Building a large, engaged following on LinkedIn is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your career or business.
But let’s be real—it’s not just about racking up numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections and building a network that helps you grow, learn, and influence.
Growing your LinkedIn presence involves more than sporadic posts and waiting for magic to happen.
To help you get more followers on LinkedIn, we’re breaking down actionable strategies involving active engagement and networking to optimize your approach.
Let’s take a look at how to get more followers on LinkedIn through 7 easy steps–
Step 1: Understand how the LinkedIn algorithm works
One of the most misunderstood aspects of LinkedIn is how its algorithm prioritizes content.
To grow your following, you must know what drives visibility. The algorithm rewards content based on engagement, relevance, and timing.
Here’s how you can make the algorithm work in your favor:
1. Engagement signals
The LinkedIn algorithm favors posts that gain early engagement—likes, comments, and shares within the first hour of posting are critical.
The more engagement your post receives during this “golden hour,” the more likely it will be shown to a broader audience.
Tip: Try posting during peak times to increase your chances of early engagement—Tuesday to Thursday, 9 AM to 12 PM, and when folks are winding down from work, 4 PM to 6 PM.
2. Relevance to your audience
LinkedIn personalizes content based on its relevance to a user’s interests. The algorithm looks at past interactions, shared connections, and content preferences to decide what to show each user.
Tip: Tailor your content to your audience’s interests and use polls or questions to encourage interaction. Start by examining the people in your LinkedIn network.
3. Content-type variety
The algorithm boosts posts that use engaging formats like videos, images, and carousels. Native videos and infographics tend to get more shares and comments.
💡Tip: Experiment with different content types to find what resonates most with your audience. LinkedIn video posts get 3x more engagement, while those with images see 2x more engagement.
4. Dwell time
Dwell time refers to how long users spend on your post before scrolling away. Longer dwell times signal to the algorithm that your content is engaging.
Tip: Create detailed, valuable posts or carousels that keep your audience engaged for longer periods.
5. Avoid spam triggers
Be mindful of LinkedIn’s spam filter. Avoid overloading your posts with links and excessive tags, as these can lower your visibility.
Sometimes, LinkedIn also flags posts that look like they were created just to garner likes and comments and if there are too many external links.
💡Tip: Include any necessary links in the comments and 4-5 relevant hashtags.
Step 2: Craft a solid content strategy
Growing a LinkedIn following isn’t about posting for the sake of it—it’s about being intentional and consistent with the content you share.
A well-thought-out content strategy not only keeps you at the top of mind but also engages your audience in meaningful ways.
Here’s how you can be more mindful about your LinkedIn content strategy to grow your followers:
1. Build a content calendar and stick to it
One of the biggest mistakes people make is inconsistency.
Posting regularly is vital to staying relevant in the LinkedIn feed. A solid approach is to create a content calendar to plan your posts.
Start with at least 2-3 times per week, which ensures that your content shows up consistently without overwhelming your followers.
💡Tip: Take advantage of Socialsonic to plan and organize your LinkedIn content calendar so you’re always posting consistently, irrespective of your busy schedule! 😉
2. Mix up your content types
Variety is vital to keeping your audience engaged and expanding your reach on LinkedIn.
Different types of content resonate with different audiences, so it’s essential to diversify your posts.
Here are some examples of what kind of LinkedIn posts work well:
1. Text posts:
If your audience consists of CEOs, thought leaders, or senior professionals, text posts sharing key industry insights, personal experiences, or thought-provoking questions can be very effective.
For example, this text post from Sam works because it tackles a common fear in the industry in a simple, relatable way. He shares his own experience and insights, turning it into a conversation starter.
Plus, ending with an open question invites followers to join in, which boosts engagement and visibility.
2. Infographics or single-image posts:
Visual learners or those in creative fields like marketing, design, or content creation will appreciate infographics or single-image posts with some informational value.
Visual content like infographics receives 98% more comments than text-only posts, helping you stand out in the feed.
They’re perfect for breaking down complex data, sharing quick tips, or just to support your post’s text.
For example, this LinkedIn post works well because it uses a simple, eye-catching layout to share valuable insights quickly.
By highlighting key stats and offering a “cheat sheet,” it creates curiosity and urgency.
The single image is packed with actionable tips that grabs attention and promises value in an easy to read and digestable manner. Plus, the call to action encourages likes, comments, and follows, boosting engagement and reach.
3. Polls:
These are highly interactive and work well across all industries.
Polls are excellent for understanding your audience’s opinions and preferences, especially if you’re targeting consultants, HR professionals, or recruiters.
A well-crafted poll like “Which hiring challenge are you facing the most?” invites engagement and gives you insights into your network’s pain points.
4. Carousels:
Great for educators, coaches, or consultants who want to share in-depth knowledge. Carousels allow you to present a series of tips, step-by-step guides, or detailed information in a swipeable format.
For example, this carousel post on Socialsonic’s LinkedIn page works well because it’s eye-catching, promises value, and sets clear expectations.
The title grabs attention by offering a quick, actionable result (“in just 50 seconds”), sparking curiosity.
Carousels like this are perfect for breaking down complex tips into easy-to-digest slides, encouraging viewers to swipe through the entire post.
The “Swipe Now” prompt adds an interactive element, boosting engagement and drawing users deeper into the content.
5. Native videos:
Videos grab attention and are perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a personal brand.
They humanize your profile and allow for more personal storytelling. A founder might share a short video discussing company values or an entrepreneur can post about a new feature update for their new software
Native videos also tend to get 3x more engagement on LinkedIn, boosting your chances of getting more followers.
6. LinkedIn articles:
If your audience consists of professionals in fields like finance, law, or tech, long-form content like LinkedIn articles can establish you as an industry expert.
Writing detailed articles on trending topics or sharing your research findings shows a depth of knowledge and adds credibility to your profile.
Supercharge your LinkedIn content with Socialsonic!
If you’re struggling to come up with fresh content ideas that attract new followers for your LinkedIn profile, Socialsonic has you covered!
From generating AI-driven posts to creating scroll-stopping images and carousels, Socialsonic takes the guesswork out of content creation.
You can even repurpose your high-performing content into new formats, so nothing goes to waste.
Plus, the tool’s robust AI identifies trending styles in your industry, giving you tailored suggestions that fit your audience’s preferences.
Remember, each audience is unique—so pair Socialsonic’s power with LinkedIn Analytics to see what resonates and keep refining your strategy.
Step 3: Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Your profile is your first impression on LinkedIn, making it vital to optimize for search and engagement.
A well-optimized LinkedIn profile will help you show up in search results and give potential followers a reason to connect.
Here are a few things to consider if you want to boost the visibility of your profile:
1. Use keywords strategically
LinkedIn’s search engine works similarly to Google’s.
This means you need to optimize your profile for SEO. Be sure to include industry-specific keywords in your headline, summary, and job experience sections.
For instance, if you’re in the content marketing field, phrases like “content strategy,” “SEO content writing,” and “digital marketing expert” should appear throughout your profile to increase your visibility in relevant searches.
2. Complete every section of your profile
Profiles that are fully complete tend to receive 30% more weekly views than incomplete ones.
Every section, from your headline to your skills, should be filled out with relevant information.
Your “About” section should tell a compelling story about your professional journey and what sets you apart in your industry.
By optimizing these sections, you’re not just improving your chances of being found, but you’re also providing new followers with a reason to engage with your content.
Step 4: Build a quality network
While the number of followers you have is important, what’s more crucial is how engaged your followers are.
Building a quality network on LinkedIn is about forming meaningful relationships with the right people. And the more higher quality your network is, the more followers and engagement you’ll receive in the long run.
Here’s how you can build a strategic network on LinkedIn:
1. Personalize your connection requests
One of the simplest yet most overlooked tactics is personalizing your connection requests. Instead of sending the default message, include a short note explaining why you’d like to connect.
For example, if you’re reaching out to a fellow marketer, mention something you admire about their work or a common interest you share.
This personal touch can increase your acceptance rate and lead to more meaningful connections, as professionals are more likely to remember you this way.
2. Engage with influencers in your niche
Engaging with influencers in your industry is one of the quickest ways to expand your reach and attract new followers.
By commenting on their posts and contributing to conversations, you can gain exposure to their audience, which may result in new followers for you.
But here’s the catch: don’t just drop a generic “Great post!” comment.
Provide thoughtful, insightful feedback that adds value to the conversation. This positions you as a knowledgeable player in your industry, which is key to attracting more followers.
Here’s an example of the kind of comment that grabs attention:
This comment from Botsonic’s LinkedIn page ticks all the boxes because:
- It’s specific and adds value to the post.
- Provides insights into the commenter’s opinions.
If you’re looking for top influencers on LinkedIn relevant to your niche:
- LinkedIn search filters
- Industry hashtags
- Your network’s connections
- Active LinkedIn groups
- Industry blogs and podcasts
Try using LinkedIn’s search filters to find influencers by industry, location, or even your mutual connections.
Check out hashtags in your field to spot those who are consistently sharing quality content.
Take a look at your network, too.
Who are they following and engaging with?
You can even ask for your network’s recommendations through a quick LinkedIn post!
LinkedIn groups can also be a goldmine for finding active voices in your industry. And don’t overlook contributors to popular industry blogs and podcasts; they often have a strong LinkedIn presence worth tapping into.
💡Pro tip: If you’re still having trouble spotting top influencers, check out Socialsonic.
Socialsonic’s AI quickly finds the top LinkedIn creators in your industry and highlights the key voices in your network.
You’ll even get suggestions on which conversations to jump into so you can connect with the right people ASAP!
Step 5: Leverage LinkedIn’s built-in features
Using LinkedIn’s built-in content features strategically can give you a serious edge, whether you’re starting out or aiming to grow further.
The key is to match the right feature to your goals and audience.
For beginners, simple tools like polls and collaborative articles create engagement without overwhelming effort.
As you build confidence and expand your network, more interactive options like LinkedIn Live and short videos can help position you as a leader in your space.
And remember, consistency is what matters most. Experiment with different features to see what resonates with your audience.
But you don’t have to use every tool.
Instead, choose what aligns with your strategy, motive, and audience preferences.
For example, LinkedIn Live could work wonders for a rapidly growing startup but won’t bring the same results for a small-scale creator.
The table below offers a quick breakdown to help you decide where to start:
| Feature | Who It’s Best For | How to Use It |
| LinkedIn Polls | Small or individual creators | Use polls to ask questions, gather opinions, and spark conversations. They’re quick to create and help you understand your audience’s preferences. |
| LinkedIn Articles | Anyone looking to showcase expertise | Write long-form articles on industry trends, tips, or case studies. They stay on your profile as a resource hub, highlighting your knowledge. |
| LinkedIn Short Videos | Creators who want to capture attention quickly | Share short, impactful videos (under 1 minute) that highlight key insights, quick tips, or product demos. Video content is highly engaging and helps boost your visibility. |
| LinkedIn Live | Established creators or businesses | Host webinars, Q&A sessions, or panels to connect with your audience in real-time. Promote the session ahead of time to ensure maximum participation. |
| LinkedIn Events | Creators ready to scale their reach | Organize virtual meetups, workshops, or talks. Use events to invite attendees and gather leads. Follow up post-event to nurture connections. |
Collaborative Articles | Individuals aiming to build thought leadership | Sharing your insights positions you as an expert and increases your visibility. Can help you get a “Top Voice” badge, improving your follower count. |
Step 6: Create high-quality content
Growing a LinkedIn following doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term commitment that requires consistent posting, active engagement, and delivering quality content.
And remember: don’t get carried away by posting content in bulk!
Quality beats quantity ALWAYS.
Here are a few tips for posting quality LinkedIn content:
1. Find your brand voice
Your brand voice on LinkedIn should be unique, consistent, and reflective of who you are.
Whether you’re aiming for an authoritative tone, a friendly vibe, or a mix of both, make sure your voice resonates with your target audience.
Think of each post as an opportunity to showcase your personality while delivering value. This consistency in voice and quality will help you build trust and familiarity, which are critical when it comes to growing your followers.
2. Maintain visual consistency
Your LinkedIn feed is crowded, so standing out visually is key.
Use a consistent color scheme, fonts, and design elements across your posts. Visual consistency not only makes your content easily recognizable but also builds a strong brand identity.
3. Tap into your network’s pain points
Most professionals on LinkedIn turn to the platform for career tips or advice for a particular niche. Now, think about how you can add value to your target audience.
Look at what other thought leaders are discussing, common struggles, and trending topics, and try to voice your own insights. Focus on providing educational value and filling a void in the market.
4. Take inspiration from content that is working well
Tip: If you’re looking for a way to tap into the most popular posts from the best thought leaders in your industry, try Socialsonic.
Research and analyze trending LinkedIn content and let AI create similar posts–all on one platform!
Step 7: Analyze and adjust your approach
If you want to grow your LinkedIn following sustainably, you need to make data-driven decisions.
This means regularly analyzing your performance and adjusting your strategy accordingly.
LinkedIn provides a suite of analytics tools that offer insights into post performance, engagement rates, and follower demographics.
By monitoring these metrics, you can see what types of content are resonating with your audience and make informed adjustments to your content strategy.
Pay special attention to impressions, comments, and click-through rates. These indicators will tell you what’s working and where you might need to switch things up.
Step 8: A/B testing for continuous improvement
Testing is crucial for optimizing your content. A/B testing involves creating two versions of a post with slight variations (such as the headline, image, or posting time) and seeing which version performs better.
For example, you might test whether a video post receives more engagement at 9 AM or 3 PM or whether a carousel post generates more clicks than a text post.
Based on the results, you can refine your posting strategy to ensure you’re delivering the most engaging content possible.
Additional best practices for building a strong following on LinkedIn
Building a strong following on LinkedIn goes beyond just creating content.
Here are some extra strategies that can give your presence a real boost:
1. Import contacts and email lists to LinkedIn
Got a goldmine of contacts sitting in your email, CRM, or your phone?
Bring them over to LinkedIn!
Importing your contacts is an easy way to grow your network with people you already know.
Since you already know these people personally, they’re more likely to engage with your content, which will boost your chances of being noticed by others on LinkedIn.
2. Publish from within your organization
Tap into the power of your internal network. If you’re part of an organization, share your content through its official LinkedIn page.
Ask colleagues to engage by liking, commenting, or resharing your posts. This not only amplifies your reach but also signals to LinkedIn’s algorithm that your content is valuable.
And don’t stop there! Encourage team members to post their thoughts and tag you.
This is a subtle way to extend your reach to their networks without sounding overly promotional. A strong internal push can make your content snowball across LinkedIn.
In fact, employee advocacy and personal branding has proven to be highly effective for both individuals and organizations.
LinkedIn reports that individuals who share content within organizations see 600% more profile views and grow their networks 3x faster!
3. Join and participate in LinkedIn groups
Groups on LinkedIn aren’t just for lurking—they’re for connecting with like-minded professionals and networking for potential opportunities.
To find these groups, simply use LinkedIn’s search bar with keywords related to your industry or check out the “Groups” tab on the profiles of people in your network. You can also find relevant LinkedIn groups through forums like Reddit and Quora.
Join groups that align with your industry or interests and participate actively.
💡Here’s a pro tip: when you share a group with someone, LinkedIn lets you send them a personalized message even if you’re not directly connected.
Use this to your advantage!
Drop a friendly note introducing yourself or commenting on a recent group discussion. It’s a low-pressure way to start conversations and grow your network organically.
4. Cross-promote on other social networks
Why limit your content to LinkedIn when you can leverage your audience on other platforms?
Share snippets or teasers of your LinkedIn posts on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, with a call-to-action to “Join the conversation on LinkedIn.”
You can even add your LinkedIn URL to your social media bios or email signatures.
Cross-promotion gives you the chance to funnel followers from other networks to LinkedIn, helping you build a diverse and engaged following.
And don’t forget—you can highlight key LinkedIn posts in your Instagram Stories or Facebook updates to attract even more eyeballs.
Take the stress out of LinkedIn growth using Socialsonic
Growing your LinkedIn followers takes time, but with the right strategies, it’s more than achievable.
By optimizing your profile, crafting content that resonates, and leveraging LinkedIn’s unique features, you’ll build a following that not only grows in numbers but engages in meaningful ways.
And remember, consistency is key.
Fortunately, Socialsonic can help you with content automation.
From analyzing top-performing industry posts to creating content that grabs attention, Socialsonic does all the heavy building, so you can focus on building your brand.
See your LinkedIn following take off with Socialsonic today!
Frequently asked questions
1. How can I increase engagement on my LinkedIn posts quickly?
Engage your audience by asking questions, sparking discussions, and using polls. Posts with images and videos tend to perform better in terms of comments and shares.
If you’re struggling with consistency, consider using Socialsonic to automate your posting schedule and ensure you’re showing up in front of your audience when they’re most active.
2. What types of content perform best on LinkedIn?
Visual content like images and videos generally receive more engagement.
Infographics, polls, and carousels also tend to attract attention. However, it’s essential to track your content’s performance using LinkedIn Analytics to see what works best for your specific audience.
3. How many followers on LinkedIn is good for visibility?
The ideal number of followers on LinkedIn varies depending on your goals and industry.
Research suggests that having at least 500 followers is a good benchmark because LinkedIn displays “500+ followers” on profiles, indicating a strong, established presence.
For professionals, reaching 1,000–5,000 followers can significantly boost visibility and networking opportunities.
But if you’re a business owner, content creator, or thought leader, aiming for 5,000–10,000 followers or more can enhance credibility and influence.
But keep in mind a high LinkedIn follower count isn’t the most important thing. Having an engaged, relevant audience is key.
LinkedIn’s algorithm favors meaningful interactions, so focusing on quality connections and engagement will have a more positive impact than just amassing large numbers.
