Cracking the Code to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI (and Beyond)
Earning recognition as a Community Top Voice on LinkedIn is a significant milestone. Becoming acknowledged in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Product Innovation, Data Visualization, or Data Analysis requires a unique blend of expertise, consistency, and passion.
When I decided to contribute to AI discussions on LinkedIn, I never imagined that I would eventually be recognized not just in one but four different categories. While the badges in Product Innovation, Data Visualization, and Data Analysis were significant achievements, the AI badge posed the greatest challenge — and the most profound learning experience.
The Journey: Two Paths to Top Voice Recognition
There are generally two ways to become a Top Voice on LinkedIn:
- Expert Route: If LinkedIn considers you already an expert in your field, a few well-placed contributions — typically around five— can quickly earn you a badge.
- Climbing the Ranks: For those still building their reputation, the journey involves consistently contributing valuable insights until you reach the top 5% of contributors.
Earning the Top Voice badge in AI was particularly tough for me. Despite having a year’s worth of contributions to AI-related discussions via blogs and sharing work on LinkedIn, it took over 50 detailed (in 750 characters or less) and thoughtful contributions to break into the top 5%. These articles often had at least 150 other contributors, and while some of my posts garnered just a few reactions, others received upwards of 20+. The climb was challenging but also made the recognition all the more rewarding.
Interestingly, the journey to my other badges in Product Innovation, Data Visualization, and Data Analysis was relatively quicker. Before earning the badges, I contributed to fewer than ten articles in each category. While I am immensely proud of these achievements, the AI badge stands out because of the persistence it requires.
The Role of Passion and Routine
What began as a casual activity soon became vital to my daily routine. Every morning, I would contribute to 2–3 articles to warm up my brain for the day ahead. It wasn’t just about earning recognition; it was about engaging with topics I was deeply passionate about, particularly AI — a field continuously evolving and influencing every aspect of our lives.
The routine helped me stay connected with the latest trends in these fields and fostered a deeper understanding and stronger connections within the LinkedIn community. Over time, my passion for these subjects and my desire to share insights and learn from others grew.
Tips for Aspiring Top Voices
If you’re considering the journey to becoming a Top Voice in any field, here are some tips based on my experience across multiple domains:
- Follow Your Passion: Choose topics that genuinely excite you. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing and resonate with community members.
- Be Consistent: Make contributing a regular part of your routine. Consistency builds momentum and helps you stay visible in your field.
- Engage Actively: Don’t just share your insights — engage with others. Respond to comments, ask questions, and join discussions. Building relationships is key to growing your influence.
- Embrace Challenges: Some fields, like AI, are highly competitive. Don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow or the competition seems steep. Every contribution is a step closer to your goal.
- Diversify Your Contributions: If you have expertise in multiple areas, don’t hesitate to share insights across different fields. This will broaden your reach and showcase the full spectrum of your knowledge.
Earning Top Voice badges in AI, Product Innovation, Data Visualization, and Data Analysis was not just about gaining recognition — it was about the journey, the learning, and the connections I made along the way. Each badge is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and engagement within the LinkedIn community. If you’re passionate about a subject, don’t hesitate to start contributing — you never know how far it might take you.
Adam Mico
Twitter | LinkedIn | Tableau Public | tData Doctor GPT (focusing on Tableau) | VizCritique Pro GPT | Data Mockstar GPT | tBlueprint Navigator for Tableau Customer Success GPT | Won’t You Be My Neighbor GPT?
Note: My book, “Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification,” is available for order here.
