Do You Actually Need a LinkedIn Profile in 2025?

Is LinkedIn necessary?

Short answer: yes.

Longer answer: You can’t afford not to have a LinkedIn profile.

Between all the platforms out there and the endless “you need to be everywhere” advice, it can feel overwhelming. 

But after working with dozens of professionals and seeing firsthand what LinkedIn can do, I can tell you: having a presence on the platform is non-negotiable if you’re serious about growth.

Let’s break it down simply.

Why Some People Wonder if LinkedIn is Worth It

Maybe you already have a website, Instagram account, or a podcast. Another platform feels like another chore, and you’re already too busy.

Maybe you’re asking:

• “Is it just recruiters hanging out there?”
• “My customers aren’t even on LinkedIn.”
• “I don’t have time to post every day.”

Fair. But a LinkedIn profile isn’t just for job hunters or content creators. It’s your digital business card. It’s where decision-makers vet you quietly before reaching out. Whether you post weekly or never post at all, just having a smart, complete profile makes you easier to trust.

Who Actually Needs a LinkedIn Profile?

You do if you’re:

• A founder trying to grow your business
• A consultant, advisor, or coach
• A seller or recruiter
• A knowledge worker (designers, engineers, marketers, etc.)
• A service provider selling to businesses

The only people who might not need one? Maybe a solo artist selling paintings to collectors. Maybe a small Etsy shop. And even then, we wrote a whole guide on how these unconventional businesses can thrive on LinkedIn, too.

Five Reasons a LinkedIn Profile Matters in 2025

Here are a few key reasons you need a LinkedIn profile today:

1. Authority and trust: People search your name. What shows up matters. A strong LinkedIn profile instantly says “this person knows their stuff.”
2. Personal branding: Professionals who post consistently grow audiences. Even if you don’t post, an updated profile positions you as a serious operator. You’d be surprised how many buyers check LinkedIn just to validate that you’re legit.
3. Hiring and recruiting: If you’re planning to scale, your future hires will check you out. Top talent wants to work with leaders who are visible and credible.
4. Networking and partnerships: Other founders, investors, and partners are on LinkedIn daily. They’re more likely to reach out if you look established.
5. Future-proofing: Even if you don’t need anything today, you might need investors, partnerships, or sales opportunities tomorrow. Your LinkedIn profile is a compounding asset. It gets more valuable the longer it exists.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One

Without a LinkedIn profile, here’s what happens:

• Harder to close deals: People Google you. If they find nothing, trust erodes before the conversation begins.
• Missed partnerships: Potential collaborators check credibility online. If you’re not visible, they move on.
• Less media exposure: Journalists, podcasters, and researchers use LinkedIn to source experts. No profile = no invite.
• Invisible in your space: Others in your field are showing up, building reputation passively—even with minimal activity.
• Increased risk of impersonation: Without an official presence, someone else can claim your name, confuse your network, or damage your brand.

Trust is built quietly, often before you even speak. LinkedIn is where that trust begins.

A Simple LinkedIn Profile That Works (Without Needing to Post Daily)

You don’t need to post like an influencer. Just set up a clean, helpful profile.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Section	What to Focus On
Profile Photo	Professional but friendly
Headline	Who you help + how you help them
About Section	A short story of who you are and what you do
Experience	Clear, simple work history with short descriptions
Featured Section	Links to your best work, podcast appearances, interviews

If you want examples:

• A founder might write: “I help SaaS companies shorten their sales cycle through LinkedIn marketing.”
• A recruiter might write: “I connect top finance talent with growth-stage companies across the US.”

Clear. Simple. No jargon. See our guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn Statistics You Should Know

We recently pulled some of the latest LinkedIn stats for 2025:

Stat	Number (2025)
Total Users	Over 1 billion
Monthly Active Users	500+ million
% of Users Who Make Buying Decisions	65%
% Using Mobile vs Desktop	70% mobile

In short: the people you want to reach are already there. They’re browsing profiles, consuming content, and making buying decisions on LinkedIn.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about growth, a LinkedIn profile isn’t optional anymore. It’s like not having a website in 2005. You might get by without it for a while, but you’re leaving deals, hires, and partnerships on the table.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

And if you want help making sure your LinkedIn profile actually brings opportunities to you, that’s what we do at Column.

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FAQs

Is LinkedIn still relevant in 2025?

Yes. LinkedIn has over 1 billion users and continues to grow. It remains the go-to platform for B2B networking, professional branding, and business development.

Can you get a job without LinkedIn?

You can, but it’s much harder. Recruiters and hiring managers almost always check LinkedIn profiles. Without one, you miss out on inbound opportunities and risk looking invisible.

How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?

At minimum, you should review and update your profile every six months. Refresh your headline, experience, and featured work to make sure everything stays current.

Do I need to post regularly to benefit from LinkedIn?

No. While posting helps you grow an audience, even having a complete, well-written profile helps you attract opportunities passively.

What should I focus on if I only have time for a quick LinkedIn profile update?

Focus on your profile photo, headline, and About section. These are the first things people see and make decisions from in seconds.