Is Linkedin Done?
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of frustration about LinkedIn. It’s not what it used to be, is it?
What was once a space for building professional relationships now feels overrun with humblebrags, spam, and endless pitches that go nowhere.
So, has LinkedIn lost its edge, or is it just being used the wrong way?
The decline of LinkedIn’s purpose
Let’s be honest. LinkedIn’s feed is a mess.
Viral posts and motivational fluff have taken over, and the professional focus that made it valuable seems harder to find. You might log in looking for meaningful connections and instead get hit with irrelevant content or connection requests that feel more like spam.
And for those trying to bring in clients, the noise can be maddening.
Where are the genuine conversations?
Why does every outreach feel transactional?
It’s frustrating, and I get it.
What’s changed?
Here’s why LinkedIn feels like it’s struggling:
Algorithms that reward fluff: Viral stories and feel-good posts dominate, pushing aside the content that actually helps people.
Spam overload: The flood of generic sales pitches and fake profiles makes it harder to see the value.
Content overcrowding: It used to be easier to stand out. Now, everyone’s posting, and it takes more effort to cut through the noise.
The rise of false promises: Let’s not ignore the “LinkedIn gurus” selling quick success. You’ve seen them-the ones promising endless leads and overnight transformations. Most of it is just fluff. Real success takes work.
Why LinkedIn still matters
Despite all of this, I’m not writing LinkedIn off.
Far from it.
The platform still has huge potential for building trust and finding clients, but it’s not the quick win it once was.
The days of throwing up a post and watching leads roll in are gone.
Today, LinkedIn is about the long game - building real relationships and showing up consistently. And let’s be real: that’s how business works anyway. People buy from people they trust.
Algorithms will change. Features will evolve. But people?
People stay the same.
Building trust will always work because it’s rooted in how we make decisions.
How to use LinkedIn to get clients
If you’re finding LinkedIn a bit overwhelming, it might be time to rethink how you’re using it. Here’s what works:
Be intentional about connections: Don’t connect with everyone. Focus on people you’d genuinely like to work with or learn from. When you reach out, make it personal.
Show value, not sales: Forget the hard pitch. Share insights, case studies, or advice that genuinely helps people. When you’re useful, people notice.
Start real conversations: Engage thoughtfully with posts. Ask questions, share your perspective, and show up where your audience is.
Use messaging wisely: Cold DMs aren’t dead, but they have to be done right. Be relevant, specific, and focus on how you can help.
Stay consistent: Building trust takes time. Regular, thoughtful engagement is what builds credibility over the long haul.
So, is LinkedIn done?
Not at all.
Sure, it’s not as straightforward as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
LinkedIn is still a powerful tool, but it requires a more deliberate approach.
The question isn’t whether LinkedIn is done.
The real question is whether you’re using it with a clear purpose.
If you focus on building trust and real relationships, LinkedIn can still deliver results.
At the end of the day, it’s about people - and people will always be at the heart of good business.