Knowing When to Connect or Follow on LinkedIn

The following post explores Knowing When to Connect or Follow on LinkedIn.

Not sure when to follow versus connect on LinkedIn? You’re not alone. It’s a small choice that can have a big impact on how you’re perceived.

Read: Optimizing Open to Work on LinkedIn

Related: Tips for Boosting Engagement on LinkedIn

Understanding when to send a connection request (and when it’s better to simply follow someone) can help you avoid awkward missteps and build a more intentional network.

Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

On LinkedIn, there are only two options for building your network: follow or connect. Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on your relationship to the person.

It may seem like a small choice, but what you pick actually matters. Each action sends a different message and knowing when to use each one shows a desirable level of professionalism and respect.

When you send a connection request to someone who doesn’t know you, especially public figures or senior executives, it can come across as too forward or even inappropriate, depending on the context.

Below is a screenshot from a Reddit forum discussion about connections and follows.

Invite to Connect

When you invite someone to connect, you’re asking to establish a mutual, first-degree connection. If accepted, you gain the ability to message them directly, and appear in each other’s networks.

However, connection requests come with social risk. If the other person doesn’t know you, they can ignore, decline, or even report you. Sending too many cold invitations may trigger restrictions.

Follow

Following someone on LinkedIn is a one-way action. You don’t need their permission. When you follow someone, you’ll start seeing their public posts, articles, and updates in your feed.

The benefit of following is that there’s zero pressure. You still get value from their content, and if you engage thoughtfully over time, it may open the door for a future connection that’s more personal.

Example

Take Barbara Corcoran, a well-known businesswoman, investor, and personality from Shark Tank. If you visit her LinkedIn profile, you’ll see two options: Follow and Connect. Below is a screenshot.

While LinkedIn gives you the option to invite her to connect, it doesn’t mean you should. She likely receives hundreds of connection requests everyday from people she doesn’t know.

In this case, following her is the respectful and appropriate move. You’ll stay updated on her posts, insights, and interviews (without trying to force a connection that isn’t mutual).

The same logic applies to anyone you admire but don’t know personally. Start by following. If you engage thoughtfully over time, you might earn a legitimate reason to connect later.

People You Should Connect With

Think of connection requests as an extension of your real-world relationships. These are people who know you, have interacted with you, or have a legitimate reason to connect back.

Here are common examples of people it’s appropriate to connect with on LinkedIn:

Professional Contacts

• Current and former coworkers

• Managers, team leads, and direct reports

• Clients, vendors, and business partners

Educational & Community Ties

• Classmates and alumni (especially if you’ve interacted)

• Professors, academic advisors, and school-affiliated mentors

• Neighbors or community connections

Networking & Events

• People you’ve met at conferences, webinars, or professional events

• Fellow members of LinkedIn Groups you’ve interacted with

• People introduced to you through a mutual contact

Career & Job Search Support

• Recruiters who have reached out to you

• Hiring managers you’ve interviewed with

• Mentors, career coaches, and resume writers you’ve worked with

People You Should Follow Instead

Following is the better choice when there’s no existing relationship, but you still want to learn from someone’s content or stay in the loop on their professional insights.

Here are examples of people it’s more appropriate to follow on LinkedIn:

Public Figures

• CEOs, executives, and board members you don’t know

• Industry influencers and LinkedIn thought leaders

• Entrepreneurs, authors, and well-known professionals (e.g., Mark Cuban, Arianna Huffington)

Aspirational Contacts

• Recruiters at companies you admire but haven’t engaged with

• Professionals in your target industry or dream role

• Hiring managers at companies you’re researching

Content Creators & Experts

• Authors, speakers, and panelists from events

• Journalists and editors covering your field

• Creators with large followings whose content you find valuable

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article gives you a clearer understanding of the difference between connecting and following someone on LinkedIn, why it matters, and what the best approach is.