24 Ways to Network on LinkedIn (without feeling awkward)

If you’re not using LinkedIn much because you’re unsure what to do — you’re not alone.

You don’t need to post daily.  You don’t need to perform.  You don’t need to be loud.

You need simple, intentional actions that build real relationships.

Here are 24 ways to network on LinkedIn without feeling awkward:

Start With Your Existing Clients

1. Connect with current clients
A pre-existing relationship makes this easy.

2. Connect with past clients
They already know, like and trust you.

3. Follow their company pages
Stay updated on news and developments.

4. Like their posts
Support their visibility.

5. Leave thoughtful comments on their posts
Show genuine interest.

6. Share their posts when relevant
Amplify their message.

7. Look for collaboration opportunities in their updates
Expansion, hiring, partnerships?

8. Tag them in relevant posts using @theirname
Stay visible in a natural way.

9. Introduce them to someone helpful in your network
Be a connector.

10. Endorse their relevant skills
Simple and appreciated.

11. Write them a recommendation
Strong trust builder.

12. Review who they are connected to
Engage with mutual connections where relevant.

Expand Your Network Strategically

13. Join relevant LinkedIn groups
Engage with people leaving thoughtful posts or comments.

14. Use the search bar intentionally
Search by location, role, industry or company size.

15. Focus on your ideal client profile
Be clear about who you want more of in your feed.

16. Review “People You May Know”
Look for alignment and mutual connections.

17. Check “Who’s Viewed Your Profile”
They’re already curious — start a conversation.

18. Add LinkedIn to your email signature
Make connecting easy.

Natural Engagement Triggers

19. Personalise connection requests
Reference something specific from their profile or posts.

20. Send a thank-you message when someone accepts your request
Simple. Polite. Memorable.

21. Congratulate job changes or promotions
A personal note stands out.

22. Reply to everyone who comments on your posts
Engagement should never go unnoticed.

23. Thank people who endorse or recommend you
Keep communication flowing.

24. Comment thoughtfully on articles your connections publish
Add genuine insight — not “Great post!”

LinkedIn thrives on conversations and community — not grand announcements.

When you engage consistently and strategically:

• Your visibility improves

• Your feed becomes more relevant

• Your positioning strengthens

• Conversations increase

• Opportunities follow

And most importantly — it doesn’t feel awkward.  It feels natural.

Now tell me — which of these 24 are you already doing?

Bio:

Hi, I’m Jen — The LinkedIn Lead Jen 😉

I’m an award-winning LinkedIn strategist, mentor and Super Connector, helping experienced experts become known for what they know.

Since 2017, I’ve supported 700+ women to make their expertise more visible on LinkedIn.

I help you make what you know easier to find, understand and remember, build relationships with the right people, and create more opportunities.

No awkward outreach. No performative marketing. No becoming a LinkedIn content creator.

Because you’ve already done the hard bit – you’ve spent years becoming brilliant at what you do.

Now it’s time for the right people to know it.

Jen x

👉 Ready to make your expertise more visible?   See how I can help