How to CONNECT with someone on LinkedIn
In this Blog Post, we're diving into one of the top questions I receive: How do I find my ideal clients on LinkedIn? But here's the twist—it’s not about finding them; it’s about attracting them. Let me tell you why.
The Power of Attraction on LinkedIn
With 1 billion users on LinkedIn, it's staggering that 99% of them never engage by liking, commenting, or posting. However, hidden within that silent majority are your ideal clients. So, how do you ensure they find you? First, let’s look at how LinkedIn’s algorithm works differently than other social media platforms.
LinkedIn’s Algorithm vs. Other Platforms
On Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, the algorithm curates content based on what you stop to watch. If I spend a few extra seconds watching a funny stand-up comedy, or a wedding dance, guess what? My feed becomes full of those. LinkedIn, however, plays a different game.
On LinkedIn, your content can appear not just to your direct connections but also to their connections. This broader exposure means that building genuine connections is essential to amplify your reach. The key? Making sure the right eyes see your content.
How to Ensure Your Connections See Your Content
Engagement on LinkedIn isn’t just about sending endless connection requests and hoping for the best. Building authentic relationships is paramount. Here’s what you shouldn’t do: send your connections a pitch or link in your first, second, or even third message.
Why?
You don’t yet know if they have the problem you’re eager to solve.
Hold back on those premature pitches and focus on understanding your connections first. They’ll thank you for it, and you’ll value them more when you know they genuinely need your help.
The Right Way to Connect on LinkedIn
Unlike many common strategies, I encourage a different approach: connect with people who are already active on LinkedIn and whose content interests you. Why? Because your engagement strategy should be fun and meaningful, making it easier to comment authentically on posts.
Avoid the trap of shallow comments like “Great post!” or using bots for engagement.
These shortcuts can damage your personal brand.
Instead, set yourself apart as an expert and authority by engaging thoughtfully. Find people where your ideal clients might hang out, such as authors or industry leaders who are active on LinkedIn.
When you engage with their content, your comments will be seen by others who follow those thought leaders—potentially attracting new, like-minded connections.
Intentional Connection Requests
Skip the “spray and pray” method for connection requests. Be intentional. While LinkedIn’s free version limits you to around five personalized Direct Messages (DMs) per month, use them wisely.
Connect with more people by sending requests without a message and follow up once they accept.
When you do reach out, avoid generic openers like, “Hey, how are you?” Instead, check out their profile for commonalities: Did you study in the same city? Work at the same company? Share an industry? Genuine connection points matter.
Increasing the Probability of Connection Acceptance
Before sending a connection request, engage with their content first — comment thoughtfully on a few posts. Then, send your request. This approach boosts the likelihood they’ll accept and sets the stage for continued engagement. Follow up by sharing relevant content or resources that made you think of them, such as articles or podcast episodes. Treat your connections like real people because they are.
Use LinkedIn’s Search Feature Wisely
Use LinkedIn’s search feature to find people in specific positions or companies that interest you or who might attract your ideal clients. Remember, if you have LinkedIn Premium, you can see how active someone is on the platform, which helps you connect with people who actually engage.
The Hidden Power of LinkedIn Groups and Events
LinkedIn groups aren’t as active as Facebook groups, but they’re still valuable for finding like-minded professionals. Join groups where your ideal clients or peers hang out and connect with them there — even if they’re third-level connections.
Attending LinkedIn events is another goldmine. If you see an event hosted by a peer or influencer with many attendees, register and connect with those who attended. It’s a perfect icebreaker to start conversations like, “Hey [Name], I saw you attended [Event]. My main takeaway was [insight]. What did you think?”
Wrapping Up
So far in this series, we’ve covered Optimizing your LinkedIn profile, using the Three-bucket Engagement Strategy, and today, we explored how to connect meaningfully with the right people. Remember, it’s not just about having an optimized profile or engaging aimlessly. It’s about strategically combining all these elements to attract your ideal clients and build your network.
Stay tuned for next week’s video, where I’ll cover Content that Converts—because no strategy is complete without it.
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