Following on Linkedin vs. Connecting on Linkedin: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between following and connecting on Linkedin is that following is a one-way action that allows you to see someone’s posts and updates in your feed without establishing a two-way connection whereas connecting is a two-way action that involves inviting someone to join your professional network and potentially opening up new opportunities.

Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Following on Linkedin and Connecting on Linkedin:

  • Following on Linkedin: Following refers to when you click the “Follow” button on someone’s profile, and their posts will then show up in your feed. It’s similar to following someone on other social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
  • Connecting on Linkedin: Connecting is when you send someone a connection request on LinkedIn. If they accept, you become part of each other’s networks, and you’re able to message each other and see more detailed information about their profile, such as their email address and job history.

Now, let’s get to Following on Linkedin vs Connecting on Linkedin:

Major differences between Following on Linkedin and Connecting on Linkedin

Following on Linkedin Connecting on Linkedin
Following is a one-way relationship. Connecting is a two-way relationship.
Following is a good way to stay up-to-date with industry news and trends. Connecting is better for building professional relationships and networking.
When you Follow someone, they will not be notified of your action. When you Connect with someone, they will receive a notification and have the option to accept or decline your request.
Following is a low-commitment action that requires minimal effort. Connecting requires more effort and may involve personalized messages or introductions.
Following is often used for thought leaders or organizations that you want to stay informed about. Connecting is often used for peers, colleagues, or potential collaborators.

So, these are the main differences between the entities.

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