TIN #071 - How to Network on LinkedIn Without a Premium Membership
Maximize LinkedIn Connections Without Spending a Dime
Hey there, fellow introverted networkers!
Today, let's dive into a hot topic:
Using LinkedIn effectively without splurging on a Premium membership.
Yes, it's possible, and I'm here to show you how!
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
My LinkedIn Journey – Premium vs. Regular
I used to have a LinkedIn Premium membership, but this year I decided not to renew.
To my surprise, I haven't noticed a significant drop in functionality or connections.
Sure, Premium offers perks like InMail messages and seeing who viewed your profile, but those weren’t features I used much, so I haven’t missed much.
But, now LinkedIn is changing the rules for free accounts and if could impact your networking.
LinkedIn's New Policy For Free Accounts
LinkedIn recently changed its policy, limiting the number of connection requests you can send daily if you have a free account.
This means you can’t send dozens of connection requests to new people at the same time. You’ll be limited to how many of these requests you can send each day.
While this change can be a bit of a hurdle for those new to the platform and looking to expand their network rapidly, it’s not a show stopper.
There are plenty of ways to connect with new people.
You can read more about the connection limits here and here.
In the meantime…
Here are three strategies to keep growing your network on LinkedIn without hitting the connection request limit:
Follow and Comment Strategy
Instead of sending connection requests, follow people you're interested in. Following means you’ll see their posts. The only limitation is you can’t send them a message through LinkedIn. You have to be a 1st degree connection to do that.
But following can be an effective way to create new relationships on LinkedIn.
Find someone who posts things you’re interested in.
Follow them.
Engage with their posts through thoughtful comments.
This builds visibility and rapport.
It’s possible these people will reach out and ask you to connect, saving your valuable connection requests for other people.
Even if the person writing the post doesn’t ask you to connect, other people leaving comments might want to connect with you.
If you want to learn more about the Follow and Comment Strategy check out TIN #010 - How To Network On LinkedIn - Part 2
Start Creating Your Own Posts
Posting on LinkedIn is the best way to gain visibility and grow your network.
It shows who you are, what you can do, and why people should connect with you.
But…
There are a lot of people who are scared to create their own posts.
I understand.
Putting your thoughts online can be intimidating.
Most people tell me they don’t post because they don’t know what to write.
Here are two ways to start creating your own posts:
Repost others' LinkedIn posts. If you find something that really resonates with you, repost it. This is also known as Sharing the post. But don’t just repost. Add your insights. What did you like? What do you have to add?
Turn your comments into posts. Remember those comments you started leaving on the posts of the people you follow. If people like those comments, turn them into a post. Expand on the comment in your own post.
Here’s something to avoid in your posts: external links.
LinkedIn's algorithm favors content that keeps users on the platform. If you link to an article or site that is not on LinkedIn, it won’t show your post to as many people.
Posting your own content will increase your visibility, prompting others to connect with you.
Focus On Quality Connections
The last thing you can do to connect on LinkedIn without a Premium membership is to be strategic about who you connect with.
You only have a few connection requests each day.
Only send them to people you know are active on LinkedIn and will really add to your network.
Write personalized connection request notes.
Even if you can only send a few requests daily, make each one count.
This method ensures a higher acceptance rate and more meaningful connections.
Consistency Is Key
Regular engagement and strategic connections are essential. Even with limited daily requests, consistent, thoughtful interactions will steadily grow your network.
As with any social platform, LinkedIn's rules may change. Stay adaptable, innovative, and always be on the lookout for new ways to connect.
Let's Connect And Grow Together!
If you’ve had success with these strategies, or if you're finding challenges, I'm here to help.
Share your experiences in the comments, send me an email, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Let's navigate these changes together and continue building our networks!
Until next time, embrace each connection opportunity, and always be connecting!
Weekly Tidbits
Throughout the week, I find interesting things. I love sharing them with my readers:
If you want to learn how to turn being an introvert into your superpower, I recommend checking out The Introverted Path. Every Thursday morning Brian shares insights on what it means to be an introvert and how to use those traits to your advantage. You can subscribe here.