How to Succeed on LinkedIn: 10 Real Tips That Actually Work

Written by Linda Quezada | Feb 18, 2025 3:17:00 PM

LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé, it’s the most powerful professional networking tool out there. Whether you’re looking for your next job, building a personal brand, or just trying to connect with the right people, how you show up on LinkedIn matters. 

But let’s be honest, most LinkedIn advice sounds the same: “Optimize your profile,” “Engage more,” “Use hashtags.” While all of that is true, it’s not enough. If you really want to stand out, you have to be strategic, real, and consistent. 

Here’s what actually works (from experience, not theory).
 

1. Your Profile Isn’t for You, It’s for Them

Most people write their LinkedIn profile like a résumé:

“Marketing Manager at XYZ Company. 5+ years of experience in digital marketing.”

That’s fine… but it’s forgettable. Instead, write for the person who lands on your profile. What do you want them to think, feel, or do? 

  • Instead of just listing job titles, tell a story about your expertise.
  • Instead of “experience in digital marketing,” explain how you help businesses grow. - Instead of saying, “I’m a results-driven leader,” prove it with examples. 


Make your profile a conversation starter, not just a list of jobs.

2. Stop Treating Your Headline Like a Job Title 

Your headline is prime real estate. It follows you everywhere—your comments, posts, and search results. If it just says your job title, you’re wasting space. 

Boring: “Software Engineer at XYZ Corp.” 
Better: “Building AI-powered tools that simplify life | Software Engineer at XYZ Corp.”

Think of it this way: If someone sees your name in a comment, would they immediately understand what you bring to the table? 

3. Your “About” Section Is Your Elevator Pitch: Make It Count 

This is the most underutilized section on LinkedIn. People either skip it or write a block of text so boring it makes you want to exit the page.

Here’s a simple way to structure it: 

  • First two lines: Grab attention! Imagine someone only reads these. - Your story: What do you do? Why? What makes you different?
  • Proof: A quick win, achievement, or result.
  • Call-to-action (CTA): What should they do next? (Follow you? Connect? Reach out?)
Finally, run A/B tests to refine your workflows, testing variables like email subject lines or the timing of messages. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures your automation delivers measurable results and stays aligned with your goals.
 
Example: 
“I help SaaS companies turn content into revenue. After working with brands like [Company A] and [Company B], I’ve developed a framework that drives organic growth without burning ad spend. Want to chat? Let’s connect.” 
 
Do you notice the difference? 
 

4. Connect with the Right People (and Send Better Requests) 

Stop sending the default “I’d like to add you to my LinkedIn network” message. It’s cold. It’s robotic. And most importantly, it gives no reason to accept. 

Instead: 

  • Mention how you found them (“Loved your post on X topic”). 
  • Be specific (“We both work in B2B marketing—would love to connect”).
  • Keep it short (2-3 sentences max). 

People are way more likely to accept when they see a little effort.

 

Do you want your own, personalized marketing consultation? Let's get in touch. We are here for you.

 

5. Show Up & Engage (But Not Like a Robot) 

You don’t need to post daily to grow on LinkedIn. But you do need to engage. Here’s the trick: Comments are more powerful than posts when you’re just starting out. 

Instead of stressing over what to post, comment on industry leaders’ posts. Add insights, ask questions, and make your voice heard. This puts you in front of their audience, growing your network faster.

6. Post like a human, not like a corporate robot 

If you do post, make it interesting. Nobody logs onto LinkedIn thinking, “I hope I see a generic corporate update today.” 
Posts that work: 

  • Personal stories with a lesson 
  • Insights people don’t hear every day 
  • Wins and failures (authenticity matters!) 

Posts that don’t work: 

  • “Excited to announce I’ve joined XYZ Company!” (I mean, it’s great, but add a story too) 
  • “Our company just launched X service!” (You should always include who is this for and why should they care) 
    If you wouldn’t stop to read your own post in a feed, neither will anyone else.

7. Hashtags & Tags: Less Is More 

Use 3-5 hashtags max per post, mixing industry (#Marketing) and niche (#SEOgrowth). If you’re tagging people, make sure it’s relevant—tagging 20 people just for reach hurts engagement. 

8. Get & Give Recommendations (But Not Just From Friends) 

A profile with strong recommendations stands out. But here’s the catch: Don’t just ask your work besties for them. 

Instead, request recommendations from: 

  • A manager or client who can vouch for your skills 
  • A team member who can highlight your collaboration 
  • Someone from a cross-functional team who saw your impact 

And when you ask, make it easy: 

“Hey [Name], I really enjoyed working together on [Project]. Would you be open to writing a short recommendation about [specific skill or achievement]? Happy to do the same for you!” 

People are more likely to say yes when they know what to focus on. 

9. Use Analytics to See What’s Working

LinkedIn’s analytics tell you:

  1. Who’s viewing your profile 
  2. Which posts perform best 
  3. Where your audience is coming from 

Check it weekly and tweak your strategy accordingly. 

10. Play the Long Game (But Stay Consistent) 

Success on LinkedIn doesn’t happen overnight. 

  • Optimize your profile
  • Engage consistently
  • Post valuable content
  • Connect with the right people 

LinkedIn Success Isn’t About “Hacks” It’s About Showing Up 

There’s no magic formula to LinkedIn success. It’s about being visible, valuable, and real. Start small: 

  1. Fix your profile today.
  2. Comment on one post tomorrow.
  3. Post once a week. 

Keep at it, and soon enough, the right people and opportunities will find you! 

 

Do you want your own, personalized marketing consultation? Let's get in touch. We are here for you.