How to Get Followers on LinkedIn: What I’d Do If I Had to Start from Scratch

I would not be where I am today if it weren't for LinkedIn.

When I first started using LinkedIn, I had about 5 connections—people who already knew me personally.

Fast-forward 6 years, and I now have over 43k followers, have landed 3 full-time jobs, secured 200+ freelancing gigs, and completed 10+ personal branding projects, all thanks to LinkedIn. Not to mention, I've built real, meaningful connections with my LinkedIn friends along the way.

But what if I had to start everything from zero again? What would I do today to grow my LinkedIn?

Here's what I'll do-

Never Underestimate the Power of a Properly Built Profile

I have seen people looking for freelance writing gigs and complaining that they are not landing any when their Headline suggests- HR Manager with 5 years of experience.

If your headline doesn’t reflect your current focus, it sends the wrong message.

Your profile needs to speak about who you are, what you do, and why you are the. Your profile needs to clearly convey who you are, what you do, and why you're the right person for the job. This means having a headline that aligns with your current role or area of expertise, a compelling summary highlighting your skills, and a well-rounded experience section showcasing your relevant work.

When your profile is optimized, potential clients or employers can quickly understand your value, making it easier for them to contact you with opportunities that match your goals.

Follow the 80-20 Rule for LinkedIn Growth

People enjoy content they can relate to—posts that feel personal, like celebrating a new job, birthday, or anything that resonates on a human level. While such generic content often receives plenty of likes and comments, there's a downside: it may not help you build a network of like-minded professionals or grow your business effectively.

So, is gaining followers the main goal? Not quite. The goal is to grow your audience while simultaneously advancing your business.

That’s why a balanced approach is essential. The best strategy combines niche-specific content with broadly appealing, engaging posts.

Consider the 80-20 rule: roughly 80% of your content should focus on your area of expertise, demonstrating your skills and knowledge, while 20% can be more general, relatable posts that attract a wider audience. This balance allows you to showcase your expertise and grow your network.

I discussed this in more detail in my article for Buffer. You should check it out.

Try Any Feature That Comes Out

The basic nature of any social media platform is to promote its latest features. Remember how Polls were all the rage at one point? And then, Carousels became the next big thing. Similarly, short videos are trending on LinkedIn right now, and if you're looking to grow your presence, you need to tap into this feature immediately before everyone else catches on.

By being an early adopter, you get a chance to stand out and get more visibility. Platforms often push new features to encourage more users to try them, which means your content will likely reach a broader audience. So, experiment with the latest features, whether it’s short videos, audio events, or newsletters, and see how you can use them to engage your audience and grow your LinkedIn network.

Engage Consistently

• Comment & Interact: Engage with posts from your network by leaving thoughtful comments. Don’t just like; add your perspective or ask a question. This helps you build visibility and strengthens your connections.
• Reply to Comments: When people comment on your posts, reply to them. It shows you're approachable and encourages more interaction on future posts.

Collaborate with Others

Collaboration can be a powerful way to expand your reach on LinkedIn. When you work with others, you tap into their network, which can introduce you to a new audience and enhance your credibility.

• Co-Create Content: Partner with professionals in your industry to create joint webinars, articles, or LinkedIn Live sessions. Collaborating on content helps you share knowledge, provide diverse perspectives, and engage a broader audience.
• Host Guest Posts & Interviews: Invite experts to contribute to your content or interview them for your posts. This not only adds value to your content but also encourages them to share it with their network, further extending your reach.

Side Note-

So someone recently asked me on Insta that they don't want to post photos on LinkedIn and simple text-based isn't working right now, so what to do?

So someone recently asked me on Insta that they don't want to post photos on LinkedIn and simple text-based posts aren't working right now, so what to do?

Here's what I do:

1. Mix-Up Content Formats: You can still create engaging content even if you're not into photos. Try using carousels, infographics, or even polls. These formats allow you to share valuable insights in a visually appealing way without relying on personal photos.
2. Leverage Short Videos: You don’t have to be on camera yourself. Consider creating short videos with animated text, screen recordings, or slides with voiceovers. Share quick tips, insights, or industry updates. Video content tends to have more reach and engagement on LinkedIn right now.
3. Use Engaging Headings & Structure: Text-based posts can still perform well if they’re engaging. Use catchy headlines, break up your text with bullet points or lists, and ensure your first line grabs attention. Focus on storytelling, sharing lessons, or offering tips.

Pro Tip: Still use images, even if it's not of your face. Share photos of your workstation, a coffee mug with a notebook, or something related to your work environment. It adds a personal touch to your post and helps break up the text, making it more visually appealing.

That's all, folks! See you in the next edition.