The primary reason new LinkedIn content gets no traction isn't poor quality, but a lack of an initial audience. Before focusing on content creation, prioritize building a relevant network through connection requests and engagement to ensure people actually see your posts.

The LinkedIn algorithm interprets direct messaging as a strong signal of connection. By engaging with a prospect in their DMs, you increase the probability that your organic posts will be prioritized and shown in their feed, creating a powerful content and outreach loop.

Data from 44 million outreaches shows LinkedIn connection requests without a message have a 3% higher acceptance rate. This is because it reduces the recipient's cognitive load and bypasses the immediate fear of a sales pitch, leading to a quicker, more instinctual acceptance based on their profile.

Don't just track whether a prospect accepts your LinkedIn request; track the speed of acceptance. A quick response (within a day or week) indicates the person is active on the platform and more likely to engage with a follow-up message. A month-long delay suggests they are a less immediate or engaged prospect.

For corporate brands hesitant to engage in conversations on LinkedIn, a low-risk starting point is to comment on posts from podcasts or media outlets where they've previously been featured. This provides a 'safety factor' by leveraging existing, approved relationships and ensures contextually relevant engagement.

The list of people who recently viewed your profile is a source of pre-qualified leads. Initiate contact with a personalized connection request based on a non-sales commonality (e.g., location). If they accept, follow up by offering value, not a sales pitch.

Simply posting content and leaving—or 'posting and ghosting'—is ineffective. LinkedIn's algorithm prioritizes posts that generate conversation. Engaging with comments, especially within the first couple of hours, is critical for signaling value and maximizing your content's reach.

Demystify LinkedIn by treating it as a physical conference. Your profile is your professional attire, your content is your keynote speech, and commenting on others' posts is networking during the coffee break. This makes platform functions intuitive and purpose-driven.

Instead of a direct "just following up" message, tag your prospect in a relevant industry post on LinkedIn. This provides value, gives them visibility, and serves as a subtle reminder, positioning you as a helpful resource rather than a persistent seller.