How to Network on LinkedIn in 2025: Best Practices and Proven Tips

Is your LinkedIn networking strategy ready for 2025? 

With over 1 billion users and 67 million companies, LinkedIn is a perfect source for networking. However, as more professionals use the platform, the competition becomes fiercer, so knowing how to create genuine connections and engage is essential. 

In this article, I will reveal proven tips and practices to help you build meaningful connections, establish your authority, and stand out on the platform. Whether you’re prospecting, job hunting, or simply growing your network, these insights are just for you.

Ready to boost your networking on LinkedIn? 

Let’s begin!

Seven tips on how to effectively network on LinkedIn

Networking on LinkedIn may seem challenging and overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out and don’t have many connections. However, with the right approach, you’ll see that it’s a great opportunity to connect with people who can share valuable insights in your industry or even contribute to your business growth.

The key thing to keep in mind is that networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about building value-driven relationships. Networking success depends on connecting with the right individuals instead of adding as many people as possible.

Focus on quality over quantity and ensure every connection you make aligns with your professional goals and growth. Now, let’s discover the main LinkedIn networking tips.

Optimize your profile

Before networking, you need to ensure your profile represents you in the most favorable way. It should make a solid first impression and convey your professionalism and credibility. 

Besides, a properly written and optimized headline increases your profile visibility, making it easier to attract meaningful connections. So, what should a professional profile consist of?

1. Headline that showcases your professionalism. 

Create a strong headline that goes beyond your job title and highlights your expertise and value. Make sure to include relevant keywords so that people looking for exactly your skills or industry can easily find you for networking.

2. Profile and background photos for a visual impact. 

Profiles with photos receive more engagement, so ensure your profile and background visuals are high-quality and look professional. You can also consider branded visuals to keep consistency or leverage a background as one more chance to showcase your value proposition, for example:

3. A brief summary that showcases your professional story. 

This section should tell a compelling story about who you are, what you do, and what value your work brings. Outline your passion and values, your impact, key goals, or the solutions you provide. Use a clear and engaging language.

4. Work experience with dates and achievements. 

Describe your work experience. I recommend mentioning key responsibilities and focusing on quantifiable results. Provide achievements for each role that showcase the value you brought to the organization.

For example: “increased sales by 20%” or “led a team of 15 specialists to successfully launch new software solution.”

5. Current job title, location, and education. 

Location-based searches are common on LinkedIn, so I recommend adding your current location to enhance your searchability. Adding your job title also increases your profile visibility and the likelihood of attracting meaningful connections.

6. Relevant skills. 

LinkedIn’s algorithm heavily factors in the Skills section when matching profiles in searches. To boost your discoverability, I recommend adding at least five skills relevant to your industry or goals. Prioritize those that better reflect your expertise and align with your goals on the platform.

Build LinkedIn connections 

To make your LinkedIn networking effective, focus on building meaningful connections. Start by identifying people who align with your professional goals—colleagues, industry leaders, or potential collaborators.

To drive more results, I recommend avoiding generic messages. Instead of sending the default invitations, reach out with personalized messages to establish genuine connections. 

Describe why you’re interested in connecting. For example, if you’re connecting with someone in your industry, highlight specific projects or contributions they’ve made and demonstrate a genuine interest in learning more about their experience.

Example:

Or, if you want to connect with someone who works for the company you’re curious about, reach out with a message that demonstrates your interest this way:

This approach shows that you are interested in building lasting professional relationships, not just growing your network by sending mass connection requests.

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Get endorsements 

LinkedIn endorsements allow your connections to affirm your skills, making your profile credible and appealing. The more endorsements you have, the stronger your professional image becomes.

So, what are effective strategies to gain endorsements? One way is to start by endorsing others, especially colleagues, friends, and other close connections who are most likely to respond in kind. To do so, go to their profiles, scroll to the “Skills” section, and click “Endorse” under a skill. It will change to a “✓ Endorsed,” confirming your endorsement.

Alternatively, you can ask for endorsements directly. You can do this with a short and friendly message, like “Hey [Name], could you endorse me for [specific skill]?”

Ensure that the skill is relevant to your work or something they have seen you conduct to make your request appropriate and genuine.

Share content regularly 

Regular content sharing is one of the most effective ways to grow your LinkedIn network and build authority in your field. Consistently posting valuable insights, resources, or experiences allows you to show your expertise and invite others to engage with your profile, creating opportunities for new connections.

To boost your reach, focus on creating content that resonates better with your audience. I recommend crafting posts that inspire, entertain, or teach because such content receives the most interaction. Combine educational posts, thought-provoking questions, industry updates, and personal stories for maximum engagement. 

To make the most of our content, use the following tips:

• Encourage dialogue: Ask questions or invite opinions to spark interaction. Engaged readers are more likely to connect.
• Highlight your expertise: Share your takeaways or lessons learned from your projects or career. It will help you position yourself as a knowledgeable resource.
• Tag others: Mention relevant connections or companies to expand your reach and encourage engagement from their networks.
• Be consistent: Try to post several times a week to maintain visibility.
• Engage through visuals: Use infographics, photos, or videos to complement your text and make your posts more appealing.

There’s nothing better for the LinkedIn post than a text with a real-life photo (preferably yours) or a text plus video (also featuring you). Don’t be afraid to go with unpolished videos of average quality — authentic content drives more interaction and thus ranks higher

Nika Porobaniuk

Marketing Specialist at Snov.io

Engage your connections

When using LinkedIn for networking, just sending connection requests isn’t enough. You need to interact with your connections to build lasting professional relationships. Start by liking, sharing, or commenting on your connections’ content. These actions will keep you visible and show genuine interest and support.

For more impactful interaction, you can also send personalized messages. For example, thank connections who have shared your content, endorsed your skills, or introduced you to others by mentioning you in the industry-related content. 

Take the time to explore profiles for shared interests or achievements or find something specific you can refer to. Use this information in your messages by asking related questions or sharing your admiration.

By constantly and properly engaging, you will foster deeper connections and show your willingness to build mutually beneficial relationships. Though it can take time, this approach builds trust and lays the groundwork for long-term networking success.

Attend virtual events

LinkedIn events are a powerful source for networking and building valuable connections that drive results. You can connect with like-minded professionals there, learn about the latest industry trends, and find possible partners or clients.

LinkedIn hosts various virtual events daily, from webinars and live panels to Q&A sessions. So, how do you find the event you want to attend?

1. Go to the “My Network” tab at the top of your profile.

2. Select “Events” on the left menu.

3. Scroll to the “Recommended for you” section and browse events to find the one that best suits your LinkedIn networking goals.

Note that networking through virtual events isn’t just about being present—it’s about engaging. So, to make the most of virtual events, you should actively participate in the conversation. Ask questions, share your impressions in the chat, and interact with attendees. 

You can also enhance your networking efforts by following up with people after the event. My expertise shows that attendees often feel more open to connecting after sharing the same experience, so follow up with personalized messages referencing the event.

Join LinkedIn groups for networking

LinkedIn groups are dedicated forums where people or professionals connected around the same interests, a specific topic, or industry communicate, share their knowledge, and engage with each other in other ways. So, joining relevant groups is an excellent way to expand your professional network.

Thus, you gain access to a broader audience in your industry, opening doors to new networking, collaboration, and partnership opportunities. Becoming an active member allows you not only to build meaningful connections but also enhance your visibility within your field and showcase your expertise. 

Search for necessary groups using keywords related to your industry, relevant topic, or desired customer. After joining, start to participate actively. Answer questions, engage in group discussions, or share valuable insights with members, gently highlighting your expertise. 

However, avoid being too salesly or interacting only for self-promotion. Instead, focus on adding value to the group to strengthen your image as a helpful and knowledgeable member.

By participating in LinkedIn groups, you can enhance your network and build your presence, drawing attention from industry peers, potential partners, and prospects. Besides, active membership in relevant groups increases your Social Selling Index (SSI).

Benefits of LinkedIn networking

Now that you know how to network on LinkedIn, you may wonder whether you need it. To soothe your doubts, let me describe how using LinkedIn for networking can benefit your professional brand or business.

Broader career opportunities

Networking on LinkedIn can fast-track your career progression by connecting you to job opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere. With many meaningful connections built, you increase your chances of finding a worthy job opening in your field and getting referrals from industry peers as well.

Besides, engaging with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals increases your visibility in their networks. Recruiters often search LinkedIn for candidates, and a well-maintained network can make you their top choice. 

Networking on LinkedIn also involves knowledge sharing, enabling sensible mentorship or skill development through connections with experienced professionals.

Enhanced professional image

LinkedIn is an excellent platform to showcase your expertise and position yourself as an industry thought leader. By regularly posting valuable insights, sharing industry news, and engaging in professional discussions, you can demonstrate your knowledge and credibility.

Consistent engagement in industry-related discussions or events also helps draw attention from peers, potential collaborators, and even media outlets. As your influence grows, you may receive invitations to speak at events, contribute to publications, or collaborate on projects.

Besides, this approach positions you as a trusted voice within your industry, which attracts customers looking for a reliable and trustworthy professional like you.

Diverse professional connections

A key benefit of LinkedIn networking is the opportunity to build a diverse professional network. The platform lets you connect with professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and regions in one space. A broad network discovers varied perspectives and ideas that can contribute to your business, career, or personal development.

Connecting with people from different fields and sectors opens up more possibilities for growth, for example, interesting cross-industry collaborations that lead to creative solutions or unexpected partnerships.

→ Want to streamline networking? We’ve compiled the best LinkedIn automation software on the market to help you choose the right solution!

Diversity in your network also enhances your ability to understand global market trends and cultural nuances, making you more adaptable and resourceful. Moreover, a diverse network on LinkedIn boosts knowledge sharing, offering advice, mentorship, and inspiration for your personal or business growth.

Access to industry insights and trends

Networking on LinkedIn helps you stay tuned to the latest industry trends and innovations. Following thought leaders, companies, and relevant groups gives real-time updates and enables you to stay cutting-edge in your field. 

Engaging with professionals in your industry may give you access to diverse perspectives, insights into competitor strategies, and knowledge of market shifts. This constant flow of information helps you make data-driven decisions, adapt your business approaches to the changes, and stay competitive in your field.

Increased brand visibility

You can leverage LinkedIn networking for personal branding. Consistent engagement, whether sharing content, posting insights, or participating in discussions, makes your profile recognizable, strengthening your brand. 

This visibility not only makes you more discoverable to recruiters and potential clients but also enhances your reputation within your industry. LinkedIn allows you to establish a professional identity beyond your current role, showcasing your true value to a global audience.

How NOT to network on LinkedIn

Despite the platform’s huge potential for professional growth, your approach to networking on LinkedIn can make or break your reputation. Here are the common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your networking efforts remain professional and effective.

via GIPHY

Don’t send generic messages  

One of the biggest mistakes when networking on LinkedIn is sending generic, copied-and-pasted connection requests. Bland messages without context, like “Let’s connect” or “I’d like to add you to my network,” reduce your chances of building a genuine connection. 

Instead, personalized messages show that your request is thoughtful and relevant. Mention shared interests, refer to mutual connections, or provide specific reasons why you want to connect. Thus, you increase the likelihood of a positive response and encourage a meaningful conversation.

Instead of sending this:

Hey Kate, I came across your profile on LinkedIn and decided to connect.

Try this:

Hey Kate, our mutual connection, Natalie, mentioned your work in AI-driven marketing. I’m currently exploring similar strategies and thought it would be great to connect and share perspectives.

Or this:

Hey Kate! Last week, we attended the “Sales Workflow Automation for Small Businesses” web conference. Let’s connect and exchange ideas!

Or this one:

Hey Kate! I find your finance-to-tech journey very inspiring. I’d love to connect and learn from your experience.

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Don’t expect everyone to want networking 

Another common mistake is sending connection requests to everyone you encounter on LinkedIn. Randomly adding people to your network will unlikely bring the results you expect. So, ensure you have a clear reason for connecting before reaching out for networking. 

It’s also necessary to set realistic expectations when networking. Not everyone will accept your request, respond, or engage with your content for various reasons. Some prioritize privacy, others are inactive, and some have stricter connection criteria.

Besides, I suggest you approach LinkedIn networking with an open mind. Avoid taking rejections or silence personally. Stay persistent and respectful, and focus on building relationships that can bring value over time rather than making as many connections as possible.

Don’t spam people 

To build meaningful connections on LinkedIn, avoid being pushy or spammy. Bombarding people with irrelevant messages, constant self-promotion, or sales pitches can damage your reputation.

Instead, focus on quality interaction with your connections. Engage with their content, offer insights, and balance sharing and listening. This approach will help establish authentic professional relationships while spamming can affect your credibility and networking efficiency.

Key takeaways

Now, you’re all set to start networking on LinkedIn! Search for relevant connections, reach out to them with compelling messages, and grow your network to succeed on the platform.

Besides, you always have Snov.io at hand to help you personalize your outreach at scale and boost your networking for even more effective results.

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