Chooi Ling Lau’s Intuitive Approach to Grow on LinkedIn Even if You Have Less Than 1,000 Followers

“All strategy is autobiographical. There's no one way except for the way that works for you.” — Chris Do

Believe it or not, there's no one-size-fits all approach to help you grow on LinkedIn. There are the basics, such as posting consistently, engaging with others' content, and enhancing your profile, but beyond that, it's important to find what works for you and your unique brand.

Someone whose content embodies this philosophy is Chooi Ling Lau, founder and head designer at Crimsonistic.

Ling currently has just over 1,000 followers, yet her posts consistently receive high engagement and views. And guess what? She only posts once a week (if she feels like it).

Getting a Lot Done With a Little

One of the biggest challenges for those with less than 1,000 followers on LinkedIn is getting their content seen. With a smaller audience, it can feel like your message isn't reaching enough people. However, Ling has proven that quality over quantity is key.

Instead of trying to appeal to everyone and posting constantly, Ling focuses on combining high-quality, visually appealing content with storytelling.

Visual Categories to Grow on LinkedIn

If you check out her profile, you're sure to notice a few visual trends:

She celebrates her work. As a graphic designer and watercolour artist, her work is always a major part of the content she shares. Using mock-ups or product photos, she showcases her design skills and creates a visually cohesive profile.
Networking events photos. Attending networking and trade events has become a regular part of her routine and content strategy. Doing things out in the world is, yes, a highlight reel, but it shows you're approachable, a real human, and someone who is truly interested in the broader industry.
Travels and meet ups. Next, you'll see her sharing coffee with a friend or taking a trip to somewhere new. She's letting her audience into her life in a personal and relatable way.

Storytelling

The visuals aren't the only key to Ling's success, though. The content behind the photos is where she truly shines and how she's grows on LinkedIn. She uses storytelling to engage her audience and create a connection with them.

Whether it's sharing the process behind one of her designs or discussing a lesson she learned from a recent trip, Ling's posts always have a deeper meaning that resonates with her followers.

Ling's writing feels personal, as if she's texting her best friend. Each post has a clear focus, message, and call to action. Her storytelling not only captures attention but also inspires action.

Engaging with Her Audience

Finally, Ling stands out because of how she interacts with her followers. Instead of just posting content and moving on, she takes the time to respond to comments and DMs, creating a sense of community.

She asks questions, runs polls, and encourages her followers to share their own experiences or opinions.

She also shows up in their comments sections. By genuinely engaging with the audience, she already has, she's been able to cultivate a community that shows up every time she posts.

Find Your Three Things

Creating content doesn't have to be complicated. Like Ling, you can choose three visual topics that celebrates your work, speaks to your passion for your industry and/or craft, and portrays you as a real human doing your thing out in the world.

Then tell a brief story about each one. This adds depth and context to your content, capturing the attention of your audience and creating a connection with them.

Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your writing and interactions with your followers. After all, people are more likely to follow and engage with someone they feel they can relate to on a personal level.

So find your three things, tell engaging stories, and connect with your audience – just like Ling does.

For more insights on networking and how to grow on LinkedIn, check out my full interview with Chooi Ling Lau on the With Robyn-Lee podcast. And remember, you don't have to be the biggest or most popular influencer to make an impact – just be genuine and keep creating valuable content for your audience.