Jake Ward

Started an SEO agency in 2019. Making $20M/yr for Contact.so clients. Also building: Mentions.so Byword.ai Kleo.so

I’m 28 with 4 businesses and no home.

Here’s how I got here:

Age 0-15:

Spent early life growing up in a hippie commune.

Raised by an incredible single mother who wore both hats. Gave everything to support me.

Overly shy and didn’t speak much.

Seen as a problem by a teacher who suggested there was something wrong with me.

Age 16:

First job stacking supermarket shelves.

Completed high school with bang-average grades.

Started sixth form college.

Age 17:

Quit sixth form college after 3 months due to illness.

Doctor said I was 24 hours away from dying.

Spent my 17th birthday in hospital, tubes everywhere.

Became an apprentice at a print marketing agency. Learnt my way around Adobe’s design suite.

Started doing bits of design work on the side.

Age 18-19:

Discovered search marketing to help get more clients for the print marketing agency.

Became obsessed with SEO. Spent my free time messing around with the websites I built.

Age 20:

Wanted to take marketing more seriously. Quit my job to start a marketing degree.

Quit after 2 weeks.

Started an apprenticeship at an SEO agency where I managed 25 clients and attended college part-time.

Quit after 9 months.

Realised traditional education sucks. I learnt 100x more (and quicker) through self-education.

Went all-in on learning and building whilst living at home with my mum and 2 young siblings.

£0 income.

Age 21:

Got my first 2 freelancing clients on Upwork. They referred me to other clients.

Built a 6-figure business by the end of the year.

Age 22-23:

Started a podcast side project and quickly reached 300,000 listeners per month. Sold it for 5 figures.

Bought and sold 5 websites.

Maxed out my freelancing capacity.

Age 24:

Founded Content Growth and built a team to help companies turn their blog into a 7-figure sales channel.

Started posting on LinkedIn.

Grew revenue by over 200% in 6 months.

Age 25:

Co-founded Byword and launched a platform to help marketers generate articles at scale for SEO.

Sold my belongings, moved out of London and started travelling the world.

Merged Content Growth with Contact Studios to take the SEO agency to the next level.

Helped my mum quit her 15-year corporate job.

Age 26:

Lived out of a suitcase and travelled around 16 countries.

Grown the userbase of my SaaS tools to over 130,000.

Helped multiple unicorn companies scale their SEO with our 25-person team at Contact.

Age 28:

Continuing to levelling up, exploring, following my curiosities, collaborating with great people, and helping family and friends along the way.

Founder

We help software companies get more qualified traffic, sales and revenue through conversion-focused SEO and content marketing. Turn your blog into a 6 figure sales channel.

"I don't know how to do SEO in 2026"

Start from level 1 in The New SEO Game:

SEO isn't just Google rankings anymore.

It's now "Search Everywhere Optimisation".

Reframe your “New SEO” project as a game, and you'll become addicted to levelling up.

Level 1: Traditional SEO

- Fix technical problems killing your rankings
- Research keywords and target quick wins
- Optimise on-page elements (titles, content)
- Earn quality backlinks through outreach and PR

Level 2: AI Search Optimisation

- Format content so AI can parse it easily
- Build pages that AI platforms want to cite
- Structure information for machine consumption
- Test how your brand appears in AI search results

Level 3: Paid Search Visibility

- Run Google Ads for high-intent keywords
- Target competitor terms with YouTube Search Ads
- Capture Bing traffic through Microsoft Ads
- Measure paid performance across every platform

Level 4: LLM Answer SEO

- Produce authoritative content LLMs trust
- Build a knowledge base for AI training data
- Position your brand as the definitive source
- Monitor brand mentions in LLMs with Mentions

Level 5: Brand Authority SEO

- Get unlinked brand mentions across the web
- Feature in industry roundups and expert lists
- Build brand recognition without traditional backlinks
- Track brand mention volume and sentiment

Level 6: Community SEO

- Provide value in relevant Reddit threads
- Share expertise on Quora in your space
- Engage in Slack communities and Discord servers
- Build reputation in industry forums and groups

Level 7: Parasite SEO

- Repurpose content on Medium and LinkedIn Pulse
- Publish beehiiv newsletters to rank in Google
- Guest post on high-authority platforms/websites
- Leverage existing domain authority for quick rankings

Level 8: Platform-Specific SEO

- Optimise for Amazon search if selling products
- Focus on YouTube SEO for video content
- Master TikTok's algorithm for short-form content
- Optimise App Store listings for apps/extensions

Level 9: Topic Domination

- Own conversations across ALL channels
- Create content ecosystems to reinforce each platform
- Become the go-to expert mentioned everywhere
- Monitor and maintain authority across all channels

Completed all levels?

SEO is constantly evolving in 2026.

Stay ahead or get left behind.

PS. Need help levelling up? We'll help build and execute your “New SEO” domination strategy.

Book a call: https://www.contact.so/

SaaS SEO in 2026: Join my (free) LIVE session on 4th March. Co-Founder and Head of Strategy & Innovation at Contact (and 3x SaaS companies).

I can’t stop thinking about this Tweet.

ChatGPT now handles over 2.5 billion queries per day and Google is eventually defaulting to "AI Mode."

This is the future of SEO.

6 tips you need to rank in AI platforms:

1. Win brand mentions

- Get your brand mentioned on high-authority websites
- Contribute to industry publications
- Be featured in news outlets
- Engage in forums and community discussions
- Encourage authentic UGC and word-of-mouth mentions

2. Build brand equity

- Monitor online reviews and brand sentiment
- Respond to feedback and address complaints
- Build a consistent, trustworthy public image
- Use tools like Mentions.so to track visibility, sentiment, and competitors

3. Be the source

- Publish authoritative, reference-style content
- Use neutral, factual, data-backed tone
- Avoid excessive personal takes or fluff
- Regularly update key content for accuracy
- Include credible citations and external data sources

4. Embrace passage-level SEO

- Structure content into short, focused paragraphs
- Use clear subheadings for logical segmentation
- Include concise, standalone answers
- Avoid burying insights in long text block
- Add structured data (e.g. schema markup)
- Make each paragraph extractable and cite-ready

5. Cover the conversation

- Use tools like Semrush for question research
- Monitor forums/socials for emerging questions
- Identify and answer sub-questions users ask
- Add relevant FAQs and support content
- Internally link related topic clusters

6. Optimise for crawlability

- Ensure AI crawlers are allowed in robots.txt
- Verify CDN settings aren't blocking crawlers
- Submit up-to-date XML sitemaps in GSC
- Optimise for fast page speed and clean HTML
- Review server logs for GPTBot, BingBot, etc. behaviour

But first, start with an audit:

- Your current visibility across all LLMs
- Prompt and content gaps vs your competitors
- Technical issues preventing AI from citing your site

Use a tool like Mentions.so to find this information.

Don’t regret not starting AI SEO sooner.

I literally live and breathe this SEO framework.

5 years ago, I watched a SaaS company burn through 6 months of content budget. 60 blog posts on topics like "what is email marketing" and "benefits of newsletters."

Their traffic skyrocketed, but their revenue flatlined.

Their entire content game was backwards.

So that's when I built my "SEO Content Pyramid" to flip it completely and start at the top.

Here's how it works:

1. Convert (Top of Pyramid)

High-intent content for people ready to buy.

A. Competitor Comparisons
↳ "beehiiv vs Kit"
↳ "Kit alternatives"

B. Product Reviews
↳ "beehiiv reviews" (brand)
↳ "Kit review" (competitor)

C. Buyer Guides
↳ "Best newsletter platforms in 2026"
↳ "Best newsletter tools for beginners"

D. Product Pages
↳ "Email newsletter software"
↳ "Newsletter platform pricing"

2. Discover (Middle of Pyramid)

Solution content for people exploring options.

A. Solve Pain Points
↳ "How to start a newsletter"
↳ "Newsletter best practises"

B. Case Studies
↳ "Email marketing case studies"
↳ "How [Brand] grew to 100k subscribers"

C. Data Studies
↳ "Open rate benchmarks 2026"
↳ "Email marketing statistics"

D. Templates and Tools
↳ "Newsletter templates"
↳ "Email subject line generator"

3. Awareness (Bottom of Pyramid)

Educational content for people learning and exploring.

A. Definitions
↳ "What is open rate"
↳ "Email deliverability explained"

B. Educational Guides
↳ "How to increase email open rate"
↳ "How to write engaging emails"

C. Industry Trends and News
↳ "Gmail manage subscriptions feature"
↳ "Email marketing trends 2026"

D. Ideas
↳ "Newsletter content ideas"
↳ "Email campaign ideas for holidays"

Start at the top with Convert content. Only move to Discover once you've covered every competitor comparison, product review, and buyer guide. Then tackle Awareness last.

This framework will 10x your SEO results.

A single "Competitor Alternatives" blog post made $1M+ in revenue for my SaaS client over 3 years.

They are ALWAYS the highest converting articles.

Alternative articles help users discover a better alternative (i.e. your product) to what they're currently using or considering buying.

For example:

You might target the following keywords if you're a team communication platform.

- Microsoft Teams Alternatives
- Discord Alternatives
- Slack Alternatives

= 16.5K/mo Google searches

These searchers are the most ready-to-buy AND they’re highly cited by LLMs once ranking in Google.

Here’s how to write your own:

PS. I’m hosting my very first SaaS SEO in 2026 LIVE session on March 4th. Register for free: https://lnkd.in/eherWr2a

I've been doing SEO for 10 years and AI search is making me rethink everything I know, here are 10 changes I’m seeing:

PS. Join my (free) SaaS SEO in 2026 live session on Wednesday, March 4th @ 12pm EST.

Add it to your calendar: https://lnkd.in/eherWr2a

SEO vs AI SEO/AEO/GEO...

Jasmin Alić

Trained 56,289 people how to use LinkedIn for business

Are you struggling to find your voice on LinkedIn? To position yourself as the "go-to" authority in your industry?

Better yet...

Struggling to get "seen" or "heard" by your ideal customers? Same ones you KNOW you can actually help?

If you've been nodding along until here, congrats!

Looks like we might be the perfect fit!

Hi, my name is Jasmin.

Most people here know me as Jay from Hey Jay.

So far, I've worked 1-1 with 200+ amazing individuals who've skyrocketed their content, profile growth, and business on LinkedIn in record time.

🔥 "$15K USD 24 hours after my 1st session with Jay. Before that, I was close to losing hope and shutting down my business" - Nada Buhendi, F500 Career Coach

In the last 3 years on LinkedIn...

I've built the fastest-growing coaching business for solopreneurs and C-Suite individuals. 

Before that...

I spent 15 years writing online and branding companies and individuals. From Fortune 500 elite like Microsoft, Digicel, and Marriot Bonvoy to founders and C-Suites from almost every industry imaginable.

🔥 "Everyone needs a Jasmin Alić on their team. We've achieved 20% incremental revenue growth in the first 7 days of working together!" - Jack Bourke, Digicel

My offer to you?

We “put in the work”. Together. I will respect your time and your business, and I expect the same in return. 

My calls aren't "magical" because I do everything for you. No. 

They're magical because I will show you exactly what needs to be done. Every little tip, click and "algo hack" - yours for the taking.

I've spent 1,000+ days here.
I've written 5,000+ posts here.
I've coached 200+ individuals 1-1.
I've trained over 50,000+ online here.

I've put in the work, so you don't have to.

To put it bluntly...

I'm putting all of my 15 years of experience on the line for you and combining it with my deep understanding of this amazing platform. 

I don't need your money. I need you to win.

🔥 "This was the first call with a LinkedIn guru that I got on where there was actual value and alignment in delivery at the end of the call. It was strategy, action and reflection. Absolute value! No fluff all impact!" - Archita Fritz

3 ways we can work together:

1. Power Hour - 1 hour, ask me anything
2. Brand Blueprint Program - 8-week 1-1 coaching
3. My Link Up Community - my private coaching group
4. My free content - learn for $0 on LinkedIn, IG or YouTube

Interested?

My pricing and availability are available here:

https://calendly.com/jasmin-alic

For everything else, I'm one DM away.

Thanks for reading up until here. You are amazing!

❤️

Copywriter and Brand Strategist

“How do I share my story?”
“What if nobody reads it?”
“What if nobody likes it?”

These are legitimate concerns for any brand.

Whether you're a company or personal brand...

How you show up in your content is everything.

- You want to be clear in your writing
- You want to be strong in your execution
- You want to be remembered for your service

To do so, you need good copy and a great strategy.

I help brands like Dash, Digicel, Marriott Bonvoy, and Microsoft "sweeten" their brand messaging and content strategy. 

Fortune 500 companies.
Fastest-growing companies.
Personal brands with high net worth.

They trust me with their candy. Will you?

Need a great website? 
Need to grow on LinkedIn? 
Need to (re)position your brand?

Say "Hey Jay" in a message and let's chat.

Or just hop into my Calendly and let me know you're serious: https://calendly.com/jasmin-alic/coaching

Apparently, LinkedIn can't figure out I'm real. 💔

1. I was restricted 5 times this year. Logged out of my profile due to "suspicion of automated activity".

(There was NO automated activity)

2. A recent post got locked because I had a 52% engagement rate in the first 15 minutes. Bro, how can I even control people reacting to a post?!

3. I must be triggering all the "false positives" in the algorithm, as Jeremy from Favikon told me. It's just "unheard of" to get this level of engagement.

Sorry, but...

LinkedIn and Ryan Roslansky, what in the world do you want me to do?

Serious question.

I don't use automations.
I don't have virtual assistants.
I write all of my content manually.
I write every single comment myself.
I send all my DMs and connects manually.
I'm the only person with access to my profile.
I have precisely 0 tools connected to my profile.
I have precisely 0 extensions installed for LinkedIn.

So tell me...

How much more REAL do you need me to be?

I will NOT stay silent anymore!!!

My 2 cents:

(And my offer to fix this at the end of this post)

1. This issue is showing your incompetence. 1000s of users are going through this; not just me.

Please explain your restriction policies transparently.

2. You ask ME for information about my restriction. How would I know? Each of the 5 times, I wasn't even online!

YOU should be the one giving ME the information. 🤦‍♂️

3. You have access to everyone's data and activity. And you can easily see which tools are connected. So why pretend like you don't? Which brings me to:

If you see someone uses ZERO automation tools, how can you even restrict them for automation?

4. Your Support ticket system doesn't work. Period.

To top it all off, you told me I "reached the maximum number of verification attempts". What even is that?!

5. You are putting people's livelihoods at risk. Because you've pushed users for years to buy Premium, use LinkedIn for business, and then... what, shut 'em down?

Here's my offer:

Dear LinkedIn team,

As one of the more prominent creators on your platform, I feel obligated to address this. Book me a meeting with your team (in charge of this issue) and I will book a flight to either your New York or Sunnyvale headquarters in the next 48 hours. I will spend as much (unpaid) time as needed to help you figure this out. I will use my own money to fund this. I want to do more for your users than you are doing right now. Get me that meeting. I'm looking at flights right now. I MEAN THIS 1000%.

I've looked at legal counsel on this matter too.

I'm happy to involve lawyers in our conversations moving forward. By all means.

This... NEEDS to be fixed once and for all.

Not just for me. For everyone.

Enough is enough.

Thank you.

Signed:

Frustrated long-time user, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, LinkedIn-featured creator, top-ranked global creator, we-ve-also-met-in-person, you-literally-pay-me-a-salary-every-month, your Jasmin Alić

(Asking my network to repost this ♻️)

Award-winning personal branding & business coach | Founder of Link Up Community (67 countries) | Teaching you how to build a trusted brand & profitable business

Jasmin Jay Alic writes an open letter to LinkedIn, addressing the recent restrictions of LinkedIn profiles, with thousands of users unfairly losing access to LinkedIn while receiving zero clarification from the LinkedIn team. Jasmin references his five restrictions in just January of 2026 and shares his experience of the process, which is not showing any good signs of LinkedIn handling this issue well. In this post, Jasmin offers to help with the issue directly and asks the LinkedIn CEO for a meeting. The image shows Jasmin speaking directly into the camera while recording a video in a studio. The image also includes screenshots of Jasmin’s recent restriction warnings received from LinkedIn.

People overcomplicate LinkedIn. Too much.

I don't care how many followers you have.

If your post is good, I'll like and comment.

I don't care about your country or name.

Or if you're a direct competitor of mine.

If you "show up" in my LinkedIn feed...

(and you actually write good content)

I want my network to see you. "Like".

It's that simple to support others. ❤️

Cheers, y'all! (Go support someone)

Today, I turn 34. Here's 34 lessons th... No.

This post here is a thank you. ❤️

1. To every single one of you who've shown up for me over the years. (I owe a lot of my success to you)

2. To my amazing Link Up community, who made me cry last night with a video message. (yes, I cried)

3. To every client, brand, and app founder who sent gifts to my doorstep. (post office was working overtime)

4. To everyone in my inner circle who called my phone and sang happy birthday. (you know who you are)

5. To everyone who abandoned me last year.

I always say "Givers get".

But today... everyone is "giving" me something. I'm so blessed to have a built a career where the simplest interactions turn into relationships. Grateful.

I hope this type of career finds YOU too.

Good luck, friends!

- Coach J 🎂

P.S. LinkedIn reached out to me too. News soon.

Award-winning personal branding & business coach | Founder of Link Up Community, where you’ll build a trusted brand & profitable business (members in 66 countries)

Jasmin Jay Alic shares a heartfelt LinkedIn post for his 34th birthday. In this post, he directly thanks all the people who've shown up for him over the years, his Link Up community, the different brands who've sent him gifts, the inner circle friends who've called him directly, as well as those who abandoned him last year. The image shows Jasmin proudly smiling while working on his laptop. The image was taken at a cafe at Kite Beach in Dubai.

Most LinkedIn DMs are pushy. Or salesy.

Let's fix that. (Full outreach masterclass)

This read is 2 minutes long. So either keep reading, or save it for later. Either way, you're in for a treat!

I will explain my tried-and-tested "warm outreach" approach. Using Linkbound, Kondo and Sales Nav.

(neither is a must, but each one ties into the other)

1. Familiar faces first

Most people reach out to complete strangers. This is why "selling" feels odd. There's no trust. Instead, focus on those you've already interacted with on LinkedIn.

2. Linkbound for engagement filtering

Analyze your engagement (or from your competitors if you don't get much engagement) with Linkbound. It will give you a complete list of "warm leads".

3. Filter leads to match your ICP (ideal client profile)

Linkbound has a brand-new feature which tailor-matches your ICP criteria to your offer. It means every name is both "familiar" + "qualified".

4. Feed into your LinkedIn CRM (Sales Nav)

Follow their LinkedIn activity closely. In other words:

5. Become "top of mind"

The easiest way to send that first DM is to spark engagement elsewhere. In a comment. In a reply. On their post. On someone else's post. Doesn't matter.

6. Attract profile views

Every profile view you receive is a "warm" signal. You can now easily send the first DM saying "Hey, so happy you visited my profile! What brought you here?"

7. Send DMs daily

Make "reaching out to ICPs" a daily habit. No excuses. It will feel angsty at first. The more you do it, the easier and more enjoyable it gets. I promise you this!

8. Never pitch in the first message. Please.

9. Always follow the PBS psychology

Permission-Based Selling means you never outright send something (pitch deck, offer, link) "assuming" they need it. Always ask first. And get a Yes first.

10. Separate DMs into folders, with Kondo

Depending on who you message, you might have different conversations. Kondo (made by Mitchell Tan) lets you have multiple LinkedIn inboxes. Brilliant!

11. Set follow-ups in Kondo

I recommend setting alerts in Kondo for "no-replies". You're not necessarily being ghosted when someone doesn't reply. You just have to remind them.

12. Track progress in Linkbound

The more you talk to each person, readying the "sale", simply drag and drop your conversations further. You'll see your leads qualified in real time to a Yes or No.

13. Feed back into Sales Nav

A lead that says No now is not a "forever No". Keep up with their LinkedIn updates. Their network might be packed with new opportunities for you. Repeat 1-12.

TL;DR:

• Establish familiarity first by engaging
• Use Linkbound to qualify before outreach
• Use Kondo for streamlined DM management
• Use Sales Nav to source network opportunities
• Never pitchslap :)

Familiarity → Filtering → Permission → Trust → 💰

Really hope you find this useful. Cheers!

- Coach J

P.S. I'll reward 2 reposters. One with a year of Link Up membership. One with 6 months of Linkbound! ♻️

Jasmin Jay Alic shares his complete LinkedIn DM outreach masterclass. This is a long-form post breaking down his entire warm outreach approach, using tools like Linkbound, Kondo and Sales Navigator. Jasmin is also the co-founder of Linkbound. In the photo, Jasmin is seen proudly smiling while delivering a LinkedIn-related keynote on stage, while wearing a tailored brown suit vest and orange tie. The photo also includes a caption that says: LinkedIn DMs Masterclass

Today is a beautiful day. Ramadan begins. ❤️

(I hope this post lights up your feed)

The very first time I wrote about Ramadan, my post was featured by LinkedIn News for millions.

So I write one every year.

Just as a reminder that we all might have friends, employees, or connections who are fasting. Me?

I've been fasting Ramadan for 25 years. So let me share a few bits from a first-person POV:

1. This is not a month for fasting. It's for "cleansing".
↳ Motivate yourself to think more positively.

2. The goal is to maximize all the "good" you do.
↳ Remind yourself to do / give more charity.

3. Healthy habits become normal habits.
↳ Do your best to build small daily habits too.

4. Tolerance and empathy reach an all-time high.
↳ Practice patience. Understanding. Love for others.

5. And here's my personal ask:

If you have fasting employees, cut them some slack the next few weeks. Skip those morning meetings. Better yet, do your best to participate in Ramadan activities. Invite your team to "iftar" (the dinner meal). And if you can all get together to buy food for the homeless and those "in need" in your area, do it 10x. Because even the homeless are fasting. So do your part.

In a nutshell...

Ramadan fasting might be prescribed for Muslims only. But it brings betterment for anyone, anywhere.

In the next 30 days...

"Do your best to do your best".

Ramadan Mubarak, my dear friends. ❤️

(Repost further ♻️)

Jasmin Jay Alic shares a post about Ramadan as a reminder for all of his followers who have friends, employees, or connections who are fasting. He also mentions this is his yearly Ramadan post, and how his first post like this was featured by LinkedIn News for millions of people. In this post, Jasmin uses the reference of “lighting up” the feed with this motivational information, and in the photo attached, he is seen smiling while surrounded by hanging ring lights in a photo studio. The photo credit belongs to Oyvind Ganesh Eknes.

After 350,000 followers on LinkedIn, here it goes...

What would I do as a complete beginner?

(Save this & Repost if it's valuable)

1. Fix up your profile → you should not even start posting until your profile lists 3 things: what you do, who you do it for, and the next step (send visitors somewhere)

2. Comment like your career depended on it → treat every thought you leave "all over" LinkedIn as a mini-post; bring traffic back to your (optimized) profile

3. Invite people to coffee chats → finding clients in the first 6 months is hard. Building a network is easy. And your network will often bring you opportunities.

4. Be a "name" anywhere you can → collab post with other creators, commenting early on posts, LinkedIn Live streams, involving others in your posts etc.

5. Don’t use AI. Period. → every bit of your activity, writing, and engagement should be manual. Otherwise, you'll always look for shortcuts. (and be left disappointed)

Bonus:

Have fun and spread love. Life's too good to be a negative dumbo on LinkedIn, bickering with others in the comments. You're better than that. 😊

Hope you enjoyed my (unusual) LinkedIn beginner's guide. Cheers, friends! ❤️

- Coach J

P.S. Ask me anything in the comments! Anything.

Jasmin Jay Alic shares an unusual LinkedIn beginner’s guide. He shares 5 tips you can immediately apply and a bonus tip, some of which are rarely talked about. In the photo, Jasmin is seen smiling and looking distantly into the background while recording a podcast in person. The background shows a podcast studio with lights, plants, and microphones around Jasmin.

Successful people celebrate EVERYTHING!

This mindset applies to LinkedIn too:

1. No win is "too small"

In your mind, you may be thinking: "I only got 5K impressions on my last post." The real ones are already writing the hook: "3,000 CEOs just viewed my post!"

Those who think big, make it big.

2. You shouldn't avoid "fun"

Even the most corporate-y of corporate meetings involve fun moments, and people laughing. Stop taking yourself so seriously. Celebrate the small moments.

Look at this bday cake I got! I can't stop smiling.

3. There's a business lesson in everything.

You need to learn how to "pivot" the conversation, ok? Someone praised you in a comment? Screenshot it → ask for permission → use it as social proof.

Or...

Received a birthday cake from your Link Up community? Easy way to tell people how amazing your group is → and then invite people to join. 😉

See how easy it is to celebrate EVERYTHING?

Success leaves clues.

Just gotta notice the small things and then...

Write about it! Good luck.

P.S. Anybody want a slice of cake? We got plenty. 🍔

Jasmin Jay Alic explains how successful people celebrate everything and turn the smallest feats into big achievements. He teaches his readers how to look for the small wins, pivot the conversation into a business lesson, and then write about it on LinkedIn. In the photo, he is seen smiling wide while holding a gigantic burger-themed birthday cake, which he received as a gift from his Link Up Community.

I owe my LinkedIn followers this post.

If you read til the end, thank you. ❤️

Every year, I receive around 100,000 new followers. This means many of you are "new to me". So this...

This is my re-introduction. My CV:

(some of these things, I've never shared publicly)

1. I'm a proud father. Just 2 dudes against the world.

(this always comes first 👌)

2. I was born and raised (and still living) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They even made me an official ambassador and I now hold a diplomatic passport.

(Life goals = check 🙌)

3. I wanted to be an artist. Like, arts academy. Instead, I earned a full scholarship to a prestige private (international) university. Majored in English.

(Honor roll student too 🎓)

4. Most people don't believe I'm a Bosnian (because of my accent). Detroit is usually where they pin me at.

(Thank you, Eminem 🙏)

6. My full name is pronounced as "Yah-ss-meen", not "Jazz-minn". And "A-leech", not "Ah-leck".

(you practiced it just now, didn't you? 🤔)

7. I was a teacher at every level. Did my praxis at a kindergarten. Then taught at middle and high school. Later became a university professor. Won 200+ medals and awards internationally with my students.

(taught English, German, and later... copywriting ✍️)

8. I used to be a rapper. Got 6 albums behind me. Charted on MTV. Participated in X-Factor. Yes, I was an "influencer" way before LinkedIn.

(I also rap really fast 🎤)

9. I don't know how to ride a bike. (random fun fact)

10. This is year 17 for me in the online space. I started writing online to help my parents fund my stay in a different city during university. Later went full time.

(later also retired my parents ❤️)

11. I run several businesses online. Coaching. Community. Speaking. The list goes on...

The list of career highlights is cool:

- Ranked #1 LinkedIn creator globally
- Coached the #1 UK and APAC creators
- Featured in Forbes, The Financial Times...
- Ranked "Best Speaker" at over 30+ events
- Sold out my Link Up community before day 1
- World's "most profitable" community, Nov 2025
- Received the "Man of the Year" award in late 2025

12. I never share my earnings publicly. (ever)

Fun fact: "jasmin alic net worth" is the 3rd most searched phrase next to my name. 😂

13. My coolest skill: Design and visual thinking. I do all of my design work - and for my clients too. At this point, thousands of visual assets designed.

14. My most useless skill: Being able to quote all 9 seasons of Suits. Any episode. Any character. Feel free to test me on this - I stand behind it.

14. Favorite food? Burgers.

15. Least favorite? Onions. Garlic. Balsamic.

16. Favorite quote? "Givers get". Forever true. 😍

17. Main goal in life? For my knowledge to outlive me. To enable millions to help billions. To spread kindness and good vibes wherever I can. Life is short.

Thanks for reading! ❤️

--

Learned something cool about me? Tell me below.

Wanna know anything else? Ask away.

Nice to meet you, you!

- Jasmin 🫶

Jasmin Jay Alic shares a re-introduction post with his followers. He lists 17 fun facts about him as well as his personal career highlights, so his new followers could get to know him better. It's Jasmin Alic's mini biography, in a sense, with a personal touch. In the photo, Jasmin is seen smiling in the flower-filled streets of Manhattan, New York City.

I spent 4 hours on a LinkedIn Live last night.

That's longer than most paid courses. Why?

1. Because I genuinely care about my community ❤️
2. Because I finally had a call with LinkedIn support
3. Because I have many LinkedIn updates to share
4. Because my Link Up community is leveling up!
5. Because I love teaching; coaching even more!
6. Because sales were going well... so why not?
7. Because sales wer... wait, I already said that.

~6,000 comments were exchanged on the call!

A few updates - straight from the source:

1. "Any and all extensions are forbidden" 🤯
2. LinkedIn does not want to explain "reach"
3. Mass views of profiles can get you restricted
4. Mass DM sends (copy-pasting messages) too
5. There is NO "daily" comment limit (it is a myth)
6. They look for "behavior patterns" in commenting
7. They started a new "effort" for engagement pods.

Some of these are worrying. Most are good.

Either way, hope I can keep being a guide to all of us.

Monday Motiv... Happy LinkedIn-ing, friends. 👋

P.S. Which news above are you excited for?

Jasmin Jay Alic recaps his 4-hour LinkedIn live event, where he talked about the most recent platform updates and clarifications he received on a direct call with LinkedIn Support. He also explains how he loves to coach and doesn’t mind spending this many hours on a call just to be of service to his community. The image shows Jasmin smiling while sitting in his studio, with his signature teal lights behind him, and a laptop and microphone in front of him. 

Ever since I received a diplomatic passport...

My world looks different. First off...

All the questions. 😂

"Can you drive over the speed limit now?"
"Can you walk around freely at airports now?"
"Do you have any supercool perks for diplomats?"

The answer to all is: No. Haha.

What's different is:

1. People finally respect the "online dollar"

It's not a myth anymore. Online "freelancers" are true businesspeople too. With teams on a payroll! In most cases, a lot wealthier and more experienced too.

2. People finally respect "personal branding"

The word "influencer" is gone. Now it's all about "impact". Where else can you run a business in 66 countries, while still living in Zenica, Bosnia? ❤️

3. The word "ambassador" has a new meaning

It's no longer a role given by the government. It's anyone with a platform. Young or wise. Especially online. With true power to impact millions around the world.

To my country, I say thank you.

And to the millions I've "impacted" over the last 17 years I've been doing this online thing...

I owe you. A lot. 🙏

Cheers!

From Bosnia and Herzegovina to the world,

Coach J

P.S. Don't ask me those questions anymore, ok?! :)

Award-winning LinkedIn™ coach | Founder of Link Up Community (67 countries) | Build a trusted brand & profitable business

Jasmin Jay Alic talks about receiving a diplomatic passport of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this LinkedIn post, he shares a few funny conversations as well as life-changing moments from his recent experience, ever since this news was announced. In the photo, Jasmin is seen smiling directly into the camera while holding up his diplomatic passport, with blurred holiday lights behind him.

I have a "zero leash" policy for negativity.

On LinkedIn, it's a dogfight. So if you...

Insult me in a comment? Block.
Insult others in my comments? Block.
Call something a "lie" just because? Block.
You can't accept that you are wrong? Block.
Spew fake accusations with zero proof? Block.
Agree with the same people above? Block too.
Like 20 comments in a row on my post? Bim.
Ask daft, super-ragebait questions? Bam.
Spam your links in my comments? Bop.
Pitch 3 seconds into a DM? Yep.

"Protect your energy, no matter what."

This means eliminating any negativity from my feed. From my business. And every inch of my life. 

Zero regrets. ❤️

P.S. Sorry for the downer post. Had to be said.

P.P.S. This is not my dog. But the pink is cute, eh?

Jasmin Jay Alic explains how he handles negative comments and interactions on LinkedIn, and his zero leash policy for blocking people. In this post, he lists 10 use cases of why he blocks certain accounts to preserve his peace of mind and protect his energy. He also refers to LinkedIn as a “dogfight”. In the photo, Jasmin is seen playing with a dog, while holding it in his arms. 

LinkedIn invited me to a call. They heard the roar.

So instead of writing a post about it...

I'm organizing a LinkedIn Live session where I'll share (what I can) from my direct call with LinkedIn on the state of the algorithm, restrictions, AI...

I'm doing this for all of us.

And you know I keep things transparent 100%. Because we all need that clarity on how to move forward + how to use this platform for our businesses.

Plus... by popular demand:

I'll use the second part of this stream to talk about my Link Up Community + new pricing + new updates. It's a new world inside Link Up now (for new members).

As always, drop your questions below.

I'll make sure to answer them during the show.

See you live!

(Repost so more people can attend ♻️)

Thelma Chisom Clem, Hiba Aamir and 2,080 other attendees

Official LinkedIn Updates + Link Up Changes w/Jasmin Alić

2 things need to happen in every LinkedIn post:

1. It needs to be applicable
2. It needs to invite conversation

A lot of people here share great tips, but they don't invite engagement to continue the conversation.

Inversely, a lot of people write posts only for engagements' sake, while the advice is lackluster.

Do both = you'll always do well on LinkedIn.

I've fixed this issue for 1000s already. Trust me when I tell you: Applicability is the real writing "secret".

Now go... apply this advice. 😊

Cheers! - Coach J

P.S. Do you always have a "next step" in your posts? Be honest in your comment. Oh, and happy weekend! 👋

Jasmin Jay Alic explains how two things need to happen in every LinkedIn post. It needs to be applicable. And it needs to invite engagement. In the photo, Jasmin is seen training a group of people live during his Brand Authority Playbook mastermind even in Malta.

I mentioned "SEO on LinkedIn" 4 years ago.

Just last week, LinkedIn shared their guide.

They call it "How to optimize your owned content for AI search": https://lnkd.in/d2g9CSRp

As someone who's been in the game for 17 years, I could see AI search replace Google search from a mile away. So I've been playing this game for years.

(taught my clients too 😊)

Here are 5 things you should ALWAYS do so your LinkedIn content ranks higher in AI searches:

1. Write "steps" as imperatives (for non-grammar nerds, this means using "active", not "ing" forms of verbs)

2. Add ALT descriptions to your images (makes your content accessible, but also readable by LLMs)

3. Optimize the readability of your content (no ultra-fancy words, max 20 words per sentence)

4. Optimize the visual structure of your content (so AI knows exactly what to scan first, second, etc.)

5. Keep posts focused on 1 main topic (but make sure you actually provide some actionable steps)

Bonus:

6. Rename carousel posts as "article titles" after uploading to LinkedIn (not the PDF file itself)

7. Treat hooks of video posts are "article titles" (referring to the 1st textual line of your video posts)

8. Format LinkedIn Articles and LinkedIn Newsletter posts the same way you'd format a website blog

---

For anyone wondering...

This entire post is a demonstration of the first 5 things I mentioned above. 😉

(In Link Up, I have an entire masterclass on this)

Curious...

Are you doing ALL 5 of these things in every post? Are you playing the SEO game too? Let's chat.

(Repost for your network ♻️)

Jasmin Jay Alic explains his SEO on LinkedIn strategy after LinkedIn shared their guide to optimize your owned content for AI search. In this LinkedIn post, Jasmin dives into detail on all the steps that help your content get ranked in AI searches. He also shares some bonus tips. In the photo, Jasmin is seen smiling in a photo studio, with his signature teal colored lights behind them, as well as a screenshot of his Google celebrity page.

Gary V called comments a "new marketing function".

I got tagged a bunch in that post. 😀

Years ago, I started treating comments like an actual "growth strategy" on LinkedIn. In fact, it worked so well that even LinkedIn wanted to hear more about it.

1. They featured my commenting strategy for 1 billion users. (plastered it on their home feed)

2. I got invited to a call. (to talk commenting)

3. It became my signature. (rightfully so)

This was 4 years ago. And yet...

Nothing's changed.

It is still the best LinkedIn strategy ever.
It is still the most human hack for "growth".
It is still the thing that builds all my businesses.

The world's catching up.

But I'll keep on saying...

I told you so. 😊

Don't make me tell you again in another 4 years, k? Please start treating your comments seriously.

Deal?

Monday Motivation, over.

P.S. No AI comments either, ok?

Jasmin Jay Alic shares a reaction post to Gary Vee’s statement that commenting has now become a new marketing function. As one of the trailblazers of commenting on social media, Jasmin’s engagement strategies have been featured worldwide by major platforms, including LinkedIn themselves. In the photo, Jasmin and Gary are seen speaking on the same stage, as symbolism of “shouting” about new trends to the masses before everyone else.

The whole point of working more is "working less".

So you can do the things that matter. ❤️

Before you comment anything:

1. I take 3-day weekends every week
2. No, it wasn't always like this
3. Each career has seasons

Marc Randoplh, Netflix co-founder, said in his last post that "20 years from now, the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids".

And I can't agree more.

"Ball till you fall"? I don't do that anymore. 😊

I'm in my "father season", and this is exactly how I approach business and coach others to scale their businesses. More time freed up. In fact...

A fun conversation came up in my Link Up community call last week, where we talked about how "not scaling is okay" and "not hiring more people is okay".

"I've never had a coach tell me 'don't scale'"...

It's because family doesn't come first for most. It's typically a chase with no end. More leads, more this, more that... trust me when I tell you. It never ends.

The real ROI isn't "money made", it's "time earned". ❤️

And whoever you are that is reading this...

I hope you enter this season soon, friend.

Monday Motivation, over.

P.S. Ball hard? Or ball smart? What's your season?

Jasmin Jay Alic shares a heartfelt LinkedIn post about working less and actively finding more time for family the more his career progresses. In the post, he talks about career seasons and how his “balling hard” season is over. In the photo, Jasmin is seen taking a selfie, smiling, and holding a small Lightning McQueen ball on his chest.

The current state of LinkedIn is questionable.

No one knows "what's working". However...

These 3 things will forever keep working:

1. Stop using "bait-and-switch" in your writing → I see too many posts reeling readers in with a clever hook only to talk about something entirely different by the end.

Pro tip: Summarize your post in the first 3 lines.

2. Create reach, don't expect it → Engage with others on their posts 90% more than you engage on your own posts. This percentage will never change.

Pro tip: Find 5 completely new people every day.

3. DM to nurture, not to sell → Those who buy from you won't be persuaded by 1 DM. This happens earlier. DM to start conversations, not to end them.

Pro tip: DM 1 ICP who views your profile every day.

LinkedIn will keep changing.

These three rules won't.

They're good forever.

Thank me later. 👋

P.S. What's up with everyone posting memes recently? Are we really THAT out of ideas? 🤔

Jasmin Jay Alic shares his thoughts on the current state of LinkedIn. He emphasizes three actions that will always work, no matter what. He also adds pro tips for each as an example of things done right. In the photo, Jasmin is seen passionately speaking at a panel in Novi Sad, Serbia, while holding a mic in his hand, and wearing a tailored blue suit.

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The Battle

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The Battle

Jake Ward

Jasmin Alić

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Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jake Ward's LinkedIn Performance

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Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJake Ward's LinkedIn Performance