Too much noise on LinkedIn? There's always room for those who bring real value.

Imagine this:

Imagine having direct access to decision-makers on the most vibrant and business-focused network ever. With over a billion users, LinkedIn is more alive than ever. Yes, competition is fierce. Yes, many people are trying to be the loudest in the room. And yes, it might feel like "everything has already been said." But that’s just the nature of the game. There is always space for those who bring real value. Everyone must carve out their own spot under the sun, and relevance is something you create, not something you wait for.

Let there be no mistake about it-we live in an attention economy, as my friend Gregor Ojstersek likes to put it:

“Attention is the most important currency."

How to build connections and authority on LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t just a platform to showcase your resume - it’s a networking engine and a thought leadership accelerator. The people who get the most out of it aren’t just scrolling; they’re strategic about how they connect and how they position themselves as experts.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to build both connections and authority—without being just another “salesy” profile in the feed.

Optimize your profile for connection & trust

Before you even send a connection request or post an update, your profile needs to do the heavy lifting.

? Headline: More than just a job title – It should communicate who you help and how. (Example: “Helping B2B Founders Generate Leads Through LinkedIn | 10+ Years in Demand Gen”)

? Profile photo & banner: First impressions matter – A clean, professional headshot and a banner image that reinforces your work (e.g., speaking at an event, brand logo, or a tagline that captures your expertise).

? About section: Tell a compelling story – Instead of listing job titles, write in a conversational, first-person tone that answers:

• Who you are
• Who you help
• How you do it
• Why it matters

? Featured section: Prove your authority – Include posts, interviews, podcasts, case studies, or free resources. This builds instant credibility.

Connect with the right people (and avoid being a “pitch slapper”)

A big mistake people make? Treating LinkedIn like a numbers game.

Authority doesn’t come from having thousands of random connections—it comes from having the right audience engage with you.

? Connect with purpose – Search for people who align with your industry, target audience, or growth goals. Avoid “spray and pray” connection requests.

? Send personalized invites – A short, genuine message like: “Hey [Name], saw your post on [Topic]—really liked your take on [specific point]. Would love to connect!” (No pitch. No generic “Let’s connect.” Just real interest.)

? Engage before you connect – Instead of cold-adding someone, comment on their posts first. This warms them up before you send a request.

? Use LinkedIn voice messages – If you’re reaching out to build relationships (not just rack up numbers), voice messages add a human touch and increase response rates.

There is always space for those who bring real value. Everyone must carve out their own spot under the sun, and relevance is something you create, not something you wait for.

Post with authority (not just for visibility)

People don’t follow leaders just because they post often—they follow them because their content changes how they think.

Here’s how to consistently build authority:

? Share insights, not just updates – Instead of “We’re launching XYZ,” flip it into value:

? “Excited to announce our new product!”

? “Most companies struggle with [insert pain point]. Here’s what we’ve learned from launching [product] to solve it.”

? Use storytelling – Instead of a dry list of “5 tips,” share a short personal experience. (e.g., “I got ignored by 50 prospects—until I changed this one line in my LinkedIn messages…”)

? Mix up formats – Authority is built through depth:

• Text posts (personal insights, industry takes)
• Carousels (step-by-step breakdowns)
• Videos (face-to-camera builds trust)
• Polls (for market feedback)

? Leverage LinkedIn articles – Most people skip these, but long-form content helps Google index your thoughts and positions you as a credible expert.

? Engagement > Posting – Instead of just hitting “post” and ghosting, spend 30 minutes engaging with others daily. Comments build more authority than posts because they show you’re in the conversation, not just broadcasting.

Build social proof beyond testimonials

Authority is not just about what you say—it’s about how you demonstrate expertise beyond words.

? Lead insightful discussions – Instead of relying on recommendations, create LinkedIn posts that initiate thought-provoking debates in your industry.

? Teach through content – Share frameworks, strategies, or behind-the-scenes insights that provide immediate takeaways.

? Host webinars, LinkedIn Lives – Bringing others into discussions boosts your credibility and extends your reach.

? Comment with real value – Instead of generic responses like “Great post!” add insight, personal experience, or an alternative perspective. High-value comments attract more connections than posts.

? Participate in speaking engagements, roundtables, and panels – nothing builds industry authority and credibility faster."

Don’t chase—attract

I used to believe in getting more leads by chasing opportunities, messaging as many people as possible, and pushing content non-stop. But I realized that true authority doesn’t come from trying to grab attention - it comes from attracting it.

• Instead of pushing, pull people in with value.
• Instead of mass messaging, connect with fewer but more relevant people.
• Instead of talking to everyone, speak directly to your niche.

Keep it simple and short (KISS)

Early on, I wanted to share everything I knew in one post. I thought the more I shared, the more authority I built. But I was overwhelming my audience.

? One idea per post – The best posts have one strong point, not five weak ones.

? Short sentences, clear structure – Simplicity wins attention.

? Avoid jargon – Complexity doesn’t make you sound smarter. Clarity does.

Always remember – success is never instant. It’s built one step at a time.

Stay consistent and play the long game

Most people post for two weeks, get no engagement, and quit.

Authority isn’t built overnight—it compounds over months of showing up.

? Stick to a posting schedule – Even 2-3 solid posts per week are enough if they add value.

? Engage every day – Even 10 meaningful comments daily will make you more visible than most.

? Keep refining – Pay attention to what resonates with your audience and double down on those topics.

? Patience beats hacks – The people with real influence? They’re not just trying the latest LinkedIn growth hack. They’re showing up, adding value, and staying top of mind.

Your next moves:

1. Refine your LinkedIn profile – Update your headline, banner, and About section. Make sure it’s clear who you help and how.
2. Engage with 10 new posts daily – Not just any posts. Find relevant conversations in your industry and leave meaningful comments.
3. Write your first authority-building post – Pick a single topic, add a real insight, and invite discussion.
4. Send 3 targeted connection requests per day & 3-5 weekly requests with a personalized message. Focus on quality over quantity.
5. Test different content formats – Try a mix of text posts, carousels, and videos to see what resonates most with your audience.

The bottom line

LinkedIn authority = consistent visibility + real engagement + actual expertise.

The people who stand out aren’t those who try to be louder—they’re the ones who are more valuable, more relatable, and more intentional with their connections.

Are you approaching LinkedIn with a strategy or just hoping for the algorithm to work in your favour?

?? And always remember – success is never instant. It’s built one step at a time. As Recep Taylanhan wisely said today:

“Success needs a process. It is not a one-time bump. Focus on steps, not on the results!"

• Let’s connect. Follow me here, on Substack & Instagram.
• Liked this article? Make sure to ?? click the like button
• Feedback or addition? Make sure to ?? comment.
• Know someone who would find this helpful? Make sure to ?? share this post.