8 LinkedIn mistakes worth quitting in 2026.

Hey, Reader,

As I’ve settled back into work this January, reconnected with clients after the holiday pause, and taken a moment to look around LinkedIn, I’ve found myself making the same observations.

There are some very fixable mistakes happening.

And as I originally set out to outline these for a single LinkedIn post, I quickly realized the list kept growing.

So here we are:)

Does any of this sound familiar?

And if it does...I still have good news for you:)

1. The Unclear Profile Page Elements

I’m still seeing…

• Blank, default, or landscape photo banner images that don’t fit
• Headlines that don’t clearly state who you help or what problem you solve
• About sections that lead with “me, me, me” language

And seriously, no shame here. When LinkedIn isn’t your full-time focus, these things don’t always stand out.

But these are some of the most viewed and searched elements on your page.

If your goal is more conversations, clients, or contracts in the year ahead, these elements need your attention this week.

2. Too Much Reposting (and Not Enough Perspective)

Reposting is tempting.

When you’re unsure what to say, it feels easier to amplify someone else’s words.

But if you want to be remembered and seen as a thought leader in your field, your perspective needs to be spotlighted more.

Instead of reposting, ask yourself…

What specifically resonated about this person’s post?

Then create your own post around those realizations. Your audience isn’t following you for recycled takes. They want your lens on the subject. That’s what keeps people coming back and engaging with you.

3. AI-Canned Content That Lacks a Human Touch

I’m just going to say it…

Please, don’t expect AI to do the LinkedIn heavy lifting for you.

It’s obvious at this point what’s been shaped by a real human versus what was copied and pasted straight from ChatGPT (or any AI tool). And if the goal is building real connections where trust forms before selling or collaborating, this matters.

Use AI to…

• Spark ideas
• Help structure thoughts
• Tighten edits

But don’t let it replace your voice. That’s the secret sauce that makes you stand out!

Don’t hurt yourself using AI in the wrong ways. Be smart, and get better at storytelling.

4. Not Spending Enough Time Engaging

My clients reading this right now know what’s coming with this one:)

Posting is only half of what it takes to succeed on LinkedIn.

The other half? Engagement.

For whatever time you spend creating, spend 2x that amount engaging.

Ask yourself honestly…what actions are you taking to start a conversation with one other person?

I think the ones who will see the biggest results this year will be following up their LinkedIn conversations with virtual calls and real-life meetups.

5. Not Sharing Experiential Posts That Show the Work

AI content is everywhere, and most of us can spot it instantly. We’ve established this.

That’s why sharing real stories and experiences matters more than ever.

One of my top posts in the last 365 days had…2,500+ impressions, 79+ reactions, and 55 comments.

But what the LinkedIn data dashboard doesn’t show?

Seven qualified leads reached out as inbound traffic, asking about my services.

In the post, I talked about almost saying no to a speaking engagement that required a two-hour drive. It tagged the client I ended up working with long-term, who met me at the event. And I walked through the actual process we followed together, including a before-and-after screenshot of her optimized profile (shown below)…

Showing the work, the details, and the story helps people picture themselves working with you.

It’s powerful. And that’s what prompts others to reach out.

6. Posting Too Much From the Business Page (and Not Enough From the Founder Page)

I see this all the time. There’s not enough founder-led content happening.

Founders spend more effort posting from the business page than from their personal profile.

And I’m not sure if it’s because it feels more comfortable (and less vulnerable), or they just don’t know how important it is to capitalize on their network (actual people) who want to hear what they have to say.

It's not that you should ignore your business page. But what I am saying is to prioritize your personal profile page…always.

Your voice, your day-to-day insights, your future plans, these resonate more strongly coming from you.

I promise you’ll see more engagement immediately with this strategy.

7. Not Leaving Room for “In-the-Moment” Content

Those who know me well know I’m a planner. I love systems. I always have a Google Doc full of drafted content.

But here’s what I’ve learned….

In-the-moment content often outperforms the carefully planned posts.

My top post last year? Written at a gas station.

The night before, I logged onto LinkedIn to check on a client update, but I got pulled into my feed instead.

I congratulated someone on a win. Liked a few posts. Engaged. Smiled. Totally got lost in the content of others and forgot what I was there to do in the first place!

Sitting in my car the next day, I wrote about it and hit publish.

Maybe it was the opening question. Maybe it was the timing. Maybe it was the P.S. about heading to my great aunt’s funeral and remembering that time isn’t promised.

Whatever it was, it worked.

And it’s not the first time I’ve seen spontaneous, honest content shine.

Here’s a recent post where the idea struck me on Monday, back from Christmas break, and I just thought it would be somewhat funny and relatable for all the other parents coming back to LinkedIn as well. It seems it was with 100+ reactions, 80+ comments, and 11 profile views!

8. Not Making LinkedIn a Marketing Habit

LinkedIn works best when it becomes a habit, not a one-off effort.

And there’s no single formula. It just depends on your life, your goals, and the season you’re in with your business.

But the sooner you treat LinkedIn as part of your regular marketing rhythm, the sooner you’ll see results.

That’s when…

Relatable posts prompt comments.

Comments turn into DMs.

DMs turn into calls.

Calls turn into “Yes, let’s do this.”

If you want LinkedIn to work for you in 2026, it really does come down to this…

You have to make it a habit (and find some joy in doing it).

Where do you need clarity? Hit reply and ask.

And no, it's not my virtual assistant...it's me:)

P.S. Tired of wondering why LinkedIn isn’t bringing in clients? With my LinkedIn Transformation Package, (a 5-week engagement 1-on-1), you’ll receive a done-for-you system including an optimized profile page, a strategic content plan, and one-on-one engagement coaching to help you finally start seeing results.

Julie took advantage of this offer (the example given in this newsletter!), and look what she had to say about it...

Talk soon,

Find me on LinkedIn, YouTube, or book a 1-on-1 clarity call​

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Columbus, OH