The Mindful Marketing Podcast

Episode Title: What's Working on LinkedIn in 2026
Host: Andréa Jones
Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andréa Jones explores the evolving landscape of LinkedIn in 2026, breaking down exactly what strategies are driving meaningful, sustainable growth for business owners, coaches, consultants, and personal brands. Far from the perception of LinkedIn as just a digital resume, Andréa reveals how the platform has become a powerful place for authentic conversation, genuine networking, and business development—without the burnout or focus on vanity metrics seen on other platforms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Comfort and Familiarity of LinkedIn (01:50)

• Andréa compares LinkedIn to an old friend: “LinkedIn has felt like that friend where you can just reconnect with and it's like nothing ever changed or happened… That’s how I feel about LinkedIn right now.”
• Contrasts with other platforms like Instagram, which frequently change and feel less stable.

Misconceptions and the Evolving Role of LinkedIn (03:25)

• Debunks the myth that LinkedIn is only “stuffy” or “just for job search.”
• Highlights Snoop Dogg’s dynamic presence as proof of LinkedIn’s evolution for personal brands and entrepreneurs.
• “If Snoop Dogg can do it, you can do it, too.” (04:19)

Content Mindset: Performance vs. Proof (05:40)

• Differentiates between “performance content” and “decision-proof content” (“proof” = stories, case studies, real conversations).
• Critiques the prevalence of “AI gobbledygook” and stresses the importance of authenticity in content and comments.

LinkedIn is Not About Vanity Metrics (07:15)

• On LinkedIn, quality connections matter more than follower counts or likes, unlike Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
• “It’s not about the number of people you connect with. It’s about the quality of those people.” (07:47)

What’s Working on LinkedIn in 2026

1. Text-Based Posts Dominate (09:30)

• Text-only posts (“mini blog posts”) allow for storytelling and authentic perspective.
• Both “super short, almost like Twitter thread style posts” and longer story-driven posts perform well.
• Benefit: Simpler to create—no design, video editing, or Cava/Capcut skills required.
• Audit findings: “Across the board engagement was increased on these text-based posts.” (12:31)

2. Human-First Profiles (13:10)

• It’s crucial to “lead with the human first element.”
• Highlights emotionally connective “About” sections, headlines written in a human voice, and clear next steps for profile visitors.
• Logos and mascots are secondary: the real connection happens on the personal profile.

3. Commenting as if You’re Posting (14:55)

• Posting quality comments drives visibility (“commenting as if you’re posting”).
• “You're dropping your little IP, your little nuggets, your little wisdom across LinkedIn and people really engage with that.” (16:01)
• Encourages reading others’ comments, being “nosy,” and using comments as a networking tool.

4. Thoughtful Direct Messaging (17:50)

• Advocates for DM strategies that avoid “cold ass pitch(es)” (18:28).
• Recommends following up after events with personalized, voice-based messages (“Hi, this is Andrea. We met at so and so event…”).
• Personal connection stands out from generic copy-paste messages.
• Success stories: meaningful business partnerships and client relationships have started in her DMs. (20:35)

5. Turning On Creator Mode (22:07)

• Advises activating “creator mode” for extra profile features, especially the profile link.
• Suggests further info will be in her LinkedIn Challenge.

6. A Sustainable Posting Rhythm (22:45)

• Most clients succeed posting only once per week, commenting five times a day, and connecting with one new person daily (Mon–Fri).
• Recommends this manageable, sustainable approach over daily posting.

What’s NOT Working on LinkedIn in 2026

• Posting every day: “Most of my clients feel incredibly burnt out...” (25:02)
• Adding a link to every post: LinkedIn’s algorithm deprioritizes external links, and people rarely click.
• Treating LinkedIn like a resume: Especially for business owners—profiles should be for business, not just job searching.
• Focusing on growing your company or business page: For most, attention should be on personal profiles.
• “Bro marketers” and scare tactics: Trendy, over-the-top sales gimmicks don’t translate to meaningful growth.

Measuring Growth: Tangible & Intangible Metrics (32:10)

Tangible Metrics

• New connections per week
• Conversation starters (comments or DMs)
• Impressions on posts

Intangible Metrics

• Do you actually enjoy LinkedIn? (“If you don’t like being on here… there’s another party for you.”)
• Do you like creating LinkedIn content?
• Do you like building connections this way?
• Notes that strategies can be adapted for introverts or those who prefer less visible engagement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “LinkedIn is not for vanity metrics. It's not about numbers. It's about the quality of those people.” (07:15)
• “The boring stuff is actually what keeps the business going.” (09:02)
• “Don't make it fancy, just show up as you are.” (12:39)
• “Commenting as if you're posting… you're participating in this community as a strategy.” (15:10)
• “How many times have we gotten like a cold ass pitch in our LinkedIn DMs? …We don't want to be confused with Those people.” (18:28)
• “All you have to do on LinkedIn is post one time a week and try to comment within that week. Five comments a day. Comment as if you're posting and try to connect with one new person a day. That's it.” (24:00)
• “You do not need to go viral. In fact, you don't need to go viral on any platform, but especially LinkedIn. It really is about the depth and the visibility with the right people versus the masses.” (36:47)

Quick-Action Takeaways for Listeners

1. Audit your LinkedIn profile: Ensure you answer what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters to them. (39:00)
2. Comment on a post: Log in and leave a thoughtful comment on one post today. (39:23)
3. Consider joining the 5-day LinkedIn Challenge for a guided update to your strategy.
4. Focus on “connection over conversion”—prioritize building relationships.

Listener-Oriented Guidance

• LinkedIn is especially effective for B2B, coaches, consultants, and service providers.
• Sustainability is key—a “boring,” regular rhythm outperforms short-lived hustle.
• Align your strategy to your personality—introverts and extroverts can both succeed.

Relevant Timestamps

• 01:50 — Why LinkedIn feels familiar and stable
• 07:15 — LinkedIn isn’t about vanity metrics
• 09:30 — Text-based posts are best
• 13:10 — Human-first profile features
• 14:55 — Commenting as a top strategy
• 17:50 — Thoughtful direct message outreach
• 22:45 — Weekly rhythm & recommended activity
• 25:02 — Daily posting and links in every post: why they fail
• 32:10 — Tracking tangible and intangible metrics
• 36:47 — Why you don’t need to go viral
• 39:00 — Practical next steps for LinkedIn success

Final Thoughts in Andréa’s Voice

LinkedIn continues to evolve away from its resume roots, cementing itself as a vibrant, conversation-focused place for real business growth and connection. Keep it simple, show up as yourself, and never underestimate the power of consistent, human-centric engagement.