By Jodie Cook
LinkedIn influencers love showing off their follower counts but never tell you what it really takes to get there. They post screenshots of milestone celebrations and sell their "secrets" in masterclasses. The truth? There's a massive gap between what they showcase and what happens behind the scenes. LinkedIn growth demands more grit, time, and hard work than anyone admits. Their highlight reels hide the daily grind that actually creates results.
I quadrupled my LinkedIn following in 2024. From 7k to 30k followers in one year, with consistent action and repeatable moves. Here’s what those LinkedIn gurus aren't telling you.
The uncomfortable truth about LinkedIn success
Only 1% of LinkedIn users create content regularly. This tiny fraction claims nearly all the attention, opportunities, and business. People sign up, post sporadically, then wonder why nothing happens. But building influence takes deliberate effort sustained over months; not casual posting whenever inspiration strikes.
1) Real growth means serious time investment
LinkedIn influencers claim they built their following with "just 20 minutes a day." Pure fantasy. During growth phases, they spent hours daily on the platform. No one accidentally becomes a LinkedIn master.
Accounts with massive followers work harder than they admit. They study engagement patterns. They test different content types. They track what performs and double down on winners. They respond to comments immediately and nurture relationships through DMs. Success comes from treating LinkedIn as a serious business asset, not a casual social network.
4) You have to love the game
People winning on LinkedIn genuinely enjoy the platform. Their enthusiasm shines through in every post. If you secretly hate LinkedIn, your audience will sense it. Your reluctance seeps into your writing and dampens your impact.
Find aspects of LinkedIn that appeal to you. Maybe you enjoy writing powerful hooks. Perhaps you love connecting with like-minded professionals. You might get satisfaction from tracking your growth metrics. Lean into whatever sparks your interest rather than forcing yourself through a process you dread.
5) It can get weird sometimes
Growing your account comes with unexpected side effects. Strangers slide into your DMs with bizarre requests. Former colleagues suddenly watch your every move. Random people from high school resurface to champion you.
As your visibility increases, boundaries become non-negotiable. Learn which messages deserve responses and which connections warrant your time. Success demands selectivity. Your growing influence makes your attention increasingly valuable. Guard it carefully and direct it intentionally.
All 7 things and the complete Forbes article