5 LinkedIn Strategies to Attract More Clients (Without Feeling Salesy)

LinkedIn has come a long way from just being a digital résumé. It’s a powerhouse for networking, brand positioning, and lead generation—yet so many entrepreneurs still feel stuck when it comes to using it effectively.

There's a perception that LinkedIn is too formal, too “judgy,” or just not the right platform for certain businesses. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The real issue? Many aren’t using it to its full potential.

That’s exactly what was covered in a conversation with LinkedIn strategist Dee Boswell Buck on the Acquire Podcast. Here are the top takeaways on making LinkedIn work without falling into the trap of boring, robotic, or overly salesy content.

1. An Optimized Profile is Non-Negotiable

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital business card - it’s a landing page for potential clients, partners, and opportunities. The biggest mistake? Treating it like a résumé instead of positioning yourself as an authority.

What to focus on:

? A professional but approachable profile photo (smiling helps!)

? A compelling headline (hint: it should showcase what you do, not just your job title)

? A banner image that reinforces your expertise or brand

? An “About” section that tells your story, highlights your value, and includes keywords for LinkedIn SEO

Pro tip: Your headline appears whenever you engage on LinkedIn, so make it eye-catching. Instead of just saying "Social Media Strategist," try something like:

“Helping Service-Based Businesses Generate Leads Through LinkedIn “

2. Engagement Matters More Than Posting

A lot of people think LinkedIn success comes from posting non-stop. In reality, engagement is the real game-changer.

Before and after posting, spend time commenting on other people's content - not just a “Great post!” but something meaningful that adds value. Every time you comment, your name (and headline) pop up in other people’s feeds, increasing your visibility.

3. Leverage LinkedIn Newsletters and Articles for SEO

Most people don’t realize that LinkedIn content can rank on Google. That means writing newsletters or long-form articles can help expand your reach beyond the platform.

What works best?

• Thought leadership pieces that provide industry insights
• Sharing lessons from speaking engagements, client wins, or case studies
• Step-by-step guides related to your expertise

If you already write a newsletter elsewhere, repurpose the content for LinkedIn and optimize it with keywords. It’s an easy way to increase discoverability without extra effort.

4. Smart Networking (Without the Cringey DMs)

We’ve all seen (or received) those awful, salesy LinkedIn messages. The kind that go something like:

“Hey [Your Name], I noticed you're a business owner. I help businesses like yours scale. Want to book a call?”

No context. No personal connection. Straight to the pitch.

Better approach:

? Send a genuine connection request with a quick note on why you’d like to connect

? Once they accept, send a thank you message - without a pitch

? A few days later, engage with their content before starting a conversation

? If you do message them, make it about them first—not about what you’re selling

5. Experiment With LinkedIn Live or Video

LinkedIn isn’t just for text-based content. Live videos, recorded video posts, and even casual “talking head” videos are becoming more common—and they help build trust faster than static posts.

Why video works:

?? People connect with faces more than text

?? It helps showcase expertise in a relatable way

?? Fewer people are using it, which means less competition

Even if video feels outside your comfort zone, start small - maybe a 30-second video sharing a quick tip or an insight from a recent project. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

LinkedIn is a goldmine for visibility and lead generation, but it’s not about selling - it’s about positioning. The more you show up as a real person (instead of just another business pushing services), the more people will naturally gravitate toward working with you.

What’s one thing you’ve done on LinkedIn that’s helped you grow your network or business?

Is this helpful? Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter!

If you're ready to grow your list (and leads!) start your journey by clicking here.

Turn your list-building efforts into Pure Profit with my FREE step-by-step training by clicking here.