Making Your Mark as a Solopreneur: How to Announce Your New Business on LinkedIn

When solopreneurs launch their businesses with a simple update on LinkedIn, they're missing a golden opportunity. Your launch announcement isn't just another social media post; it's your debut on the professional stage. When done strategically, your post will create momentum for your new venture and lay the groundwork for future success.

Your objective is to publish an announcement that will…

1. Create Awareness. This is your moment to clearly articulate how you serve your clients. Think of it as planting a flag that says, "This is my superpower, and here's how I can help." You want the people in your network to think of you when the need for your expertise pops up.
2. Build Credibility. Be sure to showcase your expertise and experience to stand out from the crowd. This is the “why YOU and not John Doe” part of your post. By mentioning your years of experience, listing your certifications, highlighting notable previous employers, or sharing what drove you to start your own business, you’ll create confidence in your capabilities.
3. Activate Support. Your network wants to help, but they need to know how. A clear call to action tells your audience exactly what they can do to support you, whether it's sharing your post, booking a discovery call, or simply engaging with your content.

How to Make Your Announcement Stand Out

Use LinkedIn's "Starting a New Position" Feature. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors these announcements so you’ll get wider visibility. Pro tip: Skip the default graphic and upload a personal photo or branded image that represents your business.

Be Yourself! While professionalism matters, corporate jargon can make your announcement stiff and forgettable. Let your personality shine through! Use:

• Genuine enthusiasm (Yes, exclamation points are okay!)
• Emojis to add visual interest (but not too many)
• Bold text for key points?
• Your natural voice—write like you speak.

?Pro tip: Use www.YayText.com to add emojis and stylized text to your post. If you just copy from a Word document, you’ll lose the formatting when you paste your message into LinkedIn.

Leverage Your Network. Tag former employers (especially well-known brands) to expand your reach and reinforce your credibility. Just be sure to:

• Only tag organizations where you had positive experiences
• Mention how your previous roles prepared you for this venture
• Express gratitude for the experiences that led you here.

Maximize Visibility. Use relevant hashtags strategically by either sprinkling them throughout the post or listing them at the end. Some effective options include:

• Tags related to your niche: for example, #DigitalTransformation, #CustomerJourney, #FutureOfWork, #RevenueRecognition, #EmployeeEngagement, #LeadershipDevelopment, #HelpingSmallBusiness
• Industry-specific tags: #FinTech, #BioPharma, #AgriTech, #Nonprofit
• Role-based tags: #Consultant, #BusinessCoach, #ExecutiveCoach
• Problems you address: ?#Burnout, #CustomerChurn, #QuietQuitting

?Include a Call to Action. Your call to action (CTA) is crucial—it tells your network exactly how they can support you and your new venture. Here are some ideas:

• Request a Referral. For example: “Introduce me to a colleague who may need an expert in [insert specifics here]."
• Encourage Engagement. For example: "Help me get the word out by commenting below and/or sharing this with your network!"
• Expand your network. For example: “Subscribe to my newsletter for monthly tips and resources."
• Invite to a conversation. For example: “I love to talk about this stuff! DM me to schedule a free intro call.”

Real-World Examples to Emulate

Example 1: Kimberly Arnold's Launch Post

What makes it great:

• Uses the "Starting a New Position" feature for maximum visibility
• Clearly articulates her service offerings
• Includes multiple specific calls to action
• Uses an authentic, enthusiastic tone

Missed opportunity:

• Replacing LinkedIn's default graphic with a personal image

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Example 2: Enid Rivera's Announcement

What makes it great:

• Eye-catching visual (digital business card with logo)
• Professional yet personal tone
• Clear value proposition

?Missed opportunities:

• Using the "Starting a New Position" feature to boost the algorithm
• Tagging former employers to reach a wider audience

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Example 3: Jane Takushi's Launch

What makes it great:

• Easy-to-skim service areas with bullet points and bold font
• Good summary of her prior experience
• Strong branding elements including a colorful logo

?Missed opportunities:

• Adding some hashtags for broader reach
• Splitting this into two posts; a different post to announce her website would have given her twice the visibility.

The Bottom Line

Your business launch announcement isn't just about telling people you've started a new venture—it's about setting the stage for your success. Craft your post thoughtfully. You're not just sharing news; you're creating your first impression as a business owner.

Authenticity + Strategic Messaging = Launch Success!