Followers And Connections On LinkedIn: Which Should You Prioritize?

LinkedIn has a question that many professionals encounter as they build their networks. LinkedIn Followers vs Connections – which one truly matters? Should you put effort into your connections, or should followers do the trick? If you are unraveling the LinkedIn networking strategy, I have a Article here for you. There are so many possibilities here, but let’s examine it so we can pinpoint your focus in the vertical of choice.

This overview of how specific LinkedIn followers and connections weigh during a person's career growth.

You Need To Know How Followers And Connections Differ So You Can Truly Succeed At LinkedIn

At this point, we have a good grasp of how a connected individual follows and is followed. Now, let's discuss the other end of the spectrum - followers. In this case, followers perform the duty of viewing the content uploaded by an individual or a company without having to connect with them professionally. To get connected on LinkedIn it has to be a mutual decision. As there needs to be an exchange of invitations to connect on LinkedIn, it is more formal in that aspect.

LinkedIn Connections Definition

Connections are the individuals who you have a link to on the platform and are considered as one of the social media profiles people use today. Like on Facebook, friends are classified as First-Degree friends. From there, connections are simply the accounts you have previously linked with.

• First-Degree Connections: These types of connections allow interaction to a greater extent. By messaging them, users can also invite their connections to join the conversation on their posts.
• Second-Degree Connections: These individuals are acquainted with your existing connections. You can send them a connect request.
• Third-Degree Connections: People connected to your second-degree connections. Direct messaging is unavailable except for the use of LinkedIn Premium.

Who Are LinkedIn Followers?

Followers are willing to receive your updates and other posts, not your contacts. They will not be part of your network, and you will have no opportunity to see their updates unless you decide to follow them :

• On LinkedIn, users can have as many followers as they desire.
• Followers can interact with posts you make on LinkedIn, although you cannot see any of their posts unless you establish connections with them.
• Users with the Follow button enabled can automatically add the user as a follower without sending a request.

LinkedIn Followers Vs Connections: Which One Holds More Weight?

Now that we know what they are discussing, the most crucial question is: Which should you worry about more? The answer varies depending on what you are trying to achieve. Let us look at various contexts and how each can be advantageous :

1. Maximizing Networking Opportunities — Concerned with Connections?

Maximizing LinkedIn benefits goes beyond numbers, considering the engagement receiver's view, especially for strong network interactions :

• For job seekers, having the right connections increases the chances of receiving offers.
• For a business owner or recruiter, easily reach out to untapped potential clients, employees, and partners.
• For meaningful interactions, networking on a personal level has become more simplified.

Best Strategy: If the aim is forming relationships, networking, and direct communication, connections should be prioritized.

2. Concerned with Followers?

For someone focused on influencing or being perceived as an industry authority figure, LinkedIn follower count and trends become more pivotal :

• To effectively share your work, it is essential to have an audience.
• As an entrepreneur, speaker, or thought leader, building a following helps share your voice.
• Your followers unlock a greater reach to your posts, meaning they will receive more engagement.

Best Strategy: In the pursuit of building a brand or increasing engagement without taking part in personal networking, you should prioritize followers.

How To Develop LinkedIn Connections And Followers More Efficiently?

Now that you know which fits your aim, it's time to discuss how to develop LinkedIn connections and followers more efficiently :

1. Optimize Your Profile for Connection Requests & Followers

• Write a compelling headline and select a professional photo.
• Create a clear and captivating section that highlights your expertise.
• If you aim you aim to get more followers rather than connections, enable the 'Follow' function.

2. Create & Share Engaging Content

Posting valuable content is the most straightforward way to gain followers and connections quickly :

• Write and share tips, industry expertise, experiences, and journeys.
• Shift your focus on getting more followers by promoting yourself more often. Remember to put quality over quantity.
• Respond to comments and participate in discussions to broaden your audience.

3. Add New Contacts By Sending Customized Requests.

When adding new connections, don't accept requests indiscriminately. Do the following :

• Accept requests along with personalized messages.
• Accept requests from persons belonging to your sector or area of interest.
• Be deliberate so that you do not just add people to increase your contacts.

4. Interact With Content Posted By Other Users.

Engagement matters, whether you seek greater follower counts or connections :

• Engage with comments and discussions to, like, post share insights of others on your industry.
• Participate in LinkedIn discussion groups where professionals meet to discuss issues of mutual interest.
• Use discussions of interest and tag other users to help create engagement.

5. Implement LinkedIn Growth Marketing Techniques.

Anyone using LinkedIn for business or branding should have a well-defined LinkedIn growth marketing plan :

• Implement LinkedIn-sponsored ads to generate exposure.
• Give free bonuses such as e-books, guides, or webinars.
• Publish LinkedIn digest articles to show your knowledge and prowess.

Final Thoughts: What Stands Out The Most?

So, who would come out on top when faced with the choice of LinkedIn Followers or Connections? Connections and followers serve almost equal purposes; it just varies depending on your objectives.

To grow an audience, establish your brand or become influential – focus on followers. If your aim is networking, getting a job or building relationships – focus on connections.

What's the best approach? Balanced strategy! Keep maintaining a relationship with your meaningful connections while actively trying to get relevant followers through your content and engagement strategy.

Engagement strategies matter most, but followers do too – so what do you think your LinkedIn growth strategy will be? Let me know in the comments!