Follow vs. Connect LinkedIn – What’s the difference?

In this article, you will learn about the differences between Follow vs. Connect features on LinkedIn. Also, you will hear about the benefits and strategies for both. Additionally, you will find out why people follow someone on LinkedIn and how you can do it as well.

Understanding Follow and Connect on LinkedIn

The choice to follow vs connect with someone on LinkedIn depends on the level of interaction and access you want to have with that person. Following someone on LinkedIn allows you to see their public updates and content without requiring their approval while connecting requires mutual agreement and allows for private messaging and access to each other’s connections.

LinkedIn also offers features such as job postings, groups for like-minded individuals to network and discuss industry topics, and a newsfeed that provides relevant industry news and insights.

What Does it Mean to “Follow” Someone on LinkedIn?

To follow someone on LinkedIn means that you subscribe to their updates without necessarily being connected to them directly. This includes status updates, likes, comments, shares, and any public posts they make. When you follow someone, their content will appear in your LinkedIn feed.

Although you can see their updates, they won’t be able to view your activity unless they are connected to you or they follow you back.

Following is an easy way to keep an eye on industry thought leaders, but also companies, or influencers. Basically, it allows you to stay updated on their content and gather important information for your industry.

What Does “Connect” Mean on LinkedIn?

When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, they become your 1st-degree connection, and both of you can view each other’s updates and activity on the platform. This includes job changes, new connections, and status updates. Additionally, your 1st-degree connections can view your full profile, and you can see theirs as well.

Connecting with other professionals on LinkedIn is an easy way to expand your professional network and build your professional brand.

Key Differences Between Follow vs. Connect on LinkedIn

While both following and connecting on LinkedIn involve engaging with other users on the platform, they serve different purposes and have specific differences:

1. Relationship: Following allows you to view another user’s public posts and updates without being directly connected to them while connecting makes them your 1st-degree connection, offering more direct engagement.
2. Visibility: When you follow someone, they do not have direct access to your activity or profile. However, when you connect with them, they will be able to see your updates, activity and access your full profile.
3. Communication: You only need to click the “Follow” button on their profile to follow someone. Whereas connecting requires you to send a direct invitation to join your network, and it is recommended to include a personalized message.
4. Network Expansion: Connecting with someone increases your network’s size and may lead to more introductions to other individuals in your industry. Following someone does not necessarily have this same effect.
5. Privacy: Following is a more discreet way to engage with someone’s content without directly connecting with them, which could be helpful if you’d like to keep your LinkedIn network more exclusive.

How to Follow on LinkedIn

Following individuals on LinkedIn allows you to see their activity in your feed, such as articles, posts, or updates they share. To follow an individual on LinkedIn, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account and search for the name of the person you want to follow.
2. Once you have found the profile, select their name and open their profile page.
3. Under their profile picture, you can find a “Connect” button and a “More” button. Click on the “More” button.
4. In the drop-down menu, select “Follow” to start following that person.

Alternatively, if you see a post or update from someone in your LinkedIn feed that you would like to follow, you can also click on the “+” icon next to their name. If the person accepts followers, you will start following their content.

How to Connect on LinkedIn

Connecting with people on LinkedIn is basically the same process as following someone. The main difference is that you will select the “Connect” button instead of “Follow”. Simply navigate to the profile of the person you want to connect with and find the button under their About section.

1. Is following the same as connecting on LinkedIn?

No. When you follow someone, you will see their updates without being linked directly. In contrast, when you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you establish a mutual connection that allows for more engagement, such as direct messaging and endorsements.

2. How does following someone on LinkedIn impact my feed and interactions?

By following a person on LinkedIn, their public posts and shared content will appear in your feed. However, you cannot endorse skills or send direct messages, as a more personal connection has not been established.

3. What is a connection on LinkedIn?

When you connect with someone, you become a part of each other’s network. You can then message each other, endorse and recommend each other’s skills and see activity. There are different connection degrees on LinkedIn, for example, if you connect with someone that’s a 1st-degree connection. However, if you got a mutual connection, that’s a 2nd-degree connection.

4. How can I determine if I should follow or connect with people on LinkedIn?

If your goal is to stay informed about an individual’s insights, updates, or expertise, following them is appropriate. Alternatively, if you have a personal, professional, or mutual interest, connecting will create a more meaningful relationship that allows for in-depth interaction.

5. Can I follow a person on LinkedIn without being connected to them?

Yes, you can follow individuals without connecting to them. This allows you to receive their content and updates while maintaining a more distant professional relationship.

6. Can I change my relationship from following to connecting with someone on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can change your relationship from following to connecting by sending the person a connection request. If they accept the invitation, you will both become direct connections and be able to engage at a deeper level.

Written by Antonio Gabric

I am passionate about growing my social media presence and building a personal brand. Lately, I started growing my LinkedIn and my audience from 0 to 3,000 in less than 3 months. I want to teach you how I did it so that you can replicate it faster. In my free time, I like to spend time in the gym and drive my motorbike around.