25 Things I Wish I Knew About LinkedIn When I Started

Photo by Colin + Meg Hire on Unsplash

(Reflections from 4 Years and 1,000+ Posts Later)

When I joined LinkedIn as a content creator and business owner, I had no idea what I was doing.
I’d scroll. Lurk. Occasionally comment. And I definitely overthought every post I published.

Now, four years and over 1,000 posts later, LinkedIn is the primary driver of my business — bringing in leads, clients, collaborators, and countless opportunities I never could have predicted.

So I wanted to pause and reflect on what I’ve learned.

Here are 25 things I wish I knew about LinkedIn when I started — broken down into a few key themes that might help you stay consistent, grow your visibility, and build real community on this platform.

Engagement: Where the Real Magic Happens

1. Some of the best relationships start in the DMs.
More collaborations, clients, and referrals have started in casual DM conversations than any pitch deck ever could.

2. People you’d never expect are closely watching.
Just because someone doesn’t like or comment doesn’t mean they’re not reading. Silent lurkers often become warm leads.

3. Every action you take creates a micro-experience of yourself for others.
Your comments, reactions, DMs, and posts — they’re all tiny impressions. Make them count.

4. Watching someone put themselves out there will always move and inspire me.
Even if it’s not “viral,” courage is contagious. Be someone who shows up.

Relationships Over Reach

5. Making friends matters. Prioritize relationship-building.
You’re not just building a platform, you’re building trust. Find people you admire, and stay in touch.

6. Sometimes internet strangers are more supportive than your closest circle.
Don’t take it personally. Your online network might “get” your work in ways your offline one doesn’t.

7. LinkedIn is the ultimate microcosm of our bigger societal structures.
From gatekeeping to amplification — pay attention to the patterns, and decide how you want to show up.

8. Give more than you take.
Value-first content and generosity build long-term credibility.

Mindset & Mental Endurance

9. If you’re one of the 1% of users actually showing up to post, you’re mentally tough.
It’s hard to create publicly. Keep going.

10. There’s always more to learn — but don’t burn yourself out.
Yes, LinkedIn has nuance. But it’s also just a tool. Don’t overcomplicate it.

11. Being vulnerable and sharing your story doesn’t get easier — you just get used to the discomfort.
Growth lives on the edge of discomfort. Keep choosing it.

12. The best time to start was yesterday. But better now than never.
Progress beats perfection. Just post.

Content Strategy Lessons

13. The content you try really hard on will flop.
Let it go. Results don’t always match effort — and that’s okay.

14. The post you write in 30 seconds will do great.
Sometimes simplicity, truth, or a single insight is all you need.

15. Content is the best long-term business investment ever.
It compounds. A single post can still bring leads 6 months later.

16. There’s more than enough business on here for everyone.
No need to gatekeep or play small. Scarcity thinking will slow you down.

17. Systems make a big difference.
Treat content like a process, not a guessing game.

18. Some formats that work for others might not work for you.
Test everything. Your voice matters more than the “trend.”

19. Learning how to communicate complex ideas simply is the ultimate skill.
This is what turns readers into clients. Make things clear, not clever.

Thought Leadership & Visibility

20. Creating content is the best way to distill your knowledge and expertise.
You learn so much by teaching others.

21. Someone will literally hire and pay you off the back of a well-written post.
Don’t underestimate the power of a single, thoughtful insight.

22. Use others’ ideas as inspiration — not imitation.
Everything is a remix. Just give credit and add your own take.

23. Establishing credibility isn’t just about saying you’re an expert.
It’s about showing people how you think and why they should trust you.

24. Don’t be afraid to promote, be direct, and sell your offers.
People can’t buy from you if they don’t know what you sell.

25. Open loops, good hooks, and clear CTAs work for a reason.
Copywriting isn’t manipulation — it’s clarity and direction.

Final Takeaway

All of these lessons came from doing the work. Showing up. Writing the posts. Messing up the posts. Learning as I go.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this list, it’s this:

A little effort, every day, really goes a long way.

You don’t need to post daily.
You don’t need to go viral.
You do need to stick with it long enough to see what’s possible.

P.S. If you're looking to build a smarter LinkedIn strategy — one that fits your voice, your goals, and your business model — I’d love to help.

I work with founders, consultants, coaches, and other marketers to develop content and connection strategies that actually convert.

[Click here to learn more or book a strategy session.]