When you think of LinkedIn, “academia” isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, professors, lecturers, and researchers have a huge opportunity to benefit from being active on this platform. And I’m not just talking about vanity metrics or likes; I’m talking about building influence, connecting with the right people, and making their research work harder for them.

While creating a separate listicle blog of professors to follow in specific categories, I realised just how many professors have the potential to expand their presence on LinkedIn.

First off, LinkedIn is where your audience is. Not just students, but peers, industry professionals, potential collaborators, and even the media. Sharing your insights, research, and expertise there means you’re putting your work in front of people who can use it, talk about it, and amplify it. In other words, your research doesn’t just live in journals anymore — it reaches the people who matter.

Then there’s the personal brand factor. Your professional presence online reflects your expertise and can help you establish yourself as a recognised thought leader in your field. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile, combined with posts about your latest research, conference talks, or insights into your area of expertise, positions you as someone knowledgeable, approachable, and relevant. It also opens opportunities to expand your professional network, connect with peers and industry professionals, and make your research more visible to those who can amplify it. Growing your presence strategically can even lead to media opportunities, invitations to speak, and collaborations that extend beyond your university. For more practical advice on building a strong academic personal brand and boosting your visibility online, check out Chloë’s guide on personal branding for professors.

And let’s not underestimate networking. Being active on LinkedIn can help professors make connections that lead to new opportunities. The platform is designed to help people discover and engage with expertise, so the more you put yourself out there, the more doors open.

Finally, think about impact. Academia is evolving, and impact isn’t just measured by citations anymore. Engagement, visibility, and public influence are increasingly important. LinkedIn gives you a chance to showcase your work in ways that traditional channels can’t — through storytelling, videos, threads, and conversation. You control the narrative around your research, making it accessible, interesting, and relevant.

Here are some great LinkedIn post examples:

Tom Vazdar – Area Chair for Cybersecurity and Professor at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology

Professor Vazdar takes a complex, urgent issue (AI and non-consensual imagery) and breaks it down into key points that anyone can understand. He explains why it matters, highlights real-world consequences, and connects it to regulation and professional risk, which makes it relevant to his network. The post is authoritative but still accessible, using short, punchy paragraphs and clear lists to keep readers engaged. It is also thought-provoking, encouraging people to reflect and respond rather than just scroll past.

Carol Adams – Professor Emeritus and Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), at Durham University Business School

In this post, Professor Carol Adams highlights her own achievements while showing the wider impact of her work. She shares the A ranking of the Sustainability Accounting Management and Policy Journal, explaining her role in founding it and its global relevance, which positions her as a thought leader in sustainable development research. At the same time, she recognises the contributions of co-editors, associate editors, authors, and the publishing team, making the post feel authentic and community focused. It’s detailed but clear, informative, and demonstrates her leadership and influence in the field, making it highly engaging for her professional network.

Scott Galloway – Clinical Professor at NYU Stern School of Business

I think this post is a strong example because it blends personal storytelling with professional credibility. By referencing a Wall Street Journal review of his first book, he comes across as authentic, while the contrast with his latest work shows clear growth. It’s also an unusual example of a very short post achieving high engagement, showing that concise, human content can perform just as well on LinkedIn.

So, if you’re a professor thinking, “Do I really need to be on LinkedIn?”, the answer is yes! Start small. Share a post about your latest paper, comment on a discussion in your field, or write a short insight on a topic you care about. Over time, your presence grows, your network expands, and your work reaches further than ever before.

Promoting yourself professionally doesn’t mean bragging. It means making sure your hard work is seen, valued, and used to make an impact beyond the walls of your university. And LinkedIn is the perfect place to do it.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to shine on LinkedIn, you might enjoy my other blog, 10 LinkedIn posts we love from Deans. It highlights how higher education leaders are using the platform creatively and effectively, showing that no matter your role, LinkedIn is a space to share expertise, engage audiences, and build influence. Together, the two blogs offer a practical guide to seeing and seizing opportunities for professional visibility online.