What is one mistake you've made in your LinkedIn marketing, and what did you learn from it? Share your experience and how others can avoid making the same mistake.

Question

LinkedIn marketing can be a powerful tool, but it's easy to make mistakes that hinder success. This article explores common pitfalls in LinkedIn strategies, drawing from the expertise of seasoned professionals. By understanding these errors, businesses can refine their approach and maximize their impact on this professional networking platform.

Josiah Roche · Answer

One mistake I made early on was focusing too much on volume. I posted daily for two months straight because I assumed consistency alone would drive engagement and leads. However, it didn't work as expected. The content became repetitive and easy to ignore. It failed to give people a reason to stop scrolling.
I learned that frequency doesn't equal value. More posts don't necessarily mean more connection. They often lead to fatigue. While algorithms might reward activity, people respond to clarity. When every post starts to blend in, the message gets lost.
That's when I shifted my approach. I started posting two to three times a week instead. Each post had a stronger hook, a clearer structure, and a point of view that actually challenged something. The difference was immediate. Engagement increased. More importantly, the right people started reaching out with intent.
Because LinkedIn isn't about being seen by everyone. It's about being remembered by the right people. Each post should do one thing well: it should position you. If it reads like anyone could have written it, it's not worth posting.
So if you're starting out, don't copy the posting schedule of creators who already have built trust. Their audience shows up for them. You're still earning that attention. Focus less on reach and more on resonance.

Johan Nortier · Answer

One of the most common mistakes I see clients make with LinkedIn Ads is attempting to run campaigns on a minimal budget.
LinkedIn is a premium advertising platform, and its pricing reflects this. While it offers unrivaled B2B targeting capabilities, it's not designed for low-budget testing or campaigns. Many clients approach LinkedIn expecting Meta-level CPMs and CPCs, only to be disappointed when their £250 campaigns yield little to no return.
I've learned to set clear expectations from the outset. If a client doesn't have the budget to support a proper multi-funnel strategy, from awareness to consideration to conversion, I now recommend alternative platforms such as Meta or Google, where smaller budgets can still deliver meaningful results.
Low budgets often struggle to deliver results on LinkedIn for several reasons:First, the cost per click (CPC) tends to be significantly higher, typically ranging from £2 to over £12, which can quickly exhaust a limited budget. Additionally, smaller budgets provide insufficient data, making it challenging to gather enough insights for effective optimization. Without adequate funding, there's also limited flexibility to test various creatives, audiences, and formats, which is essential for refining campaigns. Finally, relying solely on bottom-of-funnel ads without taking the necessary steps to warm up the audience rarely yields successful outcomes.
I now only take on clients with realistic budgets that can support a full-funnel approach. This strategy ensures we can effectively build brand awareness through sponsored content, nurture leads via retargeting and thought leadership, and ultimately convert them with lead generation forms or high-intent calls to action.
If the budget is limited, I'll strategically redirect them to Meta or Google, where we can still achieve strong results with a leaner spend.

Lisa Benson · Answer

One mistake I made early on with LinkedIn marketing was trying to sound "professional" instead of being authentic. I believed I had to write in a polished, corporate tone to be taken seriously, especially as a strategist. But what actually happened? My content fell flat. It blended in. The posts received polite likes but no comments, no direct messages, and definitely no clients.
Then one day, I shared a personal post. I wrote about how burned out I felt trying to "market the right way" and how clarity finally came when I stopped performing and started speaking directly to the women I actually wanted to help. That post tripled my engagement, brought in three discovery calls, and started the shift toward how I write today.
What I learned: People are not on LinkedIn looking for perfection. They're looking for truth they can trust. If your content sounds like a brochure, it will be treated like one. But if it sounds like you — honest, clear, and grounded — it will create conversation and connection.
How to avoid the same mistake:Write like you talk. Share lessons, not lectures. And always ask yourself, "Would I stop to read this if it came from someone else?" If the answer is no, it's time to rewrite. LinkedIn rewards authenticity. Use that to your advantage.

Léo Pinon · Answer

One mistake I made in LinkedIn marketing was underestimating the power of precise CTAs in native lead generation ads. I used "Learn More" for a campaign promoting a downloadable whitepaper, assuming it was a safe, non-committal choice, but the click-through rate was misleading. While many clicked, few submitted their contact information.
The issue was a mismatch in expectations. Users expecting to "learn more" weren't prepared to hand over their contact details. When I switched the CTA to "Download," conversions increased significantly. That simple change aligned user expectations with the actual funnel. People clicking "Download" were primed to exchange information for value. To avoid this mistake, match your CTA to the user's journey and be clear about what they'll get.

Ajinkya Thete · Answer

I once focused too much on broadcasting achievements rather than engaging with my LinkedIn network. This approach made my presence feel more like a bulletin board than a conversation starter. For example, while advising a retail client, I realized that posting only about their store openings and awards didn't spark the interaction we hoped for.
By shifting to a strategy that prioritized asking questions and sharing insights into the creative process behind their store designs, we saw a significant increase in meaningful engagement and dialogue. This taught me that LinkedIn is less about self-promotion and more about community building.
To avoid this mistake, I recommend using LinkedIn as a platform to engage with your audience by inviting responses and fostering discussions. Remember, "Engagement is the heartbeat of connection; don't just speak, listen."

Cody Jensen · Answer

I'm Cody Jensen, CEO of Searchbloom, where we help SMEs grow with SEO and PPC. One mistake I made for far too long was relying almost entirely on written posts and never tapping into multimedia, especially podcast-style clips. For years, I played it safe with text: carousels, thought leadership, value bombs. It worked... to a point. But we were leaving a huge audience untapped.
People who don't want to read a block of text will gladly stop mid-scroll to hear a 30-second insight with a face and a voice behind it. The engagement shifted rapidly when I finally started testing short podcast clips with punchy captions and a little narrative setup. We saw more comments and more shares.
Lesson learned: if you're only showing up one way, you're only reaching part of your audience. LinkedIn isn't just for reading anymore. It's for listening, watching, and connecting with real human energy.

Lidiia Yushchenko · Answer

Over-optimizing for reach instead of resonance is a common pitfall. At one point, we focused heavily on keyword-loaded posts and viral-friendly formats. Think carousels, listicles, and trending audio snippets via embedded video. It worked, to an extent; impressions went up, but there were no conversions at all. Worse, the audience we attracted wasn't aligned with our service or our brand voice.
The experience taught me that reach without the right audience is vanity. LinkedIn isn't TikTok because users expect substance, and the algorithm rewards depth more than people realize. 
Once we shifted toward niche thought leadership, our engagement dropped in volume but increased in quality. We saw more inbound messages, better-fit collaborators, and actual interest from educators and academic platforms.
Therefore, it is important to avoid chasing the biggest audience and instead speak directly to the smallest one that matters. On LinkedIn, clarity beats virality every time.

Temmo Kinoshita · Answer

One mistake I made early on with LinkedIn marketing was assuming targeting was "set it and forget it." I'd build an audience—say, funeral home directors—and let it run. But LinkedIn constantly shifts what's targetable: job titles disappear, categories change, and even geographic filters get fuzzy. Suddenly, campaigns that once worked go silent.
What I learned: you have to audit your targeting regularly. Especially in niche markets like ours, small changes in LinkedIn's ad tools can break your reach overnight.

Josh Ritchie · Answer

Trying to be too buttoned-up and professional can be counterproductive. People want real perspective and experience from real people, so having our C-suite executives write from their own perspective and voice via their own accounts has helped us break down that wall and make more meaningful connections. It feels more authentic and personal (typos and all), and our accounts have notably grown because of it.

Eric Do Couto · Answer

Here's the truth about one of my biggest LinkedIn marketing mistakes: I used to overload every post with hashtags, thinking it would magically boost my reach. I'd add everything from broad terms like #success to random trending tags that had nothing to do with my message.
It completely backfired. My posts looked messy, the engagement felt hollow, and the audience I actually wanted to reach wasn't interacting at all.
What I finally realized is that LinkedIn rewards relevance, not quantity. Now I stick to just three to five carefully chosen hashtags that speak directly to my audience's interests, such as #LinkedInMarketingTips or #B2BContentStrategy. The shift was instant. My posts reached people who actually cared, and the conversations became more meaningful.
If there's one thing I'd share from this experience, it's this: hashtags aren't decorations. They're doorways. Choose them wisely, and your message finds its way to the right crowd.
Your content doesn't need more hashtags. It needs sharper ones.

Patrick Dinehart · Answer

Having a "Set and Forget" Profile: Not regularly updating my LinkedIn profile led to it becoming stale and not reflective of my current work. One unique approach I discovered is setting specific dates tied to significant company activities or milestones for profile updates. For example, whenever we launch a new flooring collection or participate in a major industry event, I set aside time to update my LinkedIn with these activities. By linking updates to company timelines, the habit of refreshing my profile becomes more natural, ensuring it evolves alongside my professional growth. To apply this, align your updates with key moments in your career or organization, ensuring your profile stays dynamic and relevant.

Fredo Tan · Answer

Honestly, one mistake I made was thinking the company page would carry more weight than it actually does. Personal profiles just perform better on LinkedIn. But even when I started posting from my own profile, I almost gave up. The first few posts barely got any traction. What I learned is, you have to stick with it. It's not about going viral. It's about showing up consistently and letting the impressions build over time. That's where the momentum kicks in. You just have to keep going.

Aaron Jakel · Answer

My biggest mistake was broadcasting generic "look at us" posts and expecting results. I used to publish four posts a week, all featuring roof photos and statistics, believing that more content equaled better outcomes. I accumulated over 3,000 views on one post with zero calls or messages. It turns out that nobody on LinkedIn cares about perfect angles or job counts unless they see a real person's face or hear something authentic.
The turning point came when I abandoned the polished posts and recorded a 37-second phone video in the rain, covered in mud, explaining why I was late for dinner. Sixty comments, eight direct messages, and one $12,000 contract later, I discontinued the copy-paste updates and began showcasing the messy aspects of my work.
In conclusion, people want to meet you, not your logo or a list of "amazing" results.

Ben Hawes · Answer

I persistently posted offers, deals, discounts, updates, and urgent requests. Cue the silence! There was no traction, no engagement, and no growth.
However, the moment I started sharing stories, everything changed.
Since my objective was to build relationships that might lead to sales, I realized I needed to focus on the first part first—instead of selling by... selling. Once I made the change and shared my day-to-day experiences, what excited and frightened me, and how my past connected to my present values, my content became more popular.
As the business grew, people became more invested because my content provided an authentic account of how my growth was really progressing—not an overinflated highlight reel. As a result, I have landed more writing gigs and press features, which have brought in business. Lesson learned: Share your story, and the right business will come—don't sell right off the bat!

Jamilyn Trainor · Answer

If you take a look at my line of work, I can't really survive without extensively leveraging my network on LinkedIn. For months, I researched polished carousel content posted on LinkedIn. My thought process was that this is what a thought leader does. But that didn't get me any real leads. Not a single client call. Then one day, I posted a raw iPhone shot of my team and myself setting up our gear at a venue at 5 AM, with the caption: "This is what event success actually looks like." No CTA. No hashtags. Just a simple truth. That got me a client that has stayed with me for the past 7 years.
Honestly, the problem was that I confused credibility with curation. But people aren't buying perfection. They buy people. My audience didn't need another 'insightful' infographic. They needed proof that I have been in the trenches and I can still deliver.
If you're a business owner or builder of any kind, be it a consultant or expert, let your LinkedIn profile reflect the unfiltered journey, not just the win, but the work. That is the magnetic stuff, and the difference between content that gets scrolled past and content that sells.
If you want to take a look at more of what I do, head over to: https://mullerexpo.com/

Meera Watts · Answer

LinkedIn marketing was not initially my primary concern, but I made a mistake at the very beginning of my experience with Siddhi Yoga. I focused too heavily on selling our services and courses, and I did not engage with people or share valuable content that they could identify with. I realized that LinkedIn is not a selling platform, but rather a relationship platform, just like any other social media platform.
The mistake was perceiving LinkedIn as merely a marketing tool and not as a place where individuals could converse and relate with each other. I learned that insights, stories, and tips should be shared, which are relevant to your audience. I am currently focusing on adding value by sharing wellness, yoga tips, and meditation content, which enables me to connect with potential students and partners in a more natural way. This approach has made relationships closer and interactions better compared to simply selling a service.

John Beaver · Answer

One of the first mistakes I made when using LinkedIn for business was to use it as I would use Instagram or Twitter, sharing sales-focused content and memes. It did not work out, and people immediately lost interest.
What I realized was that LinkedIn is a professional site and that the readers on the site want value. They need helpful information such as industry knowledge, case studies, or expert opinions instead of sales pitches. So I changed my strategy to present useful information that can help others in their practice.
I now pay attention to providing useful suggestions and practical uses of Desky products and how they can enhance productivity. Make your LinkedIn content professional, and focus on offering value rather than making a sale.

Oliver Morrisey · Answer

One of the mistakes I made when I initially began promoting on LinkedIn was making statements about the success of our cases without evidence. I thought it was a great opportunity to showcase our achievements and stand out. Moreover, I provided figures regarding the success of cases, which, upon closer inspection, were slightly skewed. Not only was this incorrect, but it also made us liable to violate laws regarding how law firms can promote their success rates.
I quickly learned that all claims in the legal field require supporting evidence. It is not only necessary to act in accordance with ethical rules; it is also important to be honest and credible in relation to potential clients. I have since taken care to ensure that everything we say is true and complies with the strict guidelines for legal advertising in our region. This taught me the lesson that it is essential to strike a balance between marketing techniques and the responsibility that accompanies the promotion of legal services.

Steven Bahbah · Answer

In my early LinkedIn marketing efforts, I made the mistake of being too aggressive with self-promotion. I assumed I would get clients by posting about my services often, but this did not happen. The realization that took me longer to come to was that people weren't engaging with my content because they weren't seeing any value in it beyond it being an advertisement.
I learned that LinkedIn is about relationships, not about blowing your own horn. People will always prefer posts that don't seem like you're trying to sell them something, such as sharing helpful, informative content that makes their day a little better. These days, I emphasize content that has an educational or solution-based aspect to it; it's more about helping others and less about promoting my business.
Those seeking to improve their presence on LinkedIn could benefit from this understanding: produce meaningful content that fosters true engagement and meaningful discourse.

Steve Case · Answer

A LinkedIn marketing mistake that I made was overusing generic, one-size-fits-all content. In the beginning, I believed that frequently posting general, non-specific messages would help me establish my presence. However, this method was impersonal and did not reach potential clients. I quickly understood that posting general content without knowing the specific needs of my audience did not provide much opportunity for interaction.
I discovered that successful LinkedIn marketing relies on authenticity and relevance. It was much more effective to create content that directly addressed the issues and concerns of particular groups within my network. For example, I began to post customized information about various life stages, such as for newlyweds or entrepreneurs, and the life insurance they should consider. This shift led to deeper relationships and increased engagement. The main lesson here is that personalized and targeted messages on LinkedIn will create better relationships and develop trust. Simply posting without purpose will not yield the same results.

Josh Howarth · Answer

I used to make a significant mistake with my LinkedIn marketing: I completely ignored the analytics. I would post content, feel satisfied with it, and move on without ever checking its performance. I believed that simply showing up and posting regularly was sufficient.
Once I finally started examining LinkedIn's analytics, everything became clearer. I observed which topics garnered the most attention, which post formats encouraged genuine conversations, and even the optimal times to share content. It helped me understand precisely what my audience cared about.
Since then, I utilize these insights every time I plan new content. I focus on posts that generate genuine engagement and avoid those that miss the mark. Ignoring analytics is akin to trying to connect with people while wearing a blindfold. The data guides you in the right direction and helps you create content that truly makes an impact. Content feels much more robust when it is supported by clear insights rather than guesswork.

Caspar Matthews · Answer

The first marketing error I made concerning LinkedIn was placing too much emphasis on the number of connections. At the beginning, I was too focused on expanding my circle, so I had set a goal of achieving a high number of connections, disregarding their relevance and potential value. I soon came to the realization that with so many distant connections, I was not getting any fruitful business contacts or prospects. I understood that when it comes to a professional network, quality is more important than quantity.
I have since changed my approach and aimed at becoming acquainted with those who share my corporate beliefs and missions. I am now much more deliberate; I expect nothing in return for providing value. The creation of a relevant and engaged network has resulted in improved opportunities, which include collaborations as well as defined deals, leading to an enormous improvement in the reach of my LinkedIn profile. Others ought to think about how to foster these relationships as opposed to getting hung up on the number of connections.

Dr. Maria Knobel · Answer

When I was starting my career on LinkedIn, I did not realize the strength of storytelling. I was dry and factual, I did not connect. It is educative but it did not have a human touch to it. When I began to weave in the story of actual patients and personal experiences into my posts, it was all different. There was an increase in engagement by 30 per cent. People desire to associate themselves with something, they want to connect to something and not facts that are cold. They are attracted by some stories which demonstrate true effect, not something abstract. Self 2.0. Now, I speak about stories that illuminate the way my work changes lives rather than discourse on what I know. The result is a more loyal, stronger audience that will appreciate the worth of what I have to offer. Otherwise, when you communicate and you are not telling stories, you are missing it. Share your brand by giving a human dimension to it, so that your message is imprinted in the minds of people. It is all about making a difference between being listened to and being discredited.

Caleb John · Answer

One mistake I made with LinkedIn marketing was not engaging enough with my audience. I primarily promoted myself and my services, believing that would create demand. However, it quickly dawned on me that I was not making any real connections as I was not having any meaningful interactions. I started to realize that simply posting wasn't sufficient to capture my audience's interest or maintain engagement with what I was offering.
This experience has taught me that, besides content, engagement also matters. I now try to personally engage with my audience, respond to comments, and post advice that establishes my authority. It has allowed me to build more trust and connect more with those who are listening. If you are using LinkedIn for business, remember that making conversations is crucial; conversing is not just posting.

Ethan Richardson · Answer

One mistake that not just I but other LinkedIn marketers have made is not understanding the platform well before posting sales content. LinkedIn is quite a costly (around $9-$10 per click) advertising medium. 
So, you need to target your customers wisely and precisely. Otherwise, you will be putting away a lot of money without getting any real value. Therefore, learn about what type of people use LinkedIn the most and what type of ads perform best here. 
My personal experience suggests that LinkedIn is best for B2B-type solutions. Or, if your product is related to some kind of skill-building or course-selling, you can expect a decent number of conversions. 
Also, there's no best advertising strategy that suits all businesses. You have to keep experimenting until you unlock what works best for your product. For example, did you ever run a long ad that was way over one minute explaining your product? Pretty sure, it didn't get much engagement. But the question is, what did you do after that? Did you keep posting such video ads or not? 
That's the crux. If one format doesn't go your way, invest in other ad types. One neglected type is sponsored mail. They seem boring, but they have a better opening rate than long videos (well over 50%). But of course, you need a solid offer to gain attention in this way.

25 LinkedIn Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Table of Contents

25 LinkedIn Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Quality Over Quantity in LinkedIn Posts

Set Realistic Budgets for LinkedIn Campaigns

Authenticity Trumps Corporate Tone

Align CTAs with User Expectations

Foster Dialogue Instead of Broadcasting

Diversify Content with Multimedia Formats

Focus on Niche Audience Engagement

Regularly Audit LinkedIn Ad Targeting

Embrace Personal Voice in Corporate Posts

Use Hashtags Strategically for Relevance

Link Profile Updates to Company Milestones

Consistency Builds Momentum on LinkedIn

Showcase Real Work Not Polished Results

Share Stories Not Sales Pitches

Demonstrate Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Work

Provide Value Not Just Sell Services

Offer Evidence-Based Claims in Legal Marketing

Create Educational Content Not Advertisements

Personalize Content for Specific Audiences

Leverage Analytics for Content Strategy

Prioritize Quality Connections Over Quantity

Use Storytelling to Increase Engagement

Engage Actively with Your Audience

Understand Platform Before Advertising

Experiment with Various Ad Formats

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