When did LinkedIn get so useful?

And how to make the most of it

Jul 16, 2025

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A strange phenomenon has crept up on me recently. I never really paid LinkedIn much attention, other than having an up to date profile and occasionally tracking down a contact. But all of a sudden it appears to have become incredibly useful.

I don’t have any insider information on why this is (apparently there have been some algorithm updates) but I appear to be shown much more relevant content and when I do post, I’m getting very healthy levels of engagement.

The change has become so noticeable, I’ve made an active decision to start posting regularly. I’ve also spotted more and more journalists (staff and freelance) posting articles on there and getting helpful and constructive responses.

But is it just me, I pondered? Have I been so worn down by all other social media platforms that LinkedIn has become a shining beacon of hope without ever actually changing.

A quick query in our Facebook Community soon put that idea to rest. It is certainly not just me. Turns out loads of you have found it increasingly helpful. When lots of us left or gave up on Twitter/X, media commentators wrote lengthy articles on whether Threads, Mastodon on Bluesky would end up as the new place to be. Who knew the answer might be a platform set up for sharing your CV.

Several of our community noted that they still want to connect with people who have left X but no real alternative has emerged. Bluesky is a runner up but remains limited.

Others said they’d had international clients approach them via LinkedIn which turned out to be decent gigs they otherwise would have not come across. Most of you said you’d really noticed it had picked up. And it does appear to be a more global option than Bluesky.

A general bit of advice was to screen out the self-promotional language that can be a bit off-putting. I have to say this was what also stopped me becoming a full on LinkedIn user in the past.

Twitter had always been the go-to platform for freelance journalists to share stories, network, and pitch. I’m still there sort of but many people I need to connect with and follow are not. When I do post, most of the time it’s like tumbleweed. I’m also increasingly being tagged in conspiracy theory nonsense. I need a more reliable, professional alternative.

LinkedIn engagement does seem to be booming. Posts from journalists I follow regularly attract lots of views, thoughtful comments, and even editor interest. For me it’s not just an echo chamber of media professionals because the scientists and healthcare professionals I need to connect with are also on there.

Editors are also clearly using it to scout talent, share call-outs, and post job opportunities if the response of our FFJ community is anything to go by.

I think mostly I get a sense of community building. Journalists are sharing behind-the-scenes insights, pitching tips, and transparent discussions about pay - all of which help demystify freelance life. Rosie Taylor’s posts about pitching are a key example of this. Shaun Lintern, health editor at The Sunday Times is another example of a journalist posting successfully about their work.

This kind of professional solidarity is something that Twitter once fostered, but it now feels harder to access there.

I don’t have all the answers yet and am still playing around but here’s my tips so far for making the most of it.

Keep your profile up to date and SEO-friendly - be easy to find for your skills
Share your latest work and the story behind it - tell people why they should care
Engage with other journalists and editors - they might be the route to more work
Don’t be afraid to sell yourself - after all that is what LinkedIn is for!

We really want to hear more about this. How regularly do you post? Are you considering a move from lurker to poster? How much of the cringe factor do you need to overcome?

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