Top 3 Mistakes Coaches & Service Providers Make on LinkedIn (And How to Fix Them)
Have you been putting in the effort on LinkedIn but still don’t see the results you want?
You’re not alone.
Many coaches and service providers make three critical mistakes that hold them back.
The good news?
These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what they are.
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Mistake #1: Thinking LinkedIn Won’t Work for Your Niche
One of the most common misconceptions I hear is, “LinkedIn won’t work for me or my niche.”
Some people assume it’s only for corporate professionals, while others selling B2B think LinkedIn isn’t the place for them because they prefer face-to-face meetings.
Here’s the reality: LinkedIn is a goldmine for coaches and service providers.
Why?
Because less than 2% of LinkedIn users actually create content — meaning you have an incredible opportunity to stand out.
If you’re in a specialized niche, it’s actually easier to gain visibility because your competition is much lower than on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Plus, even if you meet potential clients at an in-person event, LinkedIn is the place where you stay top-of-mind.
By consistently posting valuable content, you remain visible and become the go-to person in your field.
And with over 1 billion users, your ideal clients are already on LinkedIn. The question isn’t whether LinkedIn will work for you — the question is whether you’re using it effectively.
Here’s how to fix it:
Start creating content that speaks directly to your audience’s pain points and desires.
Engage with potential clients by commenting on their posts and starting meaningful conversations.
Treat LinkedIn like a networking event — connect, listen, and build relationships.
Mistake #2: Being Too Broad in Your Positioning
A huge mistake I see coaches and service providers make is trying to be everything to everyone.
When your profile is too broad, you become invisible.
People don’t know who you help or how you can solve their specific problem, so they scroll right past you.
Think about it: When you have a medical issue, would you rather see a general practitioner or a specialist?
Your potential clients think the same way — they want to work with an expert who specializes in solving their exact problem.
Here’s how to fix it:
Position yourself as a specialist, not a generalist.
Be clear about who you help and what problem you solve.
If you only want to work with a specific group — say, women entrepreneurs or health coaches — say that!
Align your profile and content with your expertise so people instantly recognize you as the go-to expert.
When you get specific, your ideal clients will feel like you’re speaking directly to them. They’ll think, “Wow, this person really gets me!” — and that’s what leads to sales.
Remember, people buy from people.
Mistake #3: Focusing on a Business Page Instead of a Personal Profile
Many people waste time trying to grow their business page instead of optimizing their personal profile — and it’s a massive mistake.
Here’s the reality: LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes content from personal profiles over business pages. When was the last time you saw an organic (non-sponsored) post from a business page in your feed?
Exactly.
Even major influencers like Richard Branson have far more engagement on their personal profiles compared to their business pages.
Print screens from Richard Branson’s Profile and Virgin’s Business Page on LinkedIn
Why? Because people connect with people, not logos.
Here’s how to fix it:
Prioritize growing your personal profile first.
Post content from your personal profile, then re-share it via your business page.
Use your business page as a backup to house content, but don’t rely on it for visibility.
By focusing on your personal profile, you’ll build stronger connections and attract more high-quality leads.
Bonus Mistake: Not Engaging Enough
Another major mistake?
Posting and ghosting.
If you’re just putting out content without engaging, you’re missing a huge opportunity to build relationships.
Engagement isn’t about randomly commenting on 50-100 posts a day — that’s a fast track to burnout.
Instead, you need a strategic engagement plan that helps you connect with the right people.
Here’s how to fix it:
Treat LinkedIn like a networking event — listen, engage, and build relationships.
Comment on posts from your connections, and ideal clients, add value, and start conversations.
Make engagement part of your daily routine to strengthen your presence and attract leads.
So, if you’ve been feeling stuck and frustrated with LinkedIn, it’s likely because you’re making one (or more) of these mistakes.
The good news?
Once you fix them, you’ll start seeing real results.
Want a quick recap? Here you go:
✅ Stop thinking LinkedIn won’t work for your niche — it will if you use it right.
✅ Narrow your positioning — specialists attract more clients than generalists.
✅ Focus on your personal profile, not your business page.
✅ Engage strategically — don’t just post and disappear.
When you implement these fixes, you’ll attract leads effortlessly, build your authority, and finally start seeing the results you want.
If you found this helpful, check out my YouTube video on 12 Essential Steps to a Great LinkedIn Profile and here’s the link to your FREE LinkedIn Mastery Checklist that goes with it.
