LinkedIn Audio Events provide a way to engage your audience through live, voice-only sessions. These events allow professionals to share insights, answer questions, and build stronger connections in real time. While LinkedIn discontinued its native Audio Events feature in December 2024, you can still host audio-focused sessions using LinkedIn Live with third-party tools. Here’s what you need to know:
- Requirements: Previously, hosting required 150+ followers, a good-standing account, and being in select regions. Now, LinkedIn Live is the primary format for hosting.
- Setup: Use LinkedIn Live with a static visual and a third-party streaming tool. Plan and promote your event at least two weeks in advance.
- Monetization:
- Secure sponsors by offering visibility through event promotions and shout-outs.
- Create paid content like workshops, guides, or exclusive sessions.
- Use events for lead generation by collecting attendee data and following up with personalized messages.
- Engagement Tips: Use polls, Q&A sessions, and storytelling to keep your audience involved. Follow up with participants to maintain momentum.
Use tools like Closely to find attendees, send personalized invites, and automate follow-ups. Focus on delivering value and measuring results to improve future events.
What You Need to Know About LinkedIn Audio Events
LinkedIn Audio Events Explained
LinkedIn Audio Events are live, voice-only sessions hosted directly on the LinkedIn platform. Think of them as professional conference calls with no need for extra apps or accounts. Each session can last up to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to dive into meaningful conversations with your audience.
The setup is simple: you speak, the audience listens, and they can either submit questions through the chat or request to join the conversation. This audio-only format creates a more focused and personal connection, letting your voice take center stage to share insights and expertise.
Unlike LinkedIn Live videos, these events are all about audio. That makes them perfect for multitasking – participants can tune in while commuting, grabbing lunch, or even working. This flexibility often results in more attendees and longer engagement times compared to video events.
Before jumping in, make sure you meet LinkedIn’s hosting requirements.
Requirements to Host Audio Events
To host LinkedIn Audio Events, there are a few criteria you’ll need to meet:
- Have at least 150 followers or connections
- Maintain an account in good standing with LinkedIn’s community policies
- Be located in select regions like the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom
Access is requested through LinkedIn’s Creator Tools, but approval isn’t guaranteed, and LinkedIn doesn’t specify how long the review process takes.
Once you’re approved, you can start using these events to grow your business and build stronger connections.
Business Benefits of LinkedIn Audio Events
LinkedIn Audio Events offer a range of business advantages, from generating leads to building authority and fostering deeper relationships. They’re also highly effective for specific roles like recruiting and sales.
Lead Generation and Relationship Building
Audio events let you connect directly with your audience in real time, creating personal interactions that are hard to replicate through other formats. By engaging in meaningful conversations, you can attract new leads and strengthen existing relationships.
Establishing Authority
Hosting these sessions gives you an opportunity to share industry knowledge, present case studies, and answer audience questions. By speaking confidently on key topics, you position yourself as a trusted expert. This credibility can lead to more inbound inquiries, partnerships, and referrals.
Recruiting Talent
For recruiters, audio events are a great way to attract talent. Hosting discussions on topics like career growth, industry trends, or your company’s culture allows you to connect with potential candidates in a more engaging, non-sales-focused setting. This approach often yields higher-quality leads compared to traditional outreach.
Nurturing Sales Prospects
Sales professionals can use audio events to build trust with warm prospects. Instead of relying solely on follow-up emails, invite them to join a live session. These events allow prospects to hear directly from you, your current customers, or even industry experts, creating a more dynamic and persuasive experience.
How to Set Up and Host LinkedIn Audio Events
Creating Your LinkedIn Audio Event
Important update: As of December 2, 2024, LinkedIn discontinued its original Audio Events feature. While you can no longer create native audio events directly on the platform, you can still host audio-only sessions by combining LinkedIn Live with a third-party streaming partner [1].
To get started, review LinkedIn’s Live Overview and select LinkedIn Live as your event format. You’ll need a trusted third-party streaming tool, so take time to familiarize yourself with its features before the event.
Since LinkedIn Live is designed for video content, you’ll need a static visual to display throughout your session. This could be your event’s cover image or a branded graphic. It’s a simple way to maintain a polished and professional appearance during the broadcast.
When scheduling your event, give yourself at least two weeks to promote it effectively. Choose a title that clearly highlights the value of your event and craft a detailed description. Include key topics, speaker details, and what attendees will gain by participating.
Once your event is scheduled, double-check your technical setup to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Equipment and Technical Requirements
A solid technical setup is key to hosting a successful audio event. Start with a stable, high-speed internet connection – using a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi can reduce the risk of interruptions.
Invest in a good-quality USB microphone or headset, and always wear headphones to prevent feedback and echo. Choose a quiet space with minimal background noise and good acoustics. If possible, avoid rooms with hard surfaces that can cause echoes. Test your setup in the space you plan to use to ensure the sound quality is up to par.
Make sure your streaming software is updated and that your computer meets the system requirements. To minimize technical glitches, close any unnecessary programs before going live.
Tips for Running Smooth Events
Once your technical setup is ready, focus on planning the flow of your event. Create a clear agenda with time blocks for each topic and a dedicated Q&A session. Test everything at least 48 hours before the event, ideally with a colleague, to identify any potential issues and gather feedback.
Prepare for unexpected technical problems by having a backup plan. Assign a co-host or team member to handle technical tasks, such as managing the streaming software and monitoring audience questions, so you can focus entirely on delivering your content.
During the event, keep an eye on LinkedIn comments and reactions to engage with your audience in real time. If your third-party streaming tool doesn’t display comments from other platforms, make an effort to acknowledge participants by name and respond to their questions directly. This personal touch can make a big difference in how attendees experience your event.
After the event, the recording will automatically appear on your LinkedIn profile. To ensure everything goes smoothly, share login details with your co-hosts and schedule a practice session ahead of time.
How to Promote Your Event and Keep Audiences Engaged
Marketing Your LinkedIn Audio Event
Promoting your event effectively can help drive both attendance and engagement. Start by scheduling your promotional posts during peak business hours on weekdays to maximize visibility.
Begin your campaign well in advance and use a variety of content formats to grab attention. Post an announcement that highlights the key benefits of attending your event, and follow it up with behind-the-scenes content to give your audience a glimpse into your preparation process. Sharing quick tips related to your event topic can also build excitement and position you as an expert in your field.
Personalized outreach is another great way to boost attendance. Send tailored messages to your most engaged contacts, emphasizing what makes your event stand out.
Don’t limit your promotion to LinkedIn. Cross-promote on other social media platforms, send email announcements, and collaborate with industry partners to expand your reach.
Visuals can also play a big role in attracting attention. Create eye-catching graphics that highlight important details like the event schedule and key topics. Make sure your branding is consistent across all promotional materials to build recognition and trust.
Once you’ve successfully drawn in your audience, shift gears to focus on keeping them engaged during the event itself.
Keeping Audiences Engaged During Audio Events
Engagement is key to a successful audio event, and interactive elements can make all the difference. Start by involving your audience right away – use a quick poll or invite attendees to introduce themselves in the comments. This sets the tone for a two-way conversation.
Incorporate regular pauses for Q&A sessions. This not only keeps the energy up but also helps maintain the audience’s focus on your content.
Acknowledging attendees by name when responding to their comments can create a personal connection. Something as simple as a direct mention can encourage more interaction.
Storytelling is another effective tool for keeping listeners hooked, especially during longer segments. Share specific examples, case studies, or personal anecdotes to make your content more relatable and engaging in an audio-only format.
Having a co-host or moderator can also enhance the experience. They can handle comments, manage technical issues, and facilitate Q&A sessions, ensuring no audience interaction goes unnoticed.
Keep your audience intrigued by previewing what’s coming up next. Offering a quick teaser of the next segment can encourage listeners to stay tuned for more valuable insights.
When the live session wraps up, don’t let the momentum fade – plan a strong follow-up strategy to keep the conversation going.
Post-Event Follow-Up Actions
After your event, post a quick recap highlighting the key takeaways, main discussion points, and any resources you shared. This serves both attendees and those who missed the live session, giving them a reason to engage with your content.
Tagging active participants in your follow-up posts is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their involvement. It can also spark further discussions and help your content reach a broader audience.
If you recorded the event, make sure it’s easy to find on your LinkedIn profile. Optimize the title and description with relevant keywords and hashtags to improve discoverability for users searching for related topics.
To get even more out of your event, repurpose the content across different formats. Break down key insights into individual posts, create carousel graphics summarizing the main points, or write in-depth articles that expand on the topics discussed.
Directly reaching out to participants after the event can also lead to meaningful connections. Send personalized messages to those who asked insightful questions or made notable comments, referencing their contributions to keep the conversation going.
Finally, consider offering exclusive content to attendees, like downloadable resources, extended recordings, or access to a follow-up discussion group. These extras can add value to their experience and encourage ongoing engagement with your brand.
Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn Audio Events
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Ways to Make Money from LinkedIn Audio Events
Once you’ve mastered hosting and engaging your audience, it’s time to explore ways to turn your LinkedIn Audio Events into a source of income. Here are some practical strategies to help you monetize your events and make the most of your expertise.
Finding Event Sponsors
Securing sponsorships is one of the most direct ways to earn from your audio events. Many companies are eager to connect with professional audiences, and the conversational nature of audio events offers a unique opportunity for them to engage in a more personal way.
Start by identifying businesses that align with your audience’s interests. For example, if your event targets marketing professionals, approach marketing software providers, agencies, or consulting firms. Sponsors value quality engagement over sheer audience size, so focus on how your event connects with attendees.
You can offer sponsorship packages that include:
- Pre-event promotions: Mention the sponsor in your marketing materials.
- Live acknowledgments: Give shout-outs during the event.
- Branded visuals: Incorporate their logo into your event assets.
- Post-event recaps: Share key takeaways along with sponsor messaging.
When setting prices, consider your audience’s engagement levels and niche relevance. A smaller, highly engaged group of 50–100 professionals can often attract higher sponsorship fees than a larger, less targeted audience. Use metrics like attendance numbers, engagement during the event, and post-event connection requests to demonstrate your value to potential sponsors.
Offering tiered sponsorship options can also appeal to a wider range of businesses. For instance, a basic package might include logo placement and a brief mention, while a premium package could offer co-hosting opportunities or speaking time.
Once you’ve established a sponsorship strategy, you can expand your revenue streams by creating exclusive content.
Creating Paid Premium Content
While LinkedIn Audio Events are free, you can generate income by offering paid premium experiences on external platforms. This approach works best when you’ve already gained trust through high-quality free events.
Here are some ideas for premium content:
- Extended VIP sessions: Host follow-up events where attendees can dive deeper into the topic, participate in one-on-one Q&A sessions, or access exclusive resources. Platforms like Zoom or Eventbrite make it easy to manage payments and registrations.
- Pre-event workshops: Offer preparation sessions that help attendees get more out of the main event. For example, a sales-focused workshop could teach participants how to craft better prospecting strategies.
- Exclusive resources: Create downloadable guides, templates, or tools that complement your event. Price these based on the effort to create them and the value they provide to your audience.
The key is to ensure your premium content offers extra value that goes beyond what attendees get for free. Whether it’s insider knowledge or personalized attention, participants should feel their investment is worth it.
With premium content in place, you can also use your events to generate leads for long-term business growth.
Generating Leads from Events
LinkedIn Audio Events are a powerful tool for lead generation because they foster genuine, interactive connections that are harder to achieve through traditional webinars or posts.
Here’s how to use your events for lead generation:
- Event registration data: Collect information from registrants and follow up with both attendees and no-shows. Share key insights from the event and invite them to continue the conversation.
- Engaged participants: Pay attention to those who ask questions or contribute insights during the event. These individuals are often your best leads, whether as potential clients, collaborators, or referral sources.
- Personalized follow-ups: After the event, reach out to participants and reference their specific contributions or questions. This approach shows you value their input and makes for a natural starting point for business discussions.
Tools like Closely can streamline your follow-up process. With its automation features, you can track participant engagement and identify your most promising leads based on their activity during and after the event.
Don’t forget to repurpose your event content. Transform key discussions into articles, social media posts, or downloadable resources. This not only extends the life of your event but also helps attract new prospects over time.
Ultimately, the best lead generation happens when you prioritize delivering value. When attendees walk away with actionable insights, they’re more likely to seek out your services or products.
Using Closely to Improve LinkedIn Audio Event Results
When it comes to LinkedIn Audio Events, success isn’t just about hosting the event – it’s about how well you promote, engage, and follow up. Closely helps streamline every step of the process, offering tools that make it easier to find the right audience, connect with them, and measure the impact of your efforts. Here’s how Closely can elevate your LinkedIn Audio Event results.
Find and Invite the Right People with Closely
The foundation of any successful event lies in getting the right people to attend. Closely simplifies this process with its data enrichment and automation tools, helping you build highly targeted prospect lists and send personalized invitations.
Start by using Closely’s data enrichment features to identify and gather contact information – like verified email addresses and phone numbers – for potential attendees, even those outside your LinkedIn network. These tools ensure you’re reaching the most relevant prospects. Closely’s AI-powered personalization then allows you to craft invitations that feel tailored, referencing details like a prospect’s job role, company, or recent LinkedIn activity.
To scale this outreach, Closely’s automation features let you send personalized invitations in bulk. You can also set up sequences to automatically follow up with people who haven’t responded, giving you a better chance of boosting registrations. Plus, with lead scoring, you can prioritize prospects based on factors like their job title, company size, or past engagement – ensuring your efforts are focused where they’ll have the most impact.
Once you’ve secured registrations, the next step is keeping attendees engaged, and Closely has tools for that too.
Follow Up with Attendees Using Multiple Channels
The work doesn’t stop once your event is over. Closely’s multichannel campaigns make it easy to maintain momentum with attendees, combining LinkedIn and email outreach in one seamless system.
Set up automated follow-up sequences to send thank-you messages, share resources, or invite attendees to future events. Whether you’re reaching out on LinkedIn or via email, Closely ensures you’re connecting with attendees on the platform they prefer.
Managing responses is simple with Closely’s unified inbox, which consolidates all your LinkedIn and email interactions in one place. This makes it easier to keep track of conversations and respond promptly. For added impact, you can pair LinkedIn messages with follow-up emails that include additional resources or next steps, keeping your event top-of-mind.
To ensure nothing falls through the cracks, Closely integrates with CRM platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive. This means every interaction is logged, giving you a clear view of how your LinkedIn Audio Events contribute to your overall sales pipeline.
Track Performance to Improve Future Events
Closely’s analytics tools help you understand what works and what doesn’t, giving you the insights needed to refine your strategy for future events.
For example, you can monitor how well your invitations perform by tracking connection acceptance and reply rates. If personalized messages consistently outperform generic ones, you’ll know to double down on customization. A/B testing adds another layer of insight, letting you experiment with different subject lines, message lengths, and calls-to-action to see what resonates most with your audience.
Post-event engagement metrics, such as reply rates and conversions from follow-up campaigns, reveal which attendees are the most engaged. This allows you to focus your efforts on high-potential leads. Key metrics like meetings booked and new opportunities created provide a clear picture of how your follow-up efforts are translating into tangible results.
Finally, Closely’s segmentation tools help you identify which audience groups respond best to your outreach. By tailoring your messaging to these segments, you can continuously improve your approach for future events. And with seamless CRM syncing, you’ll have clean, accurate reporting that shows the full ROI of your LinkedIn Audio Events – from the first invitation to a closed deal.
Getting the Most Return from LinkedIn Audio Events
LinkedIn Audio Events can be a powerful tool for business growth, but the real value comes when you treat them as a piece of a larger business development strategy – not as isolated activities. To make the most out of these events, you need a clear plan that connects directly to your broader goals.
Start by understanding your audience. What are their needs, challenges, and interests? When your content genuinely addresses these, everything else – like sponsorships and lead generation – tends to fall into place effortlessly.
Don’t overlook the importance of technical execution. High-quality audio isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Invest in good equipment and test your setup ahead of time. Clear, professional sound creates a strong first impression and reinforces your credibility.
Promotion and engagement are crucial for driving results. Before the event, spread the word through your network and LinkedIn posts. During the event, use interactive tools like Q&A sessions and polls to keep your audience involved. These elements not only boost engagement but also give you valuable insights into what your audience cares about most.
When it comes to monetization, the key is to offer value without being overly salesy. Build trust and relationships that lead to long-term opportunities. For instance, sponsorships work best when they align with your audience’s interests, premium content succeeds when it’s worth the investment, and lead generation thrives when you focus on helping rather than selling. Seamlessly weave these strategies into your event plan for the best results.
Technology can amplify your efforts across the board. Tools like Closely help you identify potential attendees, personalize outreach, and follow up effectively. Features like data enrichment let you extend your reach beyond your immediate network, while automation ensures consistent follow-ups that turn interest into actual business opportunities.
Finally, it’s essential to measure and optimize. Don’t just track attendance – look at engagement levels, follow-up responses, and how much business your events are generating. Use this data to fine-tune your strategy, focusing on what truly drives results.
When LinkedIn Audio Events are part of a well-thought-out business development system, they can help you grow your network, showcase your expertise, and unlock new opportunities. Each event becomes a stepping stone, building momentum for your long-term success.
FAQs
What are the best ways to promote my LinkedIn Audio Event to boost attendance and engagement?
To increase attendance and engagement for your LinkedIn Audio Event, start by scheduling it well in advance – ideally 7 to 10 days before the event. This gives your audience enough time to mark their calendars and spread the word. Make sure your event description is clear and attention-grabbing. Highlight the main topics, featured speakers, or any special guests to spark interest.
When it comes to promotion, share posts about the event on your LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms. Include teasers, key insights, and relevant hashtags to broaden your visibility. Don’t forget to use LinkedIn’s "Invite Connections" feature to send direct invitations to people in your network. This helps ensure the audience you attract is both relevant and engaged.
What are the best ways to attract sponsors for my LinkedIn Audio Events?
To bring sponsors on board for your LinkedIn Audio Events, start by pinpointing businesses or brands that naturally align with your event’s theme and audience. The key is to create a sponsorship proposal that clearly outlines the perks of partnering with you. Highlight details like your audience’s demographics, the event’s potential reach, and engagement opportunities that sponsors can benefit from.
Take a personal approach by reaching out directly to potential sponsors with customized pitches. Be specific about the benefits you’re offering – like brand mentions during the event, logo placements, or exclusive shoutouts. If you’ve hosted events before, share data that demonstrates your ability to deliver results. Sponsors want to see a return on their investment, so focus on explaining how your event can help them meet their goals.
How can I use LinkedIn Audio Events to generate leads and build professional connections?
Even though LinkedIn Audio Events are no longer an option, LinkedIn Live remains a powerful tool for generating leads and building professional relationships. This platform lets you host dynamic discussions, interviews, or Q&A sessions that align with your audience’s interests.
To maximize attendance, combine organic posts with targeted ads to promote your event effectively. After it’s over, maintain the connection by sharing follow-up resources and engaging your audience through personalized messages or retargeting efforts. Staying actively involved with your audience is essential for fostering strong relationships and achieving impactful results.