Alright, let’s get real! LinkedIn in 2025 isn’t just a place for boring corporate updates and awkward “Let’s connect” messages. If you’re a startup founder or C-level executive, it is your golden ticket to building a powerful personal brand, landing big deals, and growing your influence.
A lot of people are trying to figure out how to grow on LinkedIn, but the trick is to start posting.
But here’s the thing: most people are doing it all wrong.
They’re posting the same generic thought leadership content, using corporate-speak nobody talks like, and wondering why their posts get three likes.
If you want to stand out, grow fast, and make LinkedIn work for you, here’s the playbook:
Step 1: Fix Your Profile to grow on LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is your personal website. People WILL check it before they work with you, invest in you, or even accept your connection request. Make it count, before you build a LinkedIn Strategy.
Headline = Your Hook. Don’t just say “CEO at X.” Say what you do.
Example: “Building AI that replaces bad PowerPoints” > “CEO | AI SaaS | Tech Speaker.”
LinkedIn Profile Picture & Banner. If your pic looks like it was taken on a 2010 Android, fix it. Good lighting, friendly expression, professional but not robotic. Bonus points for a custom banner.
About Section = Your Story. Drop the third-person bio (this isn’t a Wikipedia page). Write like a human. Tell your journey, your mission, and how you help people.
Experience = Impact. No one cares about job descriptions. Show what you built, fixed, or scaled. Example: “Scaled revenue from $2M → $10M in 2 years” instead of “Managed sales team.”
Custom URL. If your LinkedIn URL is linkedin.com/in/john-smith-23948723 change it to something clean, like /johnsmith or /john-smith-growth.
Step 2: Crack the 2025 LinkedIn Algorithm
The algorithm is not your enemy, you need to know how to play the game.
✅ Comments > Likes. LinkedIn LOVES conversation. If your post sparks discussions, it gets boosted big time. Ask questions. Drop hot takes. Reply to every comment.
✅ Post 3–4x per week. Not daily, not once a month. 3–4 times keeps you top of mind without feeling like spam.
✅ First 90 Minutes Matter. LinkedIn decides within the first 90 minutes if your post is worth pushing to more people. Engagement early = reach later.
✅ Mix it up. Carousels, text posts, videos, try them all. The algorithm loves variety (and so do people).
Step 3: Create Content That Gets Engagement
The key to LinkedIn is not to sound like a corporate robot.
Here’s some LinkedIn posting tips that work right now:
>Storytelling. People don’t connect with brands, they connect with people. Share your wins, your failures, your WTF moments in business. Example: “We almost ran out of money last year, here’s how we turned it around in 90 days.”
>Hot Takes. Thought leadership isn’t limited to topics like “5 trends in AI.” It’s having an actual opinion. Example: “VCs need to stop asking founders for 5-year projections- they’re made up anyway.”
>Teach Something. Break down complex topics in plain English. Example: “How we closed a $500K deal using LinkedIn DMs (and no cold calls).”
>Behind-the-Scenes. People love the process. Show how you built your company, your morning routine, your setup - whatever makes you, YOU.
>Personal Wins. It’s not bragging if it’s real. Share team wins, product launches, milestones - make sure to tie it back to value for your audience.
>Call to Action. Want people to engage? Ask them something. Example: “What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?"
Step 4: Network Like a Pro (No Cringe DMs, Please)
Building a real network takes more than sending random connection requests. Here’s how to do it right:
Engage First. Before connecting, comment on their posts. Add real value, don’t drop a “great post.”
DMs That Don’t Suck. If you send “Hi [First Name], I’d love to connect”, don’t be surprised when they ignore you. Here are examples for every case:
Bad: “Hey, let’s connect.”
Good: “Loved your take on LinkedIn engagement strategies. The ‘hot take’ format is—using it next week. Would love to stay connected!”
Best: If you're pitching something, a short video clip can be a great touch- but always lead with value. What’s in it for them?
"Hey [Name], I loved your take on 'Marketing with a Vision'—really insightful! We’re currently inviting guests for the XY Podcast, where we dive deep into this very topic. Our audience includes a global network of senior executives, and I’d love to feature your expertise on the show. Let’s connect and explore this—would you be open to a quick chat? Looking forward to it!"
Give More Than You Take. If you’re only asking for favors (introductions, feedback, jobs), you won’t get far. Share insights, help others, and build goodwill.
Step 5: Stay Consistent (Even When It Feels Like No One’s Watching)
Here’s the deal: Most people quit LinkedIn after 2 months because they don’t get immediate results.
But guess what- The ones who stick with it win BIG.
Month 1: Barely any engagement. Feels like talking into the void.
Month 3: People start noticing. More DMs, comments, and shares.
Month 6: Leads, speaking invites, and podcast requests start rolling in.
Month 12: You’re the go-to person in your space.
If you show up, share real value, and engage with people, you WILL grow.
Final Thoughts on how to grow on LinkedIn:
✔ Fix your LinkedIn profile (headline, photo, about section, URL)
✔ Understand LinkedIn’s algorithm (engagement > everything)
✔ Post 3–4x per week (stories, hot takes, teach, show BTS)
✔ Build relationships, not only connections (engage before DMing)
✔ Play the long game (real results take time)
This is how you win on LinkedIn in 2025.
Now, over to you: What’s your biggest challenge with LinkedIn right now?
Bonus: Want a Done-for-You LinkedIn Strategy?
If you’re a founder who wants to build your brand, generate inbound leads, and dominate LinkedIn, without spending hours figuring it out, Get in touch with Flywheelr Team Today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long will it take to see growth on LinkedIn?
Real talk: It depends on how consistent you are. Most creators see results in 3-6 months if they post at least 3-4 times a week, engage with others, and provide real value. The key is to stick with it.
2. What type of LinkedIn post formats get the most engagement?
Posts that feel human and relatable tend to do best. Storytelling, hot takes, and personal insights drive the most conversations. Avoid corporate jargon, nobody wants to read a press release on their feed.
3. How do I grow my LinkedIn network without looking spammy?
Engage first, connect second. Comment on people’s posts before sending a request. Send a personalized DM. Mention something specific you liked about their content. Don’t pitch right away. Build the relationship first.
4. How do I get people to comment on my posts?
The secret is to ask a question and encourage people to share opinions. Try ending your posts with:
“What’s your take on this? Drop your thoughts below!”
“What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?”
5. What’s a common mistake people make on LinkedIn?
Being boring. Posting generic, soulless content that reads like a corporate memo. LinkedIn isn’t just for sharing professional updates, it’s for real conversations, insights, and personality. Be bold, be you, and have fun with it!
