LinkedIn is that professional networking platform where you can connect with colleagues, potential clients, or even that one guy from high school who now runs a bakery in Bali. But, have you ever noticed that on LinkedIn, you can connect with people, or you can follow them? There’s a little trick to turn your “Connect” button into a “Follow” button on LinkedIn, and we’re about to show you how, on both your phone and PC. So, grab your coffee and let’s get started! ☕
What’s the Deal with ‘Connect’ and ‘Follow’?
Before we jump in, let’s clear something up. You’ve probably seen the “Connect” button on LinkedIn a lot. It’s what you click when you want to send someone a connection request, like your former boss, your favorite industry expert, or maybe your cousin who just got a job at Google. However, sometimes you don’t really want to connect with someone (because, let’s face it, you’re not trying to start a new group chat with them), but you still want to see their updates. This is where the Follow button comes in!
When you follow someone, you see their posts and updates, but they won’t clutter your inbox with “Let’s Connect” requests. Plus, following keeps your feed neat, like a well-organized fridge. 🍏🧃
Why Change the Button?
You might be wondering, “Why would I want to change the button?” Well, imagine you’re a super cool CEO of a start-up, and you’re getting 30 connection requests a day. Yeah, we know. It can be exhausting. By changing that “Connect” button to “Follow,” you can still let people keep an eye on your amazing posts, without letting them into your network unless you really want to.
Now, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make the change.
On Your Phone (Android & iPhone)
Changing the button from “Connect” to “Follow” on the mobile app is like making a quick change in a game—simple and smooth. Here’s how you do it:
- Open the LinkedIn App: It’s that purple app with a white “in” logo. You know, the one that’s always reminding you of your old internships. 📱
- Go to Your Profile: Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner. It’s your face, so you should know where it is. 😆
- Click on “Settings”: Scroll down to find “Settings.” This is where all the magic happens.
- Find “Visibility”: Once you’re in Settings, tap on “Visibility” or “Visibility of your LinkedIn activity.” This is where you control who sees what.
- Change the Follow Settings: Tap on “Followers” or “Who can follow you” and adjust the settings so the “Follow” button replaces the “Connect” button. The app will let you decide who can follow you.
And voila! Now, instead of a “Connect” button, people will see “Follow” when they check your profile. Easy peasy, right? 🍋
On Your PC (Web Browser)
If you’re sitting at your desk pretending to work and scrolling through LinkedIn, here’s how to change the button on your computer:
- Log into LinkedIn: Open your web browser and go to linkedin.com. Enter your username and password—easy enough.
- Go to Your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top menu, then click “View Profile.” Yep, it’s that simple.
- Click on “Me” in the Top Menu: Once on your profile, click the “Me” dropdown menu on the top right.
- Select “Settings & Privacy”: Scroll down and click on “Settings & Privacy.”
- Choose “Visibility”: Now, in the Settings menu, click on “Visibility” and look for “Who can follow you.”
- Adjust the Follow Settings: There, you can toggle the “Follow” option to make sure that people are seeing “Follow” instead of “Connect.”
And just like that, your LinkedIn profile now says “Follow” instead of “Connect.” High five to that. ✋
Real-Life Example
Let’s say you’re a famous chef who’s also an expert in sustainable cooking. You post recipes and tips about the environment on LinkedIn. Instead of receiving 1000 “Connect” requests from random people, you’d rather just have them follow you. That way, they can still see your content and stay up to date with your cooking adventures, without filling up your inbox with “Hi, I’d love to connect!” messages. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I change the button for everyone who views my profile?
Yes, you can change it so that everyone sees the “Follow” button instead of the “Connect” button. However, you can also customize this if you want only certain people (like followers of your company or certain industries) to follow you.
Q2: Will people still be able to send me connection requests if I change the button?
Nope! Once you change the button to “Follow,” they won’t be able to send connection requests unless you decide to make that option available again.
Q3: Will changing the button affect my ability to follow others?
Not at all! You can still follow others, regardless of whether you change the button to “Follow” or not.
Q4: How do I undo this change if I don’t like it?
Simple! Just go back into your settings and switch the button back to “Connect.” No hard feelings. 😅
Conclusion
Changing the “Connect” button to “Follow” on LinkedIn is a small tweak with big benefits. Whether you’re a busy professional or a social media expert, this feature allows you to keep your LinkedIn profile more organized and less cluttered. Plus, it gives you more control over who’s in your network and who’s just casually stalking your amazing posts. 👀
Now, go ahead and make the switch and enjoy your cleaner, smoother LinkedIn experience. And remember, it’s not just about who you’re connecting with—it’s also about who’s following you (and your amazing professional journey).