Is LinkedIn necessary?
Short answer: yes.
Longer answer: you can’t afford not to have one.
If you’re wondering whether you really need a LinkedIn profile today, you’re not alone. 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 B2B founders and seeing firsthand what LinkedIn can do, I can tell you: having a presence here is non-negotiable if you’re serious about growth.
Let’s break it down simply.
Why Some People Wonder if LinkedIn is Worth It
You’re busy. You already have a website, maybe an Instagram, maybe a podcast. Another platform feels like another chore.
Maybe you’re thinking:
- “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, you’d be surprised how many buyers check LinkedIn to “validate” that you’re legit. We wrote a whole guide on how these unconventional businesses can thrive on LinkedIn, too.
Five Reasons a LinkedIn Profile Matters in 2025
Let’s put it plainly.
- Authority and trust: People search your name. What shows up matters. A strong LinkedIn profile instantly says “this person knows their stuff.”
- Personal branding: Founders who post consistently grow audiences. Even if you don’t post, an updated profile positions you as a serious operator.
- 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.
- Networking and partnerships: Other founders, investors, and partners are on LinkedIn daily. They’re more likely to reach out if you look established.
- 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
No presence = missed opportunities.
- Harder to close deals (people Google you and see…nothing)
- Missed partnerships
- Less media exposure (journalists use LinkedIn too)
- Being invisible when others in your space are active
Trust is earned quietly before you ever get the chance to sell.
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.
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.
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.
Mo is the founder and CEO of Column Content, a thought leadership content agency that helps leaders get seen. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
