Break Free from LinkedIn Rules: How to Grow Authentically and Effectively
Introduction: Question the Status Quo
LinkedIn is flooded with advice on how to grow your presence, from posting at specific times to avoiding content scheduling. However, much of this advice comes from people who haven’t achieved growth themselves. Blindly following these “rules” can stifle creativity and limit progress. This article challenges these conventional wisdoms and shares a fresh approach to growing on LinkedIn. The author, who grew their following to 30,000 in a year and built a newsletter with 8,000 subscribers, reveals how breaking these rules strategically can lead to real success. The key is to stop copying others and find what works for you.
Rule 1: Skip the Automations at First
Most people jump straight into using automation tools, LinkedIn pods, and mass messaging to grow quickly. But the author warns against this approach. Instead, start by learning the platform organically. Study what types of posts get attention, who engages, and which topics spark discussions. Focus on building genuine engagement rather than relying on automation. Work closely with your team, like a virtual assistant, to understand what truly moves the needle. The goal is to create real connections, not just numbers on a screen.
Rule 2: Build Your Brand Somewhere Else
The old advice to focus on one platform is outdated. Your audience is everywhere, and they want more than just LinkedIn updates. Start that YouTube channel, publish those blog posts, or record those podcast episodes you’ve been thinking about. By building your brand across multiple platforms, you create a tribe of loyal followers who will naturally find and engage with you on LinkedIn. Your unique voice and value should shine across all channels, drawing people back to your LinkedIn profile.
Rule 3: Schedule Your Content in Advance
Contrary to popular opinion, scheduling content doesn’t kill engagement. In fact, it helps maintain consistency, which is crucial for growth. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to post, schedule your content in batches for the week. This allows you to stay focused on creating great content rather than getting distracted by the algorithm. Keep your phone nearby for important notifications, but don’t let LinkedIn consume your day. Consistency beats spontaneity every time.
Rule 4: Test Your Wildest Ideas on Weekends
Weekend posting is a polarizing topic, but it’s a great opportunity to take risks and stand out. Instead of playing it safe with the same generic updates, use weekends to try something different. Share personal stories, experiment with new angles, or tackle unconventional topics. Some posts will succeed, others will fail, but both outcomes provide valuable lessons. Keep a “swipe file” of what works and revisit those ideas. Weekend posting is your chance to break free from boring content and truly connect with your audience.
Rule 5: Let Someone Else Check Your Stats
Analyzing LinkedIn metrics is important, but doing it yourself can make you too emotionally invested. Instead, assign a team member, like a LinkedIn manager or VA, to track your stats. Focus on your message and content while your team identifies patterns and insights. This approach helps you stay objective and avoids getting bogged down by daily fluctuations. Remember, LinkedIn is a tool for your business, not a reflection of your worth.
Conclusion: Your Success Starts Now
It’s time to stop following outdated LinkedIn rules that hold you back. Learn the platform before automating, build your brand across channels, schedule content for consistency, test wild ideas on weekends, and let your team handle the stats. True growth comes from being authentic and breaking the rules that don’t serve you. Your unique voice matters more than copying others. Start showing up in your own way and watch your LinkedIn presence soar. Your success starts now.
