How to Connect Instead of Follow on LinkedIn

Ever found the perfect person to network with on LinkedIn, navigated to their profile ready to send a thoughtful connection request, and been stopped flat by a big, blue “Follow” button? It’s a common frustration that can make you feel like you've hit a digital wall. This guide will show you the simple fix to connect instead of follow, and explain why making that extra effort is a game-changer for building real professional relationships.

"Connect" vs. "Follow": Why It’s Not Just Semantics

On the surface, “Connect” and “Follow” might seem similar, but on LinkedIn, they represent two completely different types of relationships. Understanding the distinction is the first step toward becoming a more effective networker.

What Happens When You Follow Someone?

Following someone on LinkedIn is a passive, one-way interaction, much like following a creator on Instagram or X. Here’s what it means:

• You see their content: Their posts, articles, and shares will appear in your feed.
• They don't see yours: Your content won't be prioritized in their feed. They are not following you back automatically.
• No direct messaging: You cannot send them a direct message unless you also have a Premium InMail credit. Following alone doesn’t open that door.
• They are not in your network: The person remains an outsider to your professional circle. Their connections do not become your 2nd or 3rd-degree connections, which limits your ability to find mutual contacts.

Think of it as sitting in the audience of a presentation. You can see and hear the speaker, but you’re not on stage with them having a conversation.

What Happens When You Connect with Someone?

Connecting is where the real networking magic happens. When someone accepts your connection request, you establish a direct, two-way relationship. You become “1st-degree connections,” which unlocks a whole set of powerful features:

• You both see each other's content: It’s a reciprocal relationship. Their content appears in your feed, and your content appears in theirs.
• Direct messaging is enabled: You can send them messages directly through LinkedIn, making it easy to start conversations.
• They are in your network: Their entire list of connections becomes your 2nd-degree network, hugely expanding an invaluable resource for finding new people.
• You get full profile access: You can typically see more detailed profile information, like their contact details if they've shared them with their connections.

Connecting is like pulling up a chair at the same table. It opens the door for conversation, collaboration, and mutual benefit.

So Why Do Profiles Default to "Follow"? Solving the Mystery

If connecting is so much more powerful, why do so many valuable profiles make it difficult? The answer is a single feature: Creator Mode.

LinkedIn introduced Creator Mode to help people who focus on building an audience and publishing content (like industry leaders, content creators, and influencers) grow their follower base. When a user turns on Creator Mode, LinkedIn automatically changes the primary call-to-action button on their profile from "Connect" to "Follow."

They aren’t trying to block you personally. They are signaling that they primarily use LinkedIn to share content and ideas with a broad audience. However, it doesn't mean they've shut down connection requests entirely - you just have to know where to find the option.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Instead of Following

Ready to bypass the "Follow" button? The process is simple once you know the trick. It’s slightly different depending on whether you’re on a desktop computer or the mobile app.

Connecting on a Desktop Browser

This is the most common scenario. You’re at your computer, doing research, and you find a key contact.

1. Navigate to the individual’s LinkedIn profile page.
2. You’ll see their profile picture, name, and headline, with the big Follow button placed prominently.
3. Right next to the "Follow" button, look for a button that says More. Click on it.
4. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.
5. Near the bottom of this menu, you’ll see the Connect option. Click it.
6. A new window will pop up, giving you the critical option to add a personalized note. Always do this! More on that in a moment.

That's it. You've successfully sent a connection request instead of just a follow.

Connecting on the LinkedIn Mobile App

The process is just as simple on your phone, though the icons look a little different.

1. Open the LinkedIn app and go to the person’s profile.
2. Observe the Follow button sitting right below their headline.
3. Look for the More button, often represented by three dots (...) located next to the main buttons. Tap it.
4. A menu will slide up from the bottom of your screen.
5. Find and tap the Connect or Personalize Invite option.
6. You’ll then be taken to the screen to write your personalized message before sending the request.

The Art of the Personalized Note: Don't You Dare Skip This Step

Simply finding the hidden "Connect" button isn't enough. The most important part of this process is sending a personalized note along with your request. People with Creator Mode enabled often receive dozens of generic requests a day. A thoughtful message is what makes you stand out and dramatically increases your chances of acceptance.

A great connection request note is short, professional, and provides context. Don't be generic. "I'd like to add you to my professional network" is the digital equivalent of a limp handshake.

Elements of a Great Connection Note:

• Be Specific: Mention something specific you admire about their work, a recent post they wrote, or a mutual interest. This shows you’ve done your homework.
• Provide Context: Remind them how you know each other if you’ve met. ("It was great speaking with you at the XYZ conference last week.")
• Mention a Mutual Connection: If you have a trusted contact in common, mentioning them can build instant rapport. ("Jane Doe suggested I reach out...")
• Explain Your "Why": Briefly state why you want to connect. Are you in the same industry? Are you hoping to learn from them? Keep it genuine.

Template Examples You Can Adapt:

For someone whose content you admire:
"Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent article on sustainable marketing practices. The point you made about the circular economy was especially powerful. I work in [Your Industry] and would love to connect to follow your work more closely."

After a webinar or event:
"Hi [Name], I was in the audience for your presentation on AI in project management today and found your insights fascinating. Your framework for implementing new tools was incredibly helpful. Would be great to connect."

Through a mutual connection:
"Hi [Name], our mutual connection, [Mutual Connection's Name], speaks very highly of your work in user experience design. I'm also in the UX field and would value the opportunity to connect and learn from your experience."

What to Do After They Accept

Getting your connection request accepted isn't the finish line, it's the starting line. Your goal is to build a real relationship, not just collect another contact. The first few days and weeks after connecting are an opportunity to solidify this new professional bond.

• Don’t pitch immediately. The fastest way to create regret is to follow up a connection acceptance with a hard sales pitch. Let the relationship breathe.
• Engage with their content. When they post something, a thoughtful comment is far more valuable than a simple like. Ask a question or add a relevant insight. This keeps you visible in a positive way.
• Say Thank You. A simple "Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I look forward to following your work!" is a courteous first move.
• Look for opportunities to help. If they ask a question you can answer or post about a problem you can solve, offering helpful advice without asking for anything in return is the ultimate way to build trust.

Building a valuable network on LinkedIn is a long game. It’s founded on an organic and generous approach, which all starts by choosing to genuinely connect instead of passively follow.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to find the hidden connect button on LinkedIn is a simple tactical advantage that unlocks deeper networking opportunities. By moving beyond a passive "follow," you open the door to meaningful conversations and transform your LinkedIn profile from a simple resume into a hub for real professional relationships.

Of course, making valuable connections is only half the battle, the other half is consistently showing up on your own profile with insightful content. When we developed Postbase, we focused on making that consistency effortless. Our visual calendar helps you plan and schedule your posts for LinkedIn and other platforms, so you’re always contributing to the conversation and building your personal brand, making your next connection request that much more compelling.