Buying LinkedIn connections has become an increasingly popular tactic for growing a professional network and expanding reach on the platform. Some services and individuals offer packages of LinkedIn connections for sale, promising thousands of new contacts quickly and easily. However, there are risks and potential negative consequences to consider before purchasing LinkedIn connections.
What are the risks of buying LinkedIn connections?
There are several potential risks and downsides to buying LinkedIn connections:
Connections may not be real or active profiles
When you buy LinkedIn connections, there is no guarantee the profiles you connect with are real people actively using LinkedIn. Some services may create fake or bot accounts simply to sell as connections. Connecting with inactive profiles will not help expand your reach.
Connections may not respond or engage
Even if the connections you buy are real profiles, the individuals may not engage with your profile or content. Without genuine interest in connecting, bought connections likely won’t view your posts or respond to messages.
Could damage your account reputation
LinkedIn monitors for suspicious activity and may flag accounts suspected of buying connections. Having an unusually large network size could make your account seem inauthentic. LinkedIn may limit the account’s functions or even suspend accounts buying connections.
May violate LinkedIn’s terms of service
LinkedIn’s user agreement prohibits buying or selling accounts and connections. Violating these terms can result in account suspension or termination. So buying connections does carry some risk to your account status.
Hurts relationship-building credibility
One of the main benefits of LinkedIn is making authentic professional connections. Buying connections undermines this credibility. Rather than signalling your reputation and relationships, an inflated network suggests you took shortcuts.
Are there benefits to buying LinkedIn connections?
While risks and downsides clearly exist, some benefits are cited in favour of buying LinkedIn connections:
Rapidly increases network size
Paying for LinkedIn connections can quickly grow your network from a few hundred to thousands of connections. A larger network size can help expand your reach and appear more influential.
May generate some profile views and engagement
Not every bought connection will be completely inactive. Some genuine users may end up viewing your profile or content, even if the connection was not entirely organic.
Signals confidence and authority
To some extent, network size does contribute to perceptions of confidence and authority on LinkedIn. More connections can project greater credibility, at least on a surface level.
However, most experts argue these minor benefits around vanity metrics do not outweigh the loss of credibility and potential account risks. High-quality, organic connections are far more valuable according to the consensus view.
What are LinkedIn’s policies on buying connections?
LinkedIn explicitly prohibits buying or selling LinkedIn connections within their User Agreement. The relevant section states:
“You can’t buy or sell individual connections. This includes offering to pay anyone to endorse you or to write recommendations.”
This ban encompasses any form of paying for LinkedIn connections, whether purchasing directly from another user or via a third-party service. LinkedIn views buying connections as artificial manipulation that undermines the integrity of their platform.
Violating this policy can result in restrictions or suspensions as stated in the User Agreement:
“If you violate the letter or spirit of this Policy, or otherwise create risk or possible legal exposure for us, we can stop providing all or part of LinkedIn to you.”
So buying connections does clearly violate LinkedIn’s policies and Terms of Service. Those considering paid services should proceed with caution and understand the potential consequences.
What are the best practices for gaining more LinkedIn connections?
Rather than buying LinkedIn connections, experts overwhelmingly recommend focusing on proven best practices for expanding your network organically. Some top tactics include:
Optimizing your profile
A complete, professional profile with detailed work experience makes you far more connectable. Profile optimization can boost the number of connection invitations you receive.
Engaging with content from others
Liking, commenting on, and sharing posts from those you want to connect with makes you more visible and demonstrates common interests. This helps prompt connection requests.
Joining LinkedIn groups
Participating in relevant LinkedIn groups allows you to connect with like-minded professionals with shared interests or industry backgrounds.
Connecting after in-person events
Make connections after offline networking events while the experience is still fresh. People will be most receptive to connecting right after meeting in-person.
Asking for introductions
Mutual connections can provide introductions to those you want to connect with but don’t know personally. This gives a credibility boost for your invitation to connect.
Following up thoughtfully
When asking to connect, follow up by referencing your common interests, groups, or associations. Personalized outreach gets better results.
Conclusion
While buying LinkedIn connections may seem like an easy shortcut, it carries meaningful risks and violates LinkedIn’s policies. Focusing on organic relationship-building offers longer-term value and avoids potential damage to your account reputation. Invest time in optimizing your profile, engaging with others, and participating in relevant groups to build connections steadily and strategically.
| Risks of Buying Connections | Benefits of Buying Connections |
|---|---|
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Best Practices for Organic Growth
- Optimizing your profile
- Engaging with others’ content
- Joining LinkedIn groups
- Connecting after in-person events
- Asking for introductions
- Following up thoughtfully