How To Use LinkedIn Analytics To Grow Your Connections and Get Leads

There’s a buzz in the business world: LinkedIn has expanded its analytics toolkit — and if you’re serious about growing your network and generating leads, these new updates give you the power to treat your content strategy like a data-driven science. 

In this blog post, we’ll be sharing how you can use the new LinkedIn tools and proven best practices to receive more from your content! 

But, for starters…

What Are LinkedIn Analytics 

LinkedIn analytics are the built-in data and insights LinkedIn provides to help you further understand how your content, profile and target audience are performing. They reveal what is working, what’s not and how individuals are engaging with you across the social media platform. 

The Most Important LinkedIn Metrics To Track 

• Saves - People who have found your LinkedIn content valuable enough to re-visit. 

• Sends/Private Shares - Your content is being shared privately in DMs. 

• Profile Views - People viewing your profile after seeing your post(s). 

• Follower Growth - Not just total followers but which posts led to new followers. 

• Content Impressions - The number of people viewing your content. 

• Engagement Rate - Reactions, comments, and shares relative to impressions.

• Audience & Follower Demographics - Who exactly you are reaching. 

• Search Appearances + Keywords - SEO for LinkedIn. 

• CTA Clicks - AKA. The number of clicks on “Visit Website,” “Subscribe,” or “Contact Me” buttons. 

In short: It’s not about who is reacting aloud, but who’s quietly engaging, saving, sharing or acting behind the scenes. Powerful stuff! 

These updates reveal a shift away from vanity metrics (likes/comments) toward deeper, more meaningful engagement. 

Why These New Key Metrics Matter For Connection And Leads

Saves Signal Value 

When a user bookmarks your post, it means they see lasting value, and not just a quick stop in scrolling. This often precedes direct engagement, connection requests, or even leads.

Sends = Private Shares & Potential Referrals 

A “send” hints that someone recognized value, and thought it was worth passing on to a colleague or contact. This expands your reach beyond your immediate network!

Profile Views = Intent Signals 

If someone interacts with a post and then views your profile or follows you, that’s a clear signal they may want to connect or check out what you offer.

More Actionable Insights Mean Smarter Content

Instead of guesswork, you can spot patterns: topics that prompt saves/shares, or types of posts that lead to profile clicks. Then be sure to double-down on what resonates!

How To Use LinkedIn Analytics For Audience Growth And Engagement 

Okay, time to dive into the nitty-gritty!

Here’s a step-by-step approach to turning LinkedIn analytics into a strategy for both audience growth and engagement:

1. Publish Value-First Content - Aim to create LinkedIn posts that the right people may want to revisit — how-tos, deep insights, actionable checklists. This content type tends to get more saves. 

2. Encourage Sharing, But Be Subtle - When it’s appropriate, write with shareability in mind: helpful for colleagues, peers or decision-makers. Use CTAs like “Feel free to DM this to someone who may benefit” OR “Share this with your team members.” 

3. Track And Repeat Based On Analytics - After publishing, click “View Analytics” to see saves, sends, profile visits and follower growth. If a post performs well on those — try a follow-up on the same topic or layout.  

4. Use Insights For Connection Outreach - If a specific post attracts new profile views or followers from your target LinkedIn audience, consider reaching out with a personalized message — and be sure to reference the content they engaged with.

5. Create Content With A LinkedIn Lead Generation Focus - Mix educational posts with gentle calls to action: i.e. invite people to download a guide, join a newsletter, book a one-on-one call — then use the analytics to measure who clicked or followed through.  

Common Mistakes To Avoid With LinkedIn Analytics

• Don’t solely chase vanity metrics - A post with 100 likes but 0 saves/shares/profile views may look “pretty”, but is not effective for growth. 

• Don’t treat analytics as instant feedback - Some actions, such as saves and shares, may accumulate slowly. It’s important to give content time before judging! 

• Don’t ignore niche audiences - Even if overall interaction is low, if a few relevant people save/share/view your profile, that could be more valuable than wide but irrelevant reach. 

Final Thoughts

With these analytics enhancements, LinkedIn is encouraging and allowing a smarter kind of content strategy: one that highlights genuine value, long-term relevance and actual engagement over superficial popularity. 

If you regard your LinkedIn presence as a content business — track what works, iterate, and build relationships you are placing yourself in a much better position to not only grow followers, but to build meaningful connections and leads.

What are your thoughts on LinkedIn analytics and how has it helped with your own business and content strategy? Let us know in the comments section below or connect with The Social Snippet team via social media or our website.