So, you’ve heard the advice: “Engage more on LinkedIn.”

You know it matters, especially if you’re trying to build your presence, grow your brand, or just not feel invisible on the platform.

But if the idea of commenting on posts from strangers makes you cringe slightly… you’re not alone.

When I started, I could strike up a conversation with anyone in real life, but online? I felt like a toddler learning how to speak again. Everything sounded awkward, repetitive, or forced.

So instead of winging it, I built a system. One that actually works. And one that doesn’t turn you into a robot.

Let’s break it down.

First: What is LinkedIn engagement, really?

It’s not just about chucking emojis under people’s posts and hoping for the best.

True engagement is:

→ Commenting with intention
→ Liking with purpose
→ Sharing content that aligns
→ Sending personalised (non-creepy) connect requests
→ Sliding into DMs (without selling immediately)
→ Interacting daily, yes, daily

This isn’t a one-and-done. It’s a habit. If you want to grow? You need to treat engagement like part of your strategy, not an afterthought.

Who should you engage with?

Start with 3–5 creators in your niche, ideally ones posting 4–5x per week.

→ Watch their post times.
→ Show up early.
→ Drop meaningful comments.
→ Notice who else is commenting, follow their trail.

You’re essentially joining a mini ecosystem. Not to be weird, but it’s like strategic social stalking, for visibility.

And once the algorithm clock sees you’re active in a relevant space? It feeds you more of the same, which helps you stay consistent without endless scrolling.

What does good engagement look like?

A good comment is not:

• “Great post.”

• “Love this.”

• “Agreed 💯”

Yawn. That’s not going to get you noticed.

Instead, treat every post like a conversation.

→ Ask a question.
→ Add your perspective.
→ Share a related experience.

This isn’t just for show. It’s practice for when you start posting. You get better at forming opinions, voicing them publicly, and understanding what resonates.

Connection requests: quality over quantity

Don’t just hit “connect” like you’re handing out flyers.

Would you walk into a room and say, “Hi! Be my friend!” to every person there?

Okay… maybe. But that’s not the vibe here.

→ Engage before you connect.
→ Show up in comments.
→ Make your name familiar.
→ Then connect, ideally with a message that isn’t a pitch.

This is how you build a network that actually gives back.

A note on DMs

You’ve got gold in your inbox. Don’t waste it.

Some of the best opportunities, collaborations, and even sales come from casual, human conversations in the DMs.

→ Don’t lead with a pitch.
→ Don’t drop a Calendly link out of nowhere.
→ Just talk. Be curious. Offer value.

The minute you stop sounding like a cold caller, you start sounding like someone worth working with.

The honest truth: this takes time

Engagement isn’t magic. It’s momentum.

But it’s earned, by showing up consistently, contributing thoughtfully, and building trust.

Before you ever hit “post” on your own content, engaging is how you warm up the algorithm, and your audience.

So if you’re feeling invisible right now, don’t panic.

Keep commenting. Keep connecting. Keep showing up.

It’s not about being loud. It’s about being present.

TL;DR: Your LinkedIn Engagement Plan

1. Find 3–5 creators in your niche

2. Engage daily, comments, likes, replies

3. Write like a human, not a headline

4. Send connection requests after showing up

5. Use DMs to build relationships, not blast offers

6. Keep going even when it feels slow

You don’t need a huge audience to get results, you need the right audience to know you exist.

And it all starts here.