started? The Borden Group is ready to partner with you. All we work on is personal brands!

Personal Brand Coaching, Managed Personal Brands for LinkedIn?, Personal Brand Content, Personal Brand Strategies, Personal Brand Workshops, Personal Brand Websites, re/Brands, and more!! We work with individuals and teams. I also consult companies and work directly with their internal or external marketing or comms teams. Here are just a few of my testimonials . We have data, case stories, written testimonials/recommendations, and clients who will speak with you to verify their success working with us, and we are always accepting new clients!

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter today!

If you want to learn more about working with The Borden Group, you can?visit our website , message me directly on LinkedIn, or schedule a discovery call with me here !

Your Executive Advisor,

Melanie