How to Use LinkedIn

How to use LinkedIn effectively

Just a couple of hours on LinkedIn per week is enough to get the ball rolling and see real results. When used effectively, LinkedIn becomes your secret weapon for making sales connections that convert, discovering your next great hire before competitors do, landing that dream job without endless applications, or establishing yourself as a go-to thought leader in your industry.

And the best part? Your LinkedIn investment compounds over time - the connections, content, and credibility you build today continue working for you long after you've logged off.

But enough small talk. Grab your digital business cards and polish those profile pics, it's time to dive headfirst into how to use LinkedIn.

How to use LinkedIn: the quick start guide

1. Build a strong foundation

Let’s dive in with the basics. You’ll need:

• A complete profile (like, really complete) - LinkedIn profiles with photos receive 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests. Add a professional headshot (no awkward crops where your friend’s shoulder is clearly in view) and a background image that represents your brand.
• A headline that turns heads (or eyeballs) - Ditch the boring job title. Instead of "Marketing Manager," try "Marketing Strategist Helping B2B Tech Companies Boost Revenue by 30%+." Your headline should answer "How do I help people?" not just "What's my job?"
• Make your about section more of a story than a resume - Your About section is prime real estate. Open with a hook about the problems you solve, share your unique approach, and end with a clear call-to-action. Write in first person to make it a bit more personal.
• Connect strategically - Quality trumps quantity. Start with colleagues, classmates, and industry peers. Then branch out to thought leaders, potential clients, and others in your target audience (more on this later). Connection requests with no note tend to perform better than personalized requests.
• Showcase your greatest hits - Feature your best work, publications, certifications, and projects in the Featured section. This is your professional highlight reel, so make it count. We all have stuff to show off about so if you’re too humble to think of anything, ask friends, family, and colleagues.
• Keywords are key - Sprinkle relevant industry terms throughout your profile to boost your visibility in LinkedIn searches. Think about what your ideal connection would search for to find someone like you.
• Request recommendations - Social proof speaks volumes. Reach out to colleagues who can speak about specific skills or accomplishments, and offer to write one for them in return.

2. Grow your network

Ready to expand your LinkedIn universe beyond your immediate professional circle? Here's how to do it strategically:

Set clear networking goals

Define who you want to connect with and why. Are you targeting potential clients, industry mentors, or hiring managers? Knowing your "why" makes your outreach more focused and effective.

Don’t include a personalized connection request

Ditch the default "I'd like to add you to my network" message. They tend to get you worse results than writing nothing at all.

Follow before connecting

For high-profile individuals, follow them first and meaningfully engage with their content before sending a connection request. This warms up the relationship and increases your acceptance odds. Remember, some high-profile individuals may have reached the limit of 30,000 connections, so commenting on their content and following them is the best way to build a relationship.
P.S. Want to create a commenting strategy where you don't miss the important people to the algorithm? Lime can help with that. Read more about Lime’s follow up schedules here.

Utilize the "People You May Know" feature

LinkedIn's algorithm is pretty good at suggesting relevant connections. Check this section weekly for potential additions to your network.

Attend virtual events

LinkedIn Events provide perfect opportunities to meet like-minded people. Participate actively in the chat, follow up with speakers, and connect with fellow attendees.

Create a weekly connection ritual

One of the best ways to understand how to use LinkedIn is to block 20 minutes each week to send 5-10 personalized connection requests. Consistency beats sporadic networking marathons.

Don't forget the offline-online bridge

After meeting someone at a conference or business event, connect on LinkedIn within 48 hours while you're still fresh in their mind.

3. Discover potential clients, employers, and employees already in your network

LinkedIn’s premium tools are a brilliant way to create lists of leads. But there’s already a goldmine of opportunities within your network. Most of us already have hundreds or even thousands of connections - all you need to know if how to sift through them effectively:

Use LinkedIn’s advanced search filters

LinkedIn's search capabilities let you filter by company, job title, location, and more. Looking for marketing directors at tech companies in Boston? A few clicks will reveal who you already know. This works better for some searches than others. If you prefer to search by job title more broadly, check out Lime’s search function for your LinkedIn contacts.

Manage your relationships

Lime takes LinkedIn networking to the next level by allowing you to tag valuable connections (potential clients, hiring managers, industry experts) for easy reference. No more scrolling endlessly to find that perfect contact you met months ago. Find out more about tagging contacts.

Follow up strategically

Instead of allowing the algorithm to choose who you follow up with, be more strategic in who you want to build a relationship with. With Lime, you can schedule specific follow-up dates with high-value connections. Whether it's commenting on someone’s content every week, checking in with a potential client quarterly, or touching base with a dream employer every six months, you'll never miss an opportunity to nurture important relationships. Find out more about following up with Lime.

Explore second-degree connections

Look at who your connections know. These second-degree connections can be goldmines, especially when your existing contact can provide a warm introduction. To find them, visit a relevant profile, and click ‘Connections’ - you’ll get a list of all of their connections which you can then search through.

Track key prospects’ career movements

Pay attention to job change notifications. These transitions often signal perfect times to reconnect - whether to congratulate a connection, explore opportunities at their new company, or fill positions they've vacated. LinkedIn Sales Navigator does a great job of helping you do this.

Keep track of engagements on your own content

Notice who consistently engages with your content. These engaged connections are often your warmest leads for potential collaboration, employment, or recruitment.

Make the most of the "People Also Viewed" sidebar

When you’re looking for people similar to your target audience, check this section to discover professionals you may have overlooked in your network.

Create custom lists

Organize your network into meaningful segments using Lime's tagging system. This allows for targeted outreach when you're specifically looking for new clients, job opportunities, or talent to recruit.

4. Build relationships with your network

Connecting is just the first step when it comes to how to use LinkedIn effectively. The magic happens when you transform those connections into meaningful professional relationships:

Engage authentically, not algorithmically

Don't just like posts; add thoughtful comments that demonstrate your expertise, or ask insightful questions. Quality engagement trumps quantity every time (we’re talking to you, LinkedIn pod users).

Celebrate others' wins

When connections share promotions, new jobs, or accomplishments, be among the first to congratulate them. These moments of professional transition are perfect for rekindling relationships. They’re also often the only time you have to

Share relevant resources

Spotted an article that would help a connection? Send it with a personalized note explaining why you thought of them. These small acts of value-giving build goodwill, and make DMing a lot less awkward.

Send DMs

Along with sales posts, DMs are one of the most difficult but effective parts of LinkedIn. Not everyone posts content, so to build a relationship with them, you do need to send DMs. Keep initial messages brief, specific, and focused on providing value, not asking for favors. "Loved your post about marketing automation. I've used a similar approach with an interesting twist that boosted our results by 25%. Happy to share more if you're interested!"

Master the art of the check-in

Periodic, non-sales-y messages keep relationships warm. "I noticed your company launched a new product line. How's the rollout going?" shows you're paying attention without asking for anything.

Become a connector

Introducing two connections who could benefit from knowing each other positions you as a valuable network hub. Always get permission first, then make the introduction with clear context.

Schedule virtual coffee chats

For high-priority relationships, suggest 15-30 minute video calls to discuss shared interests or challenges. These deeper conversations build stronger bonds than text-based exchanges.

Remember personal details

Note important information about your connections (industry challenges, professional goals, even hobbies) to reference in future interactions. This personal touch shows genuine interest. This kind of important detail can be hard to keep track of on LinkedIn, but it’s 101 when it comes to how to use LinkedIn effectively. Instead of messy spreadsheets, try using Lime for 14 days for free and see just how useful it is.

Balance give and take

Aim to provide value at least three times before asking for any favors. The most valuable networkers are known for their generosity, not their requests.

Don’t forget to ask

It’s all well and good being brilliant at connecting with people and building relationships. But you need to ask for something if you want to make sales, find great employees, or find a job. Try asking for advice, introductions, or simply make a short but helpful pitch.

5. Post your own content

Sharing valuable content is your ticket to LinkedIn visibility and credibility. Here's how to create a content strategy that builds your brand and drives results:

Follow the 3-5-1 rule

For every 3-5 educational, personal or value-adding posts, add in 1 sales post. This ratio ensures people know they can buy from you without feeling constantly sold to. Remember: if you never mention your offerings, people will appreciate your insights but may only see you as a friendly educator, not a potential solution provider.

Test, test, test

Adopting a testing mindset is a lifesaver when it comes to creating content on LinkedIn. Firstly, if your post doesn’t do as well as you’d hoped - no harm done, you’ve just learnt a lesson. Secondly, if you never experiment, you’ll never grow and learn. Try an educational post with a sales message at the end. Try educational with a side of personal. Add in links - although impressions are lower, does that mean overall clicks to your website, and therefore sales, are lower?

Mix up your LinkedIn content types

Blend educational posts (industry insights, how-tos), personal stories (professional wins, lessons learned), and engagement posts (thoughtful questions, polls) with occasional promotional content about your services or products. Try videos, pdfs, images, even dreaded selfies to see what works and help your audience get to know you.

Mine client calls for content gold

What questions do clients repeatedly ask during calls? Each one is a potential post. If selling isn’t in your job role, address common questions about your industry. These Q&A-style posts demonstrate your expertise while providing genuine value.

Document, don't create

Struggling to generate ideas? Simply document your professional journey. That includes challenges you're solving, resources you're using, or insights from projects you're working on. This approach feels more authentic and requires less creative energy.

Embrace the "low views" phase

If your post gets minimal engagement, remember: hardly anyone saw it! Building a LinkedIn audience takes time. Even the platform's biggest creators started with posts that got crickets. Consistency eventually breaks through the algorithm.
Quick tip - to get more views on your post, try commenting on 5-6 posts before yours goes out and 5-6 afterwards.

Don't chase vanity metrics

Many LinkedIn "gurus" use engagement pods or other artificial tactics to boost their numbers. These inflated metrics rarely translate to actual business results. Focus on connecting with your ideal audience, even if it's smaller.

Use native video and carousels (now PDFs)

LinkedIn's algorithm favors these formats. A simple selfie video sharing your take on an industry trend often outperforms text-only posts. If you prefer writing text posts, try posting a selfie along with it. It gets less embarrassing over time!

Find your posting rhythm

Quality trumps quantity. Whether it's once a week or three times weekly, consistent posting at the same times and days helps your audience recognize your pattern and gradually increases your reach.

Comment to boost your content

Comment on 5-6 posts before yours goes out, and 5-6 afterwards. Also remember to reply to comments on your own posts - if people take the time to leave you a comment, it’s only polite to reply. It also helps to boost your impressions.

How to use LinkedIn for business

LinkedIn isn't just a jobs site - it’s a powerful platform for businesses to build brand awareness, generate quality leads, and establish industry authority. Here's how to use LinkedIn for business:

Create a (compelling) company page

Your company page is your business's LinkedIn home base. Complete every section, including a compelling "About" that communicates your value proposition. Use keywords your target audience searches for, and showcase your brand personality through consistent visual elements.

Activate your employee advocates

Encourage team members to list your company in their profiles and share company content. Employee posts typically receive 8 times higher engagement than brand posts alone. Consider creating a simple sharing schedule so employees know what and when to post.

Show off your culture

As well as your services and products, highlight your company culture through behind-the-scenes content, employee spotlights, and values-driven posts. Today's customers and potential hires want to connect with businesses that stand for something.

Use your personal profiles

If you’re a business owner, the best way to use LinkedIn for business is to create a personal brand people like and engage with. We recommend putting 80% of your efforts into personal profiles and 20% into the company page. For more advice, check out our LinkedIn training.

Make the most of LinkedIn analytics

Dig into your page analytics to discover which content resonates with your audience. Track metrics like engagement rate, click-through rate, and follower demographics to refine your strategy over time.

Publish thought leadership

Use those personal profiles and position your company executives as industry experts by publishing long-form articles addressing industry challenges, trends, or innovative approaches. These articles elevate your brand's authority while providing valuable SEO benefits.

Invest in LinkedIn ads

With the platform's unparalleled professional targeting capabilities, LinkedIn ads can put your business in front of the right decision-makers. Start with a small budget testing Sponsored Content (choose the pieces that have performed the best for your KPIs i.e. website visits) before expanding to other ad formats.

Host virtual events

Use LinkedIn events to host webinars, product demonstrations, or industry roundtables. These events generate leads while establishing your business as a connector within your industry.

Create a LinkedIn content calendar

Plan your LinkedIn content mix to include company news, industry insights, customer success stories, and occasional promotional content. A planned approach prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures consistent presence.

Engage in strategic social listening

Follow competitors, industry news, and relevant LinkedIn groups to spot trends, identify unmet needs, and discover collaboration opportunities before they become mainstream.

Build a Sales Navigator strategy

For B2B businesses, Sales Navigator's advanced search and lead recommendations can transform your prospecting process, helping your sales team identify and connect with decision-makers at target accounts.

How to use LinkedIn to search for jobs

LinkedIn is so much more than a jobs site now. But if you are looking for your next role, here’s how to use LinkedIn to search for jobs:

Optimize before you apply

Before diving into job hunting, ensure your profile is fully optimized with keywords relevant to your target roles. Recruiters search for specific skills and experiences, so make yours easy to find.

Activate the "Open to Work" feature

Toggle this setting on to signal to recruiters you're available. You can choose whether all LinkedIn users or only recruiters can see this status, protecting your privacy if you're currently employed.

Set up job alerts

Create specific job alerts with targeted keywords, locations, and company sizes. LinkedIn will deliver matching opportunities directly to your inbox, allowing you to be among the first applicants.

Go beyond the job post

Found an interesting role? Research the hiring manager and company employees. A personalized connection request that mentions the position shows initiative and helps you stand out from applicants using the "Easy Apply" button.

Leverage your existing network

Check who in your network works at your target companies. A warm introduction or internal referral dramatically increases your chances of getting an interview - some studies suggest by up to 10 times!

Send strategic InMails

If you have Premium, use InMail credits wisely by reaching out to hiring managers (not just HR).

Don't ghost after applying

The application isn't the end - it's the beginning. Follow up with thoughtful comments on the recruiter's or hiring manager's LinkedIn posts to stay visible throughout the hiring process.

How to get value out of LinkedIn

The true value of LinkedIn emerges when you shift from passive scrolling to strategic engagement with a clear purpose in mind.

Start by defining exactly what "value" means for your specific situation - whether that's generating sales leads, finding your next career move, building thought leadership, or expanding your professional network. This clarity prevents the platform from becoming a time-consuming distraction and transforms it into a focused tool for achieving tangible professional outcomes.

Schedule dedicated LinkedIn sessions (15-30 minutes, 2-3 times weekly) where you alternate between creating valuable content, engaging meaningfully with others' posts, and directly connecting with high-priority contacts.

The platform's most successful users aren't necessarily those with the largest followings, but those who consistently nurture a smaller, highly relevant network through thoughtful engagement and periodic one-on-one conversations.

Always remember that LinkedIn's algorithm rewards quality over quantity. A thoughtful comment or personalized connection request will generate far more meaningful results than generic likes or connection spamming.

How to get value out of LinkedIn? By approaching it with intentionality rather than treating it as "just another social platform." You'll extract value that directly impacts your bottom line, whether that's measured in revenue, opportunities, or professional growth.

How to use LinkedIn like a pro

LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform to check off your digital presence list - it's a powerful engine for professional growth when you approach it strategically. By growing your network intentionally, discovering opportunities within your connections, nurturing relationships authentically, and sharing valuable content consistently, you're setting yourself up for lasting success.

Remember that LinkedIn rewards consistency over perfection. You don't need to master every feature overnight or accumulate thousands of connections by next week. Start with just a couple of hours weekly, focus on genuine interactions rather than viral metrics, and watch as your professional opportunities multiply.

The most successful LinkedIn users understand a fundamental truth: behind every profile picture, job title, and company logo is a real person with professional goals, challenges, and aspirations just like yours. Connect human-to-human, add value before you extract it, and you'll find that LinkedIn becomes less of a platform to manage and more of a community where your career can thrive.

Now go ahead - update that headline, send that thoughtful connection request, and share that insight you've been hesitating to post. Your next big opportunity might be just one LinkedIn interaction away.

And if you’re struggling with how to use LinkedIn - check out our LinkedIn training.