How to Get Followers on LinkedIn: Top Strategies to Grow Your Network

Before you can even think about racking up followers on LinkedIn, you need to give people a compelling reason to click that "Follow" button in the first place. Your profile is that reason. It's your digital handshake, the first impression you make.

Think of it as the storefront for your professional brand. If it’s messy, boring, or unclear, potential followers will just scroll on by. This is the foundation—get it right, and every piece of content you create will work ten times harder for you.

Your Headline Is More Than Just a Job Title

That little line of text under your name? That’s prime real estate. Wasting it on just your job title, like "Marketing Manager," is a huge missed opportunity.

Instead, frame it to scream value. A "Marketing Manager" can become a "Demand Generation Leader Driving B2B SaaS Growth." See the difference? One says what you are, the other says what you do for others. It instantly answers the silent question in every visitor's mind: "What's in it for me if I follow this person?"

Tell a Story in Your "About" Section

Your summary, or "About" section, is where you build on that initial promise. Please, don't just list your accomplishments like a robot. Tell a story.

Talk about your professional journey, the problems you get excited about solving, and who you love to help. This is your chance to inject some personality and make a real human connection. A strong personal brand is everything on LinkedIn, and this is where it comes to life. If you want to go deeper, learning how to build your personal brand effectively will make your profile magnetic.

Your LinkedIn profile isn't a static resume; it's a dynamic landing page for your career. Every single element should work together to tell a cohesive story about your expertise, turning casual visitors into dedicated followers.

This process is a journey, not a single action. As you can see below, a powerful profile is the launchpad for everything else.

Without this solid foundation, your content and engagement efforts just won't have the same impact.

Profile Optimization Checklist

Here's a quick checklist to run through. Think of it as a pre-flight check before you start creating content.

Completing these steps turns your profile from a passive document into an active asset that works for you around the clock.

Flip the Switch to Creator Mode

Okay, this one is a non-negotiable. Go into your settings and turn on Creator Mode.

It’s a simple toggle that does two critical things. First, it changes the main button on your profile from "Connect" to "Follow," which is exactly the action you want people to take. It signals that you're here to share valuable content.

Second, it lets you add up to five hashtags right under your headline. These act as keywords, telling the LinkedIn algorithm what you talk about and helping it recommend your profile to the right people.

Getting these fundamentals in place is crucial. For an even more detailed roadmap, our guide on how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn is a great next step. With an optimized profile, you're ready to start creating content that actually converts.

Create Content That Stops the Scroll

A killer profile might get people to your page, but it's your content that convinces them to stick around and hit "Follow." If you're just sharing company news or random thoughts, you're missing the point. To really grow your audience on LinkedIn, your content needs to be so valuable that people feel an urge to share it.

The real secret? Stop broadcasting and start educating, inspiring, and engaging.

Every post is an opportunity to solve a problem, offer a fresh perspective, or kick off a great conversation. That's how you break through the noise and stop the scroll.

Master the Winning Content Formats

Not all content is created equal on LinkedIn. Sure, a text-only post can pack a punch, but if you’re not using visuals and documents, you're leaving engagement—and followers—on the table.

The data tells a clear story. In 2025, multi-image posts pulled in the highest engagement rate at 6.60%. Right behind them were native document posts at 6.10% and video posts at 5.60%. The trend is obvious: people want more visual, value-packed content. If you want to get into the weeds on this, you can explore the complete LinkedIn engagement study.

Let's look at the top performers:

• Multi-Image Posts (Carousels): These are absolute gold for visual storytelling. You can use them to break down a complex idea into simple slides, walk through a step-by-step process, or show off a portfolio. They keep people swiping, which the algorithm loves.

• Native Documents (PDFs): When you upload a PDF directly to LinkedIn, it creates a clickable preview right in the feed. This is perfect for sharing checklists, short guides, or case studies. It’s a fast way to position yourself as an expert.

• Authentic Video Content: Nothing builds trust like video. I’m not talking about big, polished productions. A short, authentic video shot on your phone where you share a quick tip or a behind-the-scenes story creates a human connection that text just can’t replicate.

Structure Your Posts for Maximum Impact

How you write is just as important as what you write. Those first two lines are everything. They’re your hook, and they decide whether someone keeps scrolling or stops to see what you have to say.

Your goal for the first line of every LinkedIn post is to create a "curiosity gap." Make a bold claim, ask a provocative question, or state a counterintuitive opinion that forces the reader to click "...see more" to find out what happens next.

Once you’ve grabbed their attention, the rest of your post needs to deliver on that initial promise. Keep it scannable. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and the occasional emoji to break up the text. Nobody wants to read a wall of text on their phone.

Finally, every post needs a clear call to action (CTA). Don't just trail off and hope for the best. Ask a direct question to get the conversation started.

• "What's one mistake you see people make in this area?"

• "Have you tried this? Share your experience below."

• "What am I missing? Let me know in the comments."

Inviting discussion is the key to driving engagement, which tells the LinkedIn algorithm to show your content to more people—and more potential followers. For a deeper dive, our guide on how to write engaging LinkedIn posts is packed with more tips.

Develop a Sustainable Posting Rhythm

If you only post when the mood strikes, you’re going to stay invisible on LinkedIn. It’s a hard truth. Showing up regularly is non-negotiable for attracting new followers, but that absolutely does not mean you have to burn yourself out posting every single day.

A sustainable rhythm is far more powerful than a frantic, short-lived sprint.

Think of it like building trust with a new professional connection. If you consistently share valuable insights, they learn to expect and rely on you. But if you vanish for weeks at a time, you’ll fall right off their radar. The LinkedIn algorithm basically works the same way; it rewards reliability.

For most people, aiming for three to four high-quality posts per week is the sweet spot. This keeps you top-of-mind and signals to the algorithm that you're an active contributor, all without leading to the creative burnout that causes so many people to give up.

Find Your Content Pillars

To keep this up without scrambling for ideas, you need a system. This is where content pillars are a game-changer. These are simply three to five core topics you know inside and out—the subjects you’re uniquely qualified to talk about.

For instance, a marketing consultant’s pillars might look like this:

• SEO Strategy: Deep dives into search optimization tactics that actually work.

• B2B Lead Generation: Practical, no-fluff ways to attract business clients.

• Team Leadership: Real-world insights on managing and motivating marketing teams.

Having these pillars is like a creative safety net. When you feel stuck, you just cycle through them. This keeps your content focused, relevant, and consistently aligned with your personal brand.

Post When Your Audience Is Listening

Posting consistently is one half of the equation. The other half is posting when people are actually there to see it. While you'll see plenty of general advice out there, the most effective times are always tied to your specific audience.

Are you targeting C-suite executives? You might find they're most active first thing in the morning before their calendars fill up. Is your audience full of software developers? They might be scrolling during their lunch break. A good place to start is by testing common windows, like mid-morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then adjusting based on your results.

Consistency is the single most important signal you send to the LinkedIn algorithm. It shows you're a reliable source of value, which encourages the platform to show your content to a wider, more relevant audience over time.

The data backs this up in a big way. In fact, pages that post weekly see 5.6 times more follower growth than those that post less often. It's a clear testament to how much the platform rewards a dependable presence.

Ultimately, a sustainable posting rhythm is about building a system that works for you, not against you. Combine solid content pillars with smart timing, and you'll have a powerful strategy for growing your following without the burnout. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on finding the best time to post on LinkedIn.

Master the Art of Strategic Engagement

Putting out great content is only half the battle. If you treat LinkedIn like a megaphone to just broadcast your thoughts, you're missing out on its biggest growth lever—the community. Strategic engagement is what turns you from a passive content creator into an active, visible member of your industry’s conversation.

This is how you get in front of audiences that don't even know you exist yet. It's a proactive approach to building relationships and showing your expertise right where it counts. Think of it as networking at scale, where every thoughtful comment is a digital handshake.

Your Posts Are a Starting Point Not an Endpoint

The moment you hit "publish," your job has just begun. The first hour after a post goes live is critical. Early engagement signals to the LinkedIn algorithm that your content is worth showing to more people.

Responding to comments doesn't just build loyalty with your existing audience; it amplifies your reach. Every comment is a chance to deepen the discussion, showcase your personality, and keep your post from getting buried in the feed. Make it a personal rule to respond to every single comment, especially in the first few hours. Ask follow-up questions, acknowledge their input, and show you’re actually listening.

Make Your Comments More Valuable Than Most Posts

This is probably the most powerful—and most underused—strategy for gaining followers: leaving insightful comments on other people's content. Specifically, target the posts of established leaders and influencers in your niche. Their comment sections are the digital water coolers where your ideal audience is already gathered.

Don't just leave a generic "Great post!" or "I agree." That's a total waste of a click. Your goal is to add so much value that people who have never heard of you feel an irresistible urge to check out your profile.

The best comments are basically mini-posts themselves. They should be insightful, add a new perspective, challenge an idea respectfully, or share a relevant personal story. This positions you as a peer to the original poster, not just another fan in the crowd.

Here’s how you can craft a comment that actually gets noticed:

• Add a new perspective: Share a unique angle the original post didn't cover. For example, "This is a great point about B2B sales cycles. From a marketing perspective, I've also found that..."

• Share a personal story: Relate their point to a real-world experience. "This reminds me of a time I faced a similar challenge with a client. Here’s what we learned..."

• Ask a thoughtful question: Pose a question that deepens the conversation for everyone. "Fantastic breakdown. How do you see this strategy evolving with the rise of AI tools?"

This approach does two things brilliantly. First, it puts your name and headline directly in front of a highly relevant, engaged audience. Second, it demonstrates your expertise in a natural, non-promotional way. People follow people who they believe can teach them something valuable.

Consistently leaving high-value comments is one of the fastest ways to get followers because you're borrowing the audience of established creators. For more ideas on sparking these conversations, check out our guide on https://postline.ai/blog/2/how-to-increase-linkedin-engagement. It's the most direct path to turning passive scrollers into your active followers.

Find the Hidden Growth Levers

A killer profile and a steady stream of great content are your engine for growth, but LinkedIn has a few accelerators you can hit to really pick up speed. A lot of people sleep on these features, which gives you a serious edge.

Mastering them opens up brand-new ways for people to find you, check out your profile, and ultimately, hit that "Follow" button.

Convert Your Connections into Followers

This one’s a quick win. If you’ve been on LinkedIn for any length of time, you probably have a network of hundreds, maybe thousands, of connections. You can actually invite them to follow you. Just head over to your network page, and you'll see an option to invite connections to follow your creator page. It’s an instant way to boost your numbers with people who already know you.

Become a Go-To Voice in LinkedIn Groups

Think of LinkedIn Groups as hyper-focused communities, not just another place to drop your links. The goal is to be a valued member, not a billboard. Forget about spamming your latest post and start adding real value.

• Jump in and answer questions. Share what you know with detailed, helpful answers.

• Share a unique take. Kick off a conversation with a thoughtful perspective on an industry trend.

• Engage with others. A simple, insightful comment on someone else's post goes a long way in building relationships.

Do this consistently, and people will naturally get curious. They'll start seeing you as an expert, click over to your profile, and you'll earn a follow.

Launch a Newsletter for Your Core Audience

A LinkedIn Newsletter is an incredibly powerful way to build a loyal following. The magic here is that every single time you publish an issue, all your subscribers get a notification. That direct line to your audience's inbox is priceless.

A newsletter transforms casual followers into dedicated fans. These are the people most likely to engage with and share everything you create, which massively expands your reach.

A great way to get started is by taking one of your best-performing posts and expanding it into a more in-depth article. This gives your audience high-value content and strengthens their connection to your brand.

Use Strategic Tagging to Get More Eyeballs

When you write a post that mentions a specific company or gives a nod to an industry leader, make sure you tag them. Tagging sends a notification their way, opening the door for them to engage with your post or—even better—share it with their own network, which is often way bigger than yours.

Just be smart about it. Only tag people and companies when it’s genuinely relevant, otherwise it just comes across as spammy.

The room for growth on LinkedIn is massive, and it’s not slowing down. The platform shot up from 644 million users in 2019 and is projected to hit over 1.15 billion by 2025. That’s a whole lot of potential followers. For more cutting-edge ways to grow your audience, it's worth exploring how to use AI for marketing strategies, which can uncover some pretty unique opportunities.

Got Questions About LinkedIn Growth? We've Got Answers

Growing on LinkedIn can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. Let's clear up some of the most common questions people ask when they're trying to figure out how to get more followers.

Connections vs. Followers: What's the Real Difference?

This is probably one of the first things you'll wonder about. Think of a connection as a handshake—it’s a two-way street where you both agree to link up. It's like being friends on other platforms, giving you both access to each other's networks and the ability to slide into their DMs.

A follower, however, is more like someone subscribing to your channel. It's a one-way relationship. Anyone can follow you (assuming you've turned on Creator Mode) and see your posts in their feed without you having to do a thing. For anyone serious about building an audience, followers are the name of the game because your reach isn't capped by who you know personally.

How Often Should I Be Posting to Actually See Growth?

There's no magic number here, but I'll tell you this: consistency is way more important than frequency.

Posting three to four times a week with genuinely valuable content will get you much further than spamming your network with low-effort posts every single day. That kind of rhythm is sustainable for you and tells the algorithm you're a serious contributor.

The real secret isn't the exact number of posts, but the rhythm. When your audience knows when to expect content from you, it builds anticipation and trust. That’s how you turn casual scrollers into loyal followers.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to post multiple times a day, burning out, and then disappearing for weeks. Find a schedule you can actually commit to for the long haul.

Likes or Comments: Which One Matters More?

Both are good, but they play totally different roles.

Likes are a quick nod of approval. They're a decent signal that your content is hitting the mark at first glance and give it a little visibility boost.

But comments? Comments are pure gold.

They signal a much deeper level of engagement to the LinkedIn algorithm, basically telling it, "Hey, this post is sparking a real conversation!" That's the trigger for LinkedIn to start showing your post to a much, much wider audience—which is exactly how you attract new followers. Your goal should always be to create content that gets people talking.

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Postline.ai combines powerful AI with real-time research to help you craft standout LinkedIn posts in minutes. Schedule a full week of content that sounds just like you and watch your audience grow. Get started with Postline.ai today!