LinkedIn Followers vs Connections: What's the Difference
If you're a creator, it's important to know how followers and connections work.
Let's break down what the difference is, and a small tip at the end!
Getting to know LinkedIn's networking tools
Connections are like friends where you both agree to connect, while followers are people who see your posts without needing to connect. Many think having more connections means more visibility, but followers can help spread your content far and wide. LinkedIn is for building your professional brand and network. With new tools, creators can now see who their audience is and how they engage.
Note: LinkedIn added features to sort followers by things like industry or interests. This helps you make content that fits your audience better, leading to more likes and comments.
What are LinkedIn connections?
Connections on LinkedIn are like mutual friendships where you both can see each other's updates. To make good connections, personalize your requests by saying how you know the person or why you want to connect. Here are some tips:
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Do:
- Personalize your connection requests
- Interact with your connections' posts
- Use the 'People You May Know' feature
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Don't:
- Send generic requests
- Spam connections with messages
- Connect with people you have nothing in common with
Connections often engage with personal updates, creating a supportive community.
What are LinkedIn followers?
Followers on LinkedIn can see your public posts without needing to connect with you. To get more followers, share interesting content and add a "Follow" button to your profile. Here are some tips:
Share valuable content regularly and reply to comments on your posts. Followers like content that shows expertise and industry insights. Don't post unrelated content or post too much, which can annoy followers.
Note: In 2024, LinkedIn's algorithm now favors creators who engage with their followers. Just having many followers isn't enough. You need to interact with them to boost your visibility and build stronger relationships.
Key differences between followers and connections
The big difference is that connections are mutual, while followers are one-way. Connections see more personal updates, while followers help spread your content. Your network is your worth, but followers are your voice. LinkedIn now values engagement from followers more, helping popular posts reach more people.
Benefits of building connections
Having strong connections can lead to opportunities and boost your personal brand. To grow your connections, join industry groups, personalize requests, and stay active. Here are some tips:
- Attend LinkedIn events
- Share industry news
- Congratulate connections on achievements
- Don't ignore requests from peers
- Avoid sending too many requests at once
Ryan Holmes, the founder of Hootsuite, used his LinkedIn connections to create a strong network in the tech world. By sharing his thoughts on social media trends and entrepreneurship, he has connected with industry leaders and started important discussions.
Having a strong network leads to more business opportunities, and Ryan's story is a great example of this.
Advantages of growing your follower base
A big follower base can spread your influence and turn followers into connections or clients. To get more followers, share valuable content, use hashtags, and engage with others. Here are some tips:
- Post regularly
- Use videos and infographics
- Respond to comments
- Collaborate with other creators
- Don't ignore feedback
- Avoid promoting yourself too much
Ankur Warikoo, an entrepreneur and former CEO of Nearbuy, has increased his LinkedIn followers by sharing honest insights about the tech and startup scene. His posts about entrepreneurship and personal growth have struck a chord with many people, making his LinkedIn profile with over 2 million followers a powerful tool for influence.
Strategies for balancing followers and connections
When to connect and when to encourage following? Here are some strategies:
- Share public posts to get followers
- Don't focus only on connections. Engage with both followers and connections
- Encourage connections to follow your updates
Knowing the difference between followers and connections is important for LinkedIn creators. Using both can help you grow.
A tip for beginner creators
Rising Creators is a great resource for new LinkedIn creators. By connecting with others, commenting, and liking their posts, you can build real connections. This not only increases your followers but also boosts your visibility and engagement. For new creators, this means more chances to show your skills, grow your network, and build your professional brand.
