What Is The Difference Between Follow And Connect On LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful social networking platform designed for professionals to connect, share ideas, and build their careers. As you navigate through LinkedIn, you may have come across two terms: follow and connect. While they may appear similar, there are distinct differences between the two functionalities. This article aims to clarify the disparity between following and connecting on LinkedIn.
Following on LinkedIn
When you follow someone on LinkedIn, you become their follower or subscriber. Following a person allows you to stay updated with their activity, such as their posts, articles, and updates. It is similar to following someone on other social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
Following someone is relatively easy on LinkedIn. Simply visit the person’s profile and click on the “More” button, represented by three horizontal dots on the right-hand side. From the dropdown menu, select the “Follow” option. Voila! You are now following this person on LinkedIn.
Following a person on LinkedIn is a one-way relationship. It means you will see their content on your feed, but they will not receive any notification or indication that you are following them. This feature comes in handy when you want to stay updated with thought leaders, industry experts, or influencers.
Furthermore, LinkedIn allows you to follow not only individuals but also companies, organizations, and educational institutions. Following a company keeps you informed about their updates, job postings, and important announcements. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are interested in job opportunities within a specific company or want to stay connected with a brand.
Connecting on LinkedIn
On the other hand, connecting with someone on LinkedIn establishes a mutual relationship. When you send a connection request to someone on LinkedIn, you are expressing interest in networking and establishing a professional connection with that person.
Connecting on LinkedIn requires the other person to accept your request. Once they accept, you both become each other’s connections or “1st-degree connections” on LinkedIn. This opens up various networking opportunities, including the ability to send direct messages, view each other’s connections, and endorse skills.
To connect with someone on LinkedIn, visit their profile and click on the “Connect” button, located beneath their name and headline. You will be prompted to include a personalized message to introduce yourself and explain your reason for connecting. It is essential to personalize your request, as generic or automated messages stand a lower chance of being accepted.
When to Follow and When to Connect
Now that you understand the difference between follow and connect on LinkedIn, you might wonder when to use each option. Here are some factors to consider:
Follow:
- When you want to receive updates from someone without necessarily connecting with them.
- When you want to stay informed about a company’s news, job postings, or industry trends.
- If you are interested in influencers or thought leaders and want to gain insights from their content.
Connect:
- When you are mutually interested in building a professional relationship with someone.
- If you want to expand your network and connect with colleagues, classmates, or industry peers.
- When you have met someone in person or virtually, and want to maintain a professional connection.
Summary
LinkedIn offers both the option to follow and connect with others, serving different purposes. Following allows you to stay updated with someone’s content or a company’s updates, while connecting establishes a mutual professional relationship. Knowing when to follow and when to connect on LinkedIn is essential for effective networking and building your professional presence on the platform.
In conclusion, both following and connecting on LinkedIn play significant roles in leveraging the platform’s networking capabilities. Whether you choose to follow someone or connect with them, LinkedIn offers a robust platform to engage with professionals, cultivate connections, and showcase your expertise.
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What Is The Difference Between Follow And Connect On Linkedin
