- Report this article
Alex Symms, MAS, MASI 
Alex Symms, MAS, MASI
HPG Director of Sales - Evans | HandStands | Origaudio
Published Dec 19, 2022
+ Follow
The good old LinkedIn Connections vs Followers...So what's the difference?
You might have run into a situation many times recently where Linkedin is asking you to "follow" or "connect" on a certain members or company's page.You might even have been wondering what that difference is and what you should do.So let me help!
LinkedIn connections can see each other's posts and updates and send messages back and forth via LinkedIn and is basically a a two-way relationship. Following is a one-way connection that lets you see posts from the person you follow, without being connected to them.So if you wish to build a network of people to engage with on LinkedIn, then it is probably a good idea to keep your profile as 'connect' first and engage your clicks in that way as well. If you wish to build a following of people who want to learn from you and read your content, then maybe you should set your profile to Follow first and also engage your network as a follow instead of a connect.
And they both have very good purposes, it just really depends on what you are wanting to accomplish.Following allows you to easily consume content from a person of interest to you. It’s best to follow someone who you want to learn from and engage with regularly while connecting allows you to interact and engage with people more closely and use their network to your advantage. Use connect when you want to build a community of people with whom you want to work or with those who you would like to engage in deeper interactions.These are potential friends, colleagues and potential prospects. There interactions are more personal.
Recommended by LinkedIn
So should you follow or connect on LinkedIn?
In my opinion, when available you should always go for the connection, even if you don't personally know the person because LinkedIn is a virtual place for people to connect and network in a professional manner. The more people you are connected with, the more of an opportunity you will have to be seen and heard.One reason to choose to follow someone rather than connect is if they are a thought leader within your industry and you want to keep on top of what is happening in the industry.
In the end - LinkedIn is a massive database of great networking opportunities for both building a database of active clients as well as potential customers.You more you can engage with this network, the larger the reach and awareness.Do what's best for you, but whatever you do, do it consistently and be active and you'll for sure expand both your network following and connections.
Help improve contributions
Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. This feedback is private to you and won’t be shared publicly.
Contribution hidden for you
This feedback is never shared publicly, we’ll use it to show better contributions to everyone.
Like
Celebrate
Support
Love
Insightful
Funny
11
1 Comment
Beau Davie
LinkedIn Rookie started a 90 day challenge on 6 May with 100 Connections | Lifelong Learner | Solopreneur | Project Management | Quantity Surveyor | Aviation | Teacher |
2w
- Report this comment
Alex Symms, MAS, MASI - thank you for explaining the difference between connect and follow. I was looking for the answer, and you gave it to me.
1Reaction 2Reactions
To view or add a comment, sign in
Sign in
Stay updated on your professional world
Sign in
By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.
New to LinkedIn? Join now
Insights from the community
- Personal Development How can you build meaningful relationships with your social media connections?
- Social Media Management You want to expand your professional network. How can you use social media to connect with the right people?
- Relationship Building How can social media help introverts build their professional network?
- Career Development Coaching How can you build a powerful network in your niche?
- Business Networking How can you build a powerful network for social impact across industries?
- Management How can you build a strong professional relationship with someone you meet on social media?
- Social Media Management Here's how you can expand your professional connections using social platforms.
- Relationship Building You want to expand your professional network. What's the best way to use social media?
- Social Media What do you do if your social media presence isn't helping you build a strong professional network?
- Business Networking You're struggling to build your professional network. How can you use social media to make connections?
Others also viewed
- Increase Your LinkedIn Connections with These Simple Tips: Experienced LinkedIn User Madison Mussio 6y
- 10 key ways to build your Network faster on LinkedIn in 2024 Paul Ashley Jensen 4mo
- Why LinkedIn Connections Matter and How to Grow Your Network Alex Holdzinger 5y
- Thinking of buying connections or followers on LinkedIn? Well, think again! Gal Yefet 4y
- How to Grow Your Connections On LinkedIn Jerome Knyszewski 9y
- 5 Ways to Build Connections on LinkedIn Chris Rollins 9y
- Knowing who to TRUST on LinkedIn Tristan Bliss 4y
- How to Quickly Add 200 New LinkedIn Connections This Month Mindi Ramsey 🏳️🌈 3y
- LinkedIn Connections: Bigger is Better Luke Williams 5y
- Reaching 4,000 Connections on LinkedIn– What I’ve Learned Robert Felber 5y
Explore topics
- Sales
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- HR Management
- Content Management
- Engineering
- Soft Skills
- See All
