To efficiently network on LinkedIn, you must do more than add connections.
So, how can you connect with the right people while avoiding LinkedIn’s strict algorithm and risking account restrictions?
This article shares 7 of the best tips to network and LinkedIn and the most common mistakes that could sabotage your growth.
Keep reading.
7 Tips to Efficiently Network on LinkedIn
1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
The first step to network on LinkedIn is to complete your profile. Why? Because LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards complete profiles with better ranking.
For example, LinkedIn profiles with a profile picture get up to 14x more views without one.
So, go to your profile and check your:
- Profile picture. You can check our guide on taking the best LinkedIn profile picture.
- Job title.
- LinkedIn headline. Create an SEO-optimized LinkedIn headline with Taplio’s free headline generator.
- Summary.
- Location.
- Work experiences
- Education
Additionally, add at least 5 skills that employers or recruiters might look for.
2. Connect With People You Know
The easiest way to network on LinkedIn is to start with people you know. Start building your network by sending connection requests to coworkers, classmates, or past colleagues.
Not only do you quickly get more connections, but you signal LinkedIn’s algorithm that your profile is active and engaged.
Once you connect with people you worked or studied with, it’s time to focus on building a professional network.
Here’s how to network on LinkedIn and connect with industry professionals:
- Join LinkedIn groups. Find relevant LinkedIn groups where industry professionals discuss trends, share information, and offer advice.
- Search for people by job title. Looking for someone with similar skills or experience to you? Use LinkedIn’s advanced search filters to identify and connect with like-minded professionals.
- Engage with thought leaders. Follow LinkedIn influencers and thought leaders to boost your profile visibility. Engage with their content by sharing your insights, ask thoughtful questions, and offer constructive feedback.
3. Send Personalized Connection Requests
It makes no sense to send 20 connection requests daily if no one accepts them.
When building your network on LinkedIn, add a personalized note for every connection request you send.
Introduce yourself, mention how you found their LinkedIn profile, and why you’d like to connect. Highlight mutual interests such as industry, employer, or even hobbies.
Here’s a template you can use to write connection request notes and expand your network on LinkedIn:
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile while [explain how you found their profile].
I’m really impressed by your work in [area/industry], especially [detail about their experience, achievements, or content].
I’d love to connect and learn more about [reason for connecting]. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you as well.
Looking forward to connecting!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Additionally, you can check our guide on the best 10+ LinkedIn cold message templates.
4. Share High-Quality Content
Share relevant content to network on LinkedIn and establish yourself as a valuable connection.
Provide value to your network by sharing news, industry insights, and lessons you’ve learned from your own experiences.
This could include case studies, challenges you overcame, or strategies you successfully applied.
Follow these tips to get more engagement to your LinkedIn posts:
- Be authentic. Share your genuine thoughts and experiences.
- Add visuals. Posts with images get 650% more engagement.
- Keep a constant schedule. Profiles that post 3 times a week get a 350% increase in profile views. Additionally, identify the best time for your audience to post on LinkedIn.
- Format your LinkedIn posts. Highlight the most important parts of your content and improve its readability before posting.
- Include a CTA. Encourage your network to like, comment, share, or share their experiences.
5. Attend LinkedIn Events
Network with industry experts by attending LinkedIn events.
You can find virtual or in-person events through LinkedIn’s events tab or by searching for industry-specific topics.
Before the event, research the attendees list and identify key participants with whom you’d like to connect. Make your profile stand out by sharing a post about the event and tagging the organizers or speakers.
During the event, introduce yourself in the chat (for virtual events), ask engaging questions, and share valuable information.
After the event, follow up with people you met by sending personalized connection requests.
Note: To improve your acceptance rate, mention the LinkedIn event you both attended.
Also, showcase what you’ve learned by posting a summary or key takeaways on LinkedIn. Tag the event organizers, speakers, or attendees to boost the post’s engagement.
6. Consider LinkedIn Limits
The only thing standing between you and LinkedIn fame is the LinkedIn algorithm.
LinkedIn may restrict or even ban your account if you send too many connection requests, view too many profiles, or send too many DMs.
As you network on LinkedIn, focus on quantity over quality. Prioritize sending connection requests to people who align with your career goals.
Instead of randomly browsing, search for profiles by name or job title to find the right people.
Don’t sell your product or services from the start when sending direct messages. Focus on building a relationship and offering value.
Pro tip: People who viewed your LinkedIn profile are more likely to accept your connection request.
7. Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations
Showcase your expertise with LinkedIn recommendations.
Ask your manager, coworkers, or clients to write a short description of your skills, accomplishments, or the value you added to projects.
Here are a few tips on asking for LinkedIn recommendations:
Be specific about the skills or expertise you want to highlight in the recommendation.
Ask for a recommendation while the experience of working with you is still fresh in your connections’ minds.
Show gratitude for their time and willingness to help.
Pro tip: Return the favor. Writing recommendations for others helps you build a professional network on LinkedIn.
Avoid These Mistakes When Networking on LinkedIn
1. Not Engaging With Other Profiles
Not interacting with others is a missed opportunity when networking on LinkedIn.
Like, comment, or share relevant content to keep you visible and show that you’re genuinely interested in building relationships.
Additionally, LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes active accounts so that constant engagement can boost your profile visibility.
2. Not Using Automation Tools
Growing your network on LinkedIn can be overwhelming. You have to generate content ideas, maintain a posting schedule, and engage with your audience.
This is where LinkedIn automation tools simplify the job.
Using these tools, you can use AI to generate content, create a posting calendar, track engagement, and write personalized DMs and connection requests.
3. Not Promoting Your LinkedIn Profile
Drive more traffic and boost your visibility by promoting your LinkedIn profile.
Add your profile to other social media accounts, your business card, and your email signature.
You can create a personalized signature with lemlist’s free email signature generator.
Wrapping It Up!
When building your network on LinkedIn, start with the people you know and focus on quality, not quantity.
Share engaging content, provide value to your network, and stay below LinkedIn limits.
Avoid common LinkedIn mistakes, like having a passive presence or not promoting your profile. Additionally, consider using automation tools to streamline your efforts.
