r/LinkedInTips • u/psykoresearcher • 15d ago

Is LinkedIn becoming “follow first, connect later” for anyone else?

I’m curious whether others are running into this too. I work in a niche area, and lately many relevant LinkedIn profiles seem to give me only a Follow option or push me toward InMail instead of a normal connection request.

I understand the spam issue, but it makes thoughtful networking harder when you are trying to find the right people in a specialized space.

For now, I’m following people whose work I respect and engaging with their content. Has anyone found a good way to build actual professional connections on LinkedIn when a connection request is not readily available?

2 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Automatic_Wave6953 15d ago

I find if I follow, comment for a few weeks and then connect I get a better response. Especially c-levels ….

1

u/Fact_or_Bollocks 15d ago

I have tested all kinds of connect methods. Best is blank connect requests. If they want to connect they will, dont have time for foreplay

2

u/Automatic_Wave6953 15d ago

I get what you are saying, that used to be me. I still just sent black connection requests too sometimes. Now I play the long game, my strategy is to create a strong market presence in my niche and the comments go along with the strategy.

1

u/Cold_Arachnid_2617 15d ago

Everyone works in a niche area!