How Do You Get Followers on LinkedIn: how do you get followers on linkedin

Growing your LinkedIn following starts with a simple but crucial truth: your profile isn't just a resume. It’s the landing page for your personal brand. Before you even think about posting content, you need to turn your profile into a magnet for the right kind of people. This first step is non-negotiable; it's how you signal to both the LinkedIn algorithm and your future followers that you're someone worth listening to.

Build Your Foundation: An Optimized LinkedIn Profile

Think of your profile as your digital storefront. If it's messy, incomplete, or doesn't immediately tell visitors what you're about, they won't stick around. The goal here is to make a powerful first impression that instantly communicates who you are, what you do, and why someone should pay attention to your work.

An optimized profile does the heavy lifting for you. When someone stumbles upon your comment on a post or sees your content in their feed, their first instinct is to click on your name. What they find in the next five seconds will determine whether they hit "Follow" or move on.

Craft a Headline That Stops the Scroll

Your headline is the most valuable piece of real estate on your entire profile. It follows you everywhere—next to your name in comments, in connection requests, and in search results. A generic title like "Marketing Manager at Company X" is a massive missed opportunity.

Instead, your headline needs to be a mini-pitch. It should scream your value proposition. A much better approach is something like: "Marketing Manager | Driving B2B Growth with Content & SEO | Helping SaaS Startups Scale." This version isn't just a title; it includes searchable keywords and clearly explains the results you deliver.

Tell Your Story in the About Section

So many people leave their 'About' section blank or just paste in a dry, third-person bio. This is your space to connect with your audience on a human level. Ditch the corporate jargon, write in the first person, and tell a story about your mission, your expertise, and the problems you live to solve.

Break it down for easy reading:

• The Hook: Start with a punchy opening sentence that grabs attention.
• Your Value: Clearly state who you help and how you do it.
• Credibility: Weave in key achievements or experiences that build trust.
• Call to Action: End with a clear invitation, like asking them to follow you for insights on a specific topic.

Your LinkedIn profile isn't just a record of your past; it's a declaration of your future. Every section should be strategically crafted to attract the audience you want to build and the opportunities you want to create.

Learning to frame your professional narrative is a powerful skill. For more on this, you can explore our detailed guide on how to build a personal brand, which provides frameworks for defining and communicating your unique value.

Use the Featured Section as Your Portfolio

The 'Featured' section is prime real estate, sitting right at the top of your profile. It’s your chance to show, not just tell. Don't waste it by linking to your company's generic homepage.

Instead, showcase specific assets that prove your expertise:

• Pin your most popular LinkedIn article or a high-engagement post.
• Showcase a powerful case study or client testimonial.
• Link to a recent podcast appearance or webinar you hosted.
• Offer a free resource, like an ebook, checklist, or template.

This section provides tangible proof of your skills and gives potential followers a concrete reason to trust your insights. By putting in the work here, you transform a static profile into an active hub for your professional identity, making that "Follow" button an easy click for anyone who visits.

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Your LinkedIn Profile Optimization Checklist

Use this quick reference to ensure every part of your profile is optimized to attract your ideal followers before you create a single post.

By checking off every item on this list, you're setting a powerful foundation that makes follower growth not just possible, but inevitable.

Create Content That Actually Attracts Followers

With a sharp-looking profile in place, your content is what will really drive follower growth. But just posting for the sake of it won't move the needle. The real magic happens when you create content that gives genuine value, sparks conversation, and cements you as an expert. Every post needs a purpose.

The most effective content strategies I've seen are built on a simple premise: solve one problem for one specific type of person. When you try to be everything to everyone, your message gets watered down and connects with no one. Focus is your friend. It makes it instantly clear why someone should hit that "Follow" button.

Define Your Core Content Pillars

Before you even think about writing, you need to map out your content pillars. These are the 2-4 core topics you’ll talk about, time and time again. The sweet spot for these pillars is where your expertise, your audience's biggest challenges, and your own professional goals all meet.

Ask yourself: what do I want to be known for? If someone described your professional brand, what would they say? Your content pillars are the foundation of that reputation.

For a marketing consultant, this might look like:

• B2B Lead Generation
• Content Strategy for SaaS
• SEO & Organic Growth

A career coach might zero in on:

• Interview Preparation
• Salary Negotiation
• Leadership Development

Having clear pillars makes coming up with ideas a hundred times easier and tells your audience exactly what they can expect from you. That kind of consistency is how you attract followers who are actually interested in what you have to say.

Master High-Performing Content Formats

Not all content formats are created equal on LinkedIn. To grab attention in a crowded feed, you need to mix up your approach and understand what's working right now. While your message is king, the way you package it is just as important.

Your mission is to solve a single problem. Your post is one specific solution to that problem, packaged in the right format to grab attention and deliver value instantly.

Text-Only Posts with a Strong Hook Don't underestimate the power of a short, punchy text post. The secret is a scroll-stopping first line. Open with a controversial opinion, a thought-provoking question, or the beginning of a great story. Then, use short sentences and plenty of white space to make it easy to read on a phone.

Visually Compelling Carousels Carousels (which show up as "document posts") are fantastic for teaching. They let you break down complex ideas into simple, digestible slides. Think of them as mini-presentations that deliver a quick win for your audience.

You can use a simple design tool to create on-brand carousels that blend text with clean graphics. Just make sure you have a strong title on the first slide and a clear call-to-action on the last to get people engaging and sharing. For more in-depth advice, check out our guide on content creation best practices.

The Power of Short-Form Video Video isn't just an option anymore; it's a must for growth. The data is clear: video is now the highest-performing format on the platform, and it's not even close. Video posts are seeing a 5.60% average engagement rate, which is a massive 40% jump year-over-year. That tells you everything you need to know about where user attention is heading.

You don't need a production crew. A simple video shot on your phone where you share a quick tip or a personal insight can do incredibly well. Just focus on decent lighting, clear audio, and getting straight to the point in the first few seconds.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Post

No matter the format, every great LinkedIn post follows a similar blueprint designed to hook people in and get them talking. If you can master this structure, your results will improve dramatically.

1. The Hook (First 1-2 Lines): This is everything. It has to be powerful enough to stop the scroll. Start with a bold claim, a relatable problem, or a surprising statistic.
2. The Body (The Value): Here's where you deliver on the hook's promise. Tell your story, share your tips, or explain your idea. Keep paragraphs to just 1-2 sentences and use bullet points or lists to make it scannable.
3. The CTA (The Ask): Always end with a clear Call to Engagement. Ask a specific question to get the comments flowing. Instead of a generic "What do you think?" try something like, "What's one marketing mistake you've learned from?"

Let's break it down with an example from a financial advisor:

This structure turns a simple thought into a compelling post that begs for interaction. To keep your feed fresh and valuable, it helps to continually explore powerful content generation ideas that speak directly to the people you want to attract.

Master the Art of Consistent Posting

If your content is the engine driving your follower growth, then consistency is the fuel. It's that simple. Posting sporadically is one of the fastest ways to stall out and become just another forgotten face in a crowded feed.

A steady posting rhythm does two things: it signals to the LinkedIn algorithm that you're a serious contributor, and it tells your audience you’re a reliable source of value. Think of it like a weekly TV show you love. You expect it to air at a certain time. If it just appeared randomly, you’d eventually stop looking for it. Your LinkedIn presence works the same way.

This isn’t about spamming your network every single day. It’s about creating a sustainable cadence you can actually stick with long-term. For most of us, the goal is to become a familiar, trusted voice, not an overwhelming one.

Find Your Sustainable Posting Rhythm

So, what's the magic number? While every industry is a bit different, the data paints a pretty clear picture. Sticking to a weekly schedule can land you 5.6 times more followers and grow your audience 7 times faster than posting just once a month.

That difference is huge. It shows that a steady drumbeat is far more powerful than occasional, loud bursts of activity. The real trick is to find a rhythm that feels manageable and keeps you from burning out.

For most professionals, a great place to start is:

• 3 times per week: This seems to be the sweet spot for many. It keeps you visible and top-of-mind without demanding a ton of content creation.
• 1-2 times per week: Just starting out or have a packed schedule? This is a perfectly effective cadence. Remember, consistency beats intensity every time.

The key is to pick a frequency you can realistically maintain for months, not just a week. That’s how you build a library of valuable content that works for you around the clock, attracting followers long after you hit "post."

Build a Simple Content Calendar

A content calendar is your secret weapon against inconsistency and the dreaded "what do I post today?" panic. It doesn’t have to be some complex, multi-tabbed monstrosity, either. Often, the simplest systems work best.

You can use a basic tool like Trello, Google Calendar, or even just a simple document. The goal is to plan your topics at least a week or two ahead. This instantly removes the daily pressure and allows you to be much more strategic with what you share.

Here’s a simple way to structure your calendar:

1. Posting Day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
2. Content Pillar: Which of your core topics does this fit?
3. Post Idea/Hook: Jot down the main idea or the scroll-stopping first line.
4. Format: Will it be text-only, a carousel, a video, or a poll?
5. Status: 'Idea,' 'Drafting,' or 'Scheduled.'

A content calendar transforms your LinkedIn efforts from a reactive, stressful task into a proactive, manageable system. It's the operational backbone of a successful growth strategy.

When you plan ahead, you create better content that actually aligns with your goals. Once you figure out how often you should post on LinkedIn for your specific situation, you can build a calendar that makes it happen without the stress. This systematic approach is how you show up for your audience consistently, building the authority and trust that turns viewers into loyal followers.

Engage Strategically to Expand Your Network

Putting out great content is only half the battle. If you just post and walk away, you’re missing the entire point of the platform. LinkedIn isn't a billboard; it’s a living, breathing professional community. To really kickstart your growth, you need to shift your mindset from being a broadcaster to being an active participant.

This means a good chunk of your time on LinkedIn should be spent interacting with other people. I live by the 80/20 rule of engagement: I spend 80% of my time commenting, connecting, and jumping into conversations, and only 20% on my own content. This is the secret to getting in front of people who have no idea you exist yet.

Leave Comments That Add Real Value

Want the fastest way to get noticed by big names in your industry? It’s not by posting into the void. It’s by leaving thoughtful, insightful comments on their posts. A quick "great post!" is completely invisible and a waste of your time. Your goal is to add to the conversation in a way that makes people stop scrolling and think, "Who is this person?"

Think of a value-add comment as a mini-post. It needs to be sharp, well-written, and showcase your expertise without being a blatant sales pitch. This tactic is so effective because you're essentially borrowing the reach of an established creator. When you drop a fantastic comment on a post with 50,000 views, a slice of that massive audience sees your name and your smarts.

Here's how to craft a comment that actually stands out:

• Share a related insight. Add a unique perspective that builds on what the original post said.
• Ask a smart question. This can deepen the conversation and often gets a response from the author.
• Tell a mini-story. Briefly share a relevant personal experience that reinforces the post’s point.
• Politely offer a counter-argument. A well-reasoned, respectful disagreement can ignite a fascinating debate.

Let’s say a marketing guru posts about the decline of organic reach. Instead of just agreeing, you could comment: "This is spot on. We saw a 15% drop last quarter but found that shifting our focus to carousel posts helped us claw back about half of that. Has anyone else found a specific format that's bucking the trend?" That single comment adds data, offers a solution, and asks a question—it’s a triple threat.

Participate in Relevant LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups can feel like the forgotten corner of the platform, but the right ones are absolute goldmines for targeted networking. Forget the huge, spam-filled groups. You want to find smaller, niche communities where people are actually talking to each other. Look for active groups focused on your specific industry, role, or one of your core content pillars.

Once you’re in, the worst thing you can do is start dropping links to your own stuff. That’s a one-way ticket to being ignored or even kicked out. Instead, your play is to become one of the most helpful people in the room.

• Answer questions other members are asking.
• Share useful third-party articles or tools.
• Start your own thoughtful discussions with open-ended questions.

When you consistently provide value, you build a reputation as a go-to expert. People will naturally get curious, check out your profile, and hit that follow button.

Strategic engagement is really about giving before you ask. By generously sharing your expertise in comments and groups, you build the social capital and visibility that draws followers to you organically.

Connect With Intention

While getting more followers is the end goal, don’t forget that building a strong network of first-degree connections is a huge part of the puzzle. Every new connection you make potentially exposes you to their entire network. But sending out hundreds of generic connection requests is just noise. Quality crushes quantity here, every single time.

Zero in on connecting with people who are active in your space—people who comment on the same posts as you, authors you admire, and professionals who fit your target audience. And please, always personalize your connection request.

Weak, generic request: "I’d like to connect with you on LinkedIn."

Strong, personalized request: "Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed your recent post on B2B content strategy, especially your point about repurposing webinars. I'm also focused on this space and would love to connect and follow your work."

This small bit of effort shows you’ve actually paid attention and gives a genuine reason for reaching out. It turns a cold ask into a warm introduction, which will skyrocket your acceptance rate and start a real professional relationship.

Use Analytics to Refine Your Growth Strategy

Look, creating content and engaging is half the battle. But if you’re not looking at the data, you’re essentially flying blind. You can't improve what you don't measure. The only way to sustainably grow your follower count is to get comfortable with your analytics and figure out what’s working, what’s flopping, and—most importantly—why.

This isn't about getting lost in a sea of spreadsheets. It’s about creating a simple feedback loop that makes every post you publish smarter than the last. Analytics turn your growth from a guessing game into a repeatable, data-backed process.

Know Which Numbers Actually Matter

When you first open your LinkedIn analytics, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Don't be. For follower growth, you only need to laser-focus on a handful of key metrics that truly tell the story of your content.

Here’s what you should be watching:

• Impressions: This is simply the total number of times your post was shown in someone's feed. Think of it as your content's initial reach.
• Engagement Rate: This one is gold. It’s the percentage of people who saw your post and actually did something—reacted, commented, or shared. A high engagement rate is a massive signal to the LinkedIn algorithm that your content is valuable, which leads to more reach and, you guessed it, more followers.
• Follower Demographics: Take a peek at who you're actually attracting. Are their job titles, industries, and locations lining up with your ideal audience? If not, you may need to tweak your content.
• New Followers from Post: LinkedIn now tells you exactly how many new followers a specific post brought in. It doesn't get more direct than that.

Keeping a close eye on these numbers is how you start growing with intention, not by accident. You'll quickly see patterns emerge, giving you a clear roadmap of what your audience genuinely wants from you.

Deconstruct Your Top-Performing Posts

Make this a weekly habit: take just five minutes to find your best-performing post from the past week. But don't just glance at the numbers and move on. Put on your detective hat and figure out why it succeeded. This is the most valuable research you can do for your content strategy.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. What was the hook? How did that first line grab attention? Was it a bold take, a relatable story, or a question they couldn't ignore?
2. What was the format? Was it a simple text post? A video? Maybe a poll or a carousel? Different formats work better for different topics and audiences.
3. What was the core topic? Did you share a personal story, a tactical how-to, an industry insight, or a strong opinion?
4. What was the call-to-action (CTA)? How did you nudge people to engage? Did you ask a simple, specific question at the end?

By breaking down your wins, you’re basically creating a blueprint for what to create next. If you find that your posts about personal career mistakes consistently get massive engagement, that's a glaring signal from your audience to lean into that type of content more often.

The goal isn't to perfectly copy a viral post. It's to understand the principles behind why it connected with people and apply those principles to your future content. That’s how you build a sustainable system for success.

Use Insights to Double Down on What Works

Analytics are completely useless if you don't act on them. The final, most crucial step is to take what you’ve learned and make real adjustments to what you're posting. This is the iterative process that separates accounts that plateau from those that see exponential growth.

If your data shows that carousels breaking down a complex process perform incredibly well, it’s time to schedule more of them. If you notice your audience is mostly C-suite executives, you should probably adjust your tone and topics to speak directly to their unique challenges.

This data-informed approach ensures you're not just throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks. You post, you measure, you learn, and you optimize. This simple cycle is the most reliable, long-term answer to the question of how do you get followers on LinkedIn.

Got Questions About Growing on LinkedIn?

If you're trying to grow your LinkedIn presence, you've probably got questions. It's a common feeling. Let's cut through the noise and tackle some of the most frequent sticking points I see professionals run into. Getting these right can be the difference between spinning your wheels and gaining real traction.

How Long Does It Really Take to Grow a Following?

I'll be straight with you: this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you're looking for overnight success, you're on the wrong platform. For most people who are consistently posting and engaging, you’ll start to see real, noticeable momentum within 3 to 6 months. This isn't about a single post going viral; it's the compounding effect of showing up day after day.

That first climb to 1,000 followers? It’s almost always the hardest part. You're essentially building your reputation from scratch and teaching the algorithm who your content is for. But once you get past that point, growth tends to pick up speed. Your content has more social proof, and LinkedIn gets better at showing it to the right people.

Should I Focus on My Personal Profile or a Company Page?

This is a big one, and the answer is almost always the same. For founders, experts, and anyone building a personal brand, your personal profile is your powerhouse. It's not even close. People want to connect with other people, not with logos. The LinkedIn algorithm reflects this reality, giving content from personal profiles way more organic reach in the feed.

Your Company Page is still important—it’s your brand’s official home base and where you run ads. But don't make it the star of your growth strategy. Let the personal brands of your key team members drive the conversation and build the community.

Here's how I think about it: Your personal profile is the engaging conversation happening in the middle of the room. The Company Page is the banner on the wall. Both have a purpose, but only one is actively building relationships and drawing people in.

How Many Hashtags Should I Actually Use?

Hashtags still matter for getting discovered on LinkedIn, but piling them on is a mistake. The sweet spot is 3 to 5 super-relevant hashtags for each post. Any more than that and you risk looking spammy, which can actually hurt your post's performance.

The key is to be strategic. Ditch the generic, massive tags like #business or #success. They're too broad to do you any good. Instead, aim for a smart mix.

Let's say you're posting about AI in marketing. A great combination would be:

• #AIMarketing (Niche and specific to your topic)
• #ContentStrategy (Connects with a broader professional community)
• #B2BMarketing (Targets your specific industry)

This kind of thoughtful approach helps your content land in front of the people who will actually find it valuable—the ones most likely to hit "follow." It's these small, intentional details that make a huge difference in the long run.

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