How to Win on LinkedIn in 2025

By Sarah Clay

If you think that LinkedIn is a scary, corporate space or a place where people just ‘show off’ and talk about themselves, I urge you to take another look. LinkedIn is a vibrant, human space where relationships are built, stories are shared, and trust is everything. Yet, many women still feel unsure about how to use LinkedIn without sounding too salesy, too formal or not “business-y” enough. If that sounds like you, know this: you’re not alone. And you absolutely can win on LinkedIn in 2025 by doing it your way with clarity, consistency and heart.

Break the Fear Barrier

Let’s start here, because fear is what stops most women from fully stepping into LinkedIn.

Maybe you’re worried you don’t sound “professional enough.” Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you don’t have anything to say. Maybe you just don’t trust the platform yet or yourself on it.

Here’s the reframe: LinkedIn is simply a room full of people. Some will get you, some won’t. That’s OK. You’re not here to impress everyone, you’re here to connect with the right people.

The more you show up, the more you build trust with yourself and your network. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you.

Try this:
Leave one thoughtful comment per day on someone else’s post. Start with one and slowly build up to five a day.

You’ll be surprised how many people relate to what you have to say. And that’s when the magic and trust starts to build.

Make Your Profile Sparkle

Think of your profile as your shop window. It’s not just a business card, it’s a chance to build trust at first glance.

Your photo? Make it warm and approachable.
Your headline? Tell us what you do and why it matters.
Your About section? Let it sound like you—this is your story.

LinkedIn users scan quickly, so clarity wins. If your profile makes someone smile, feel inspired, or feel seen—you’ve already created a spark of trust.

Quick wins:

• Change your headline to something real and magnetic: tell us who you help, and how.
• Use first-person in your About section. Talk like a human, not a magazine.
• Add a few pieces to your “Featured” section—like a standout post, testimonial, or free resource.

When your profile feels aligned with who you are, it’s easier to show up—and easier for people to trust you.

Post with Purpose

You don’t have to post every day. In fact, the latest research suggests that LinkedIn wants you to post less often. Try once a week to start.

You don’t need to write essays, and you certainly don’t have to post just for the sake of visibility.

What works on LinkedIn in 2025 is posting with purpose—small, honest stories and insights that show who you are and how you think.

When you post consistently and authentically, people start to trust you. They see you. They remember you. And eventually, they want to work with you or refer someone who does.

Keep it simple:

• Share a lesson from your week
• Post about something that surprised or moved you
• Offer a helpful tip in your area of expertise

Speak like you’re talking to a smart, kind friend. That’s how trust is built: one post at a time.

Build Real Relationships

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking LinkedIn is a numbers game. But the women who truly win on LinkedIn focus on relationships, not just reach.

Connection requests mean nothing without connection. Trust is built in the small moments: in comment sections, private messages, and shared reflections.

Do this instead:

• Personalise your connection notes. Mention something specific.
• Comment with thought, not just “Great post!” but why it resonated.
• Celebrate other women in your network. Tag them. Cheer them on.

When people feel seen by you, they’re more likely to engage with your content and trust grows from there.

Lead with Value

People can sense a sales pitch from a mile off. But when you lead with value, people lean in. They pay attention. They trust you.

LinkedIn isn’t about shouting about your offers, it’s about serving before selling.

That doesn’t mean giving away everything for free. It means showing that you understand your audience. That you support them, and that you can help.

Value looks like this:

• Sharing a tip that saved you hours
• Posting a reminder that helped you stay grounded
• Reflecting on a challenge you overcame and how

When people learn from you or feel inspired by you, they remember it. So when the time comes to work with someone like you, you’ll already be top of mind.

Trust Is the Golden Thread

Everything you do on LinkedIn: your profile, your posts, your interactions; either builds trust or breaks it.

So show up fully. Speak with kindness. Share what you know. And trust yourself to take up space.

LinkedIn in 2025 isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being real, being helpful, and building the kind of relationships that last beyond the algorithm.

Final Thought: You Are More Than Ready

You don’t need a perfect profile or a viral post. You just need to show up as yourself.

Your voice matters. Your presence is enough. And the people who need to hear you? They’re waiting.