The "Silent Nod": Using Likes and Follows Strategically on LinkedIn

The Awkward Scroll-By

You see a post from a potential client or a partner you admire. You know you should engage somehow, but it feels too soon for a comment, and a connection request out of the blue seems too forward. You feel stuck in that awkward middle ground, so you do nothing and just scroll past.

This inaction is a bigger missed opportunity than you might think. By not making even the smallest gesture, you remain completely invisible. The prospect is unaware you even exist, and any chance to build a little momentum is lost. You’re back at square one, waiting for another "perfect" opportunity that may never come.

The Power of the "Silent Nod"

Let's reframe the simple "like." It's more than just a click; it's a "silent nod" from across the room. It’s a quiet, low-stakes way of saying, "I see you, and I appreciate what you're saying." Following someone takes it a small step further, saying, "I want to hear more from you."

Using these small signals strategically is the first and gentlest step in warming up a prospect. Each time you like their content, your name and face pop up in their notifications without any pressure or expectation of a response. It’s the digital equivalent of making eye contact and offering a friendly smile at a conference—a simple act of recognition.

From Stranger to Familiar Face

When you do this consistently—liking a post here and there over a week or two—something powerful happens: your name becomes familiar. They've seen you in their notifications. You're no longer a complete stranger.

This simple act of conditioning paves the way for a more active engagement. When you're eventually ready to take the next step of leaving a meaningful comment, it will be received with a flicker of recognition instead of the cold indifference reserved for a stranger.

Your Gentle Start to Getting Noticed

Here’s the strategy: for any new prospect you want to build a relationship with, make your first few interactions these silent nods. Your goal is to like two or three of their posts over a week before you even think about writing a word. This subtle approach is a fantastic way to ease into networking, and it’s a core part of our networking guide for introverts who prefer a gentle ramp-up.

Ready to start? Here's your simple task for today. Go to the list of prospects you're following, and pick one person. Visit their activity tab and like one of their recent posts that genuinely resonates with you. That's it. You've just officially and painlessly started the warming process.