If the word networking makes you cringe, you’re not alone.
For many people, networking brings to mind awkward conferences, forced small talk, and handing out business cards to strangers in suits.
But things have changed.
Today, networking is mostly digital – and LinkedIn gives you everything you need to grow a meaningful, professional network from the comfort of your own screen.
In this article, you’ll learn how to grow and manage your LinkedIn network strategically, even if you’re an introvert or completely new to online networking.
Why Growing Your LinkedIn Network Matters
Your LinkedIn network directly affects your:
- Visibility in search results
- Access to the hidden job market
- Recommendations and endorsements
- Reach when you post content
- Opportunities for collaboration, connection, and support
The more relevant connections you have, the more people see your profile – and the more opportunities you create for yourself.
Forget the Business Cards – This is Digital Networking
Old-school networking meant working the room.
Digital networking means:
- Finding people you want to connect with
- Engaging with them thoughtfully
- Building relationships over time
It’s less about being pushy – and more about being strategic, visible, and valuable.
The 6-Step Process to Grow Your Network on LinkedIn
Follow our practical six-step approach:
Step 1: Find People You Want to Connect With
Use the LinkedIn search bar to look for:
- People in your industry or target companies
- Thought leaders or content creators in your field
- Recruiters hiring in your area
- Colleagues, classmates, or past managers
Use filters to narrow by industry, location, or job title. And don’t forget to explore LinkedIn Groups – search by topic (e.g. “Marketing UK”) and look at the “Groups” tab to find relevant communities.
Step 2: Follow Them First
Don’t dive straight into a connection request.
First, follow the people you’re interested in.
This allows you to:
- See their posts in your feed
- Understand what matters to them
- Get a sense of their tone and interests
It’s the digital equivalent of joining a conversation circle before introducing yourself.
Step 3: Engage with Their Posts
Start by liking or reacting to posts.
LinkedIn’s algorithm will notice and begin to show you more of their content – and the person may start noticing you, too.
Tip: Use the appropriate emoji reaction. Try “Insightful” (lightbulb) for thoughtful posts or “Celebrate” for achievements – it helps you stand out more than a simple ‘like’.
Step 4: Comment Thoughtfully
Once you’re comfortable, start leaving genuine, personal comments.
Avoid generic phrases like “Great post!” and instead write something like:
“This really resonated with me because I’ve faced a similar challenge – thank you for sharing!”
Thoughtful comments help you build relationships and increase your visibility to both the original poster and their audience.
Step 5: Send a Personal Connection Request
After engaging with someone’s posts, you’ll be in a much better position to connect.
Always include a short, personalised message:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post on [topic]. I also work in [industry/role] and would love to connect.”
This increases the chances of your request being accepted – especially if the person doesn’t know you yet.
Step 6: Start Sharing Your Own Content
Don’t just consume – contribute!
You can:
- Write original posts (career tips, reflections, insights)
- Share articles or posts from others with your thoughts
- Post updates about your work, achievements, or learning journey
Aim to post once a week to build visibility and invite engagement from others in your field.
Remember, your network can grow both ways. When you post, you invite others to follow, comment, and connect with you.
Bonus Tools to Help You Network Smarter
Use the Bell Icon
When visiting someone’s profile, click the bell to be notified when they post. This is a great way to be among the first to engage – especially helpful if you’re trying to get noticed by someone specific (like a hiring manager or industry influencer).
Use LinkedIn Groups
Groups allow you to connect with professionals in your field, share knowledge, and discover industry news. They’re also a great way to find relevant people to follow and connect with.
How Much Time Should You Spend on LinkedIn?
You don’t need to be on LinkedIn all day.
Just 15 minutes a day is all you need, when you’re actively building your network:
- Like or comment on a few posts
- Respond to messages
- Send 1 – 2 personalised connection requests
- Post something weekly if you can
Small, consistent action goes a long way.
Recap: LinkedIn Networking in 6 Steps
- Find people you want to connect with
- Follow them to learn more about their work
- Like their posts to show engagement
- Comment thoughtfully to build connection
- Send a personalised connection request
- Share your own content to grow your network
Want More Help Optimising Your LinkedIn Strategy?
- Join one of our free Career Webinars
- Download the Career Change Toolkit
- Or talk to a Career Coach
LinkedIn is your digital career stage. Use it wisely – and let the right people find you.