Here’s some effective ways on how to supercharge your networking through social media
Social Media Can Be A Powerful Tool
Social media can be a powerful tool for networking. Altogether, building connections, growing your network, and developing long-lasting business relationships. While nothing quite compares to the buzz of in-person networking meetings, platforms like LinkedIn can help you stay connected, raise your profile, and build rapport before and after you meet someone in real life.
Start Online, Strengthen Offline
Over the years, I’ve built some brilliant business relationships through my personal LinkedIn profile. Some began as a comment on a post or a message after seeing a shared connection. Others started with a new member joining one of our Better Networking Hubs, and continued on LinkedIn afterwards.
Recently, I stayed connected with a visitor who came along to one of our networking groups. Although she didn’t join immediately, we connected on LinkedIn and kept in touch. A few weeks later, she invited me to be a guest on her podcast. Since then, we’ve continued to engage with each other’s content and check in from time to time. She’s already told me that she plans to join when the timing is right for her business. That’s a perfect example of how a relaxed, non-pressured approach, combined with staying visible on social media, can help keep relationships warm and meaningful until the moment is right.
Build a Genuine Presence
People choose to do business with those they feel comfortable with. For that reason, your social media presence should reflect who you are, not just what you do. Avoid overly promotional content all the time. Instead, share insights, stories, successes, and even challenges. These types of posts help others relate to you, and encourage engagement. They will go a long way to helping you build a social media network, rather than just posting for the sake of it. Instead, understand how to supercharge your networking through social media
Some Examples Of How This Can Work
When someone books to visit or joins one of our Better Networking Hubs, I always make a point of connecting with them on LinkedIn. Often, that’s where we build momentum. A shared post, a supportive comment, or a quick message saying, “Lovely to meet you this morning,” can go a long way.
Sometimes, I’ve found that people I didn’t connect with immediately in a face-to-face setting became much more familiar to me through LinkedIn. It gave us another touchpoint, helped us stay visible to one another, and strengthened the relationship over time.
Be Consistent With Your Content
Consistency is key. Whether you’re sharing a weekly tip, posting a behind-the-scenes update, or commenting on other people’s posts, regular activity helps you stay top of mind.
You don’t need to post every day, but showing up regularly and interacting on social media is important. I often encourage our members to share photos from their networking meetings or tag others they’ve met. We encourage our members to have one-to-one meetings with other members, and often they post about these too. Not only does this strengthen your personal brand, but it also supports others in your network, creating goodwill and further visibility.
Additionally, by posting consistently, you give others a chance to understand more about your values, services, and personality. This can help them feel more confident referring you, or even wanting to do business with you.
Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Posting content is one thing. However, engaging with others is where the real power lies. Take time to read, comment, and share other people’s posts. Ask questions. Start conversations. Let people know you’ve noticed them. Indeed, when networking, the fortune is in the follow-up and social media is a great resource for this.
Through our UK networking groups, many people have continued to build connections simply by supporting each other online. A thoughtful comment on someone’s post can often lead to a direct message, which might spark a catch-up meeting or a new business opportunity.
Over time, I’ve watched those small online interactions blossom into real-world collaborations, strategic partnerships, and in some cases, lasting friendships. That’s the true magic of combining social media with networking, and helps you focus on networking with purpose.
Make Use of LinkedIn Features When Networking
LinkedIn has several features that can help you build your network effectively. Personalised connection requests are a great starting point. Rather than sending a blank request, add a note that references how you met or why you’re reaching out.
I usually write something simple like, “Thanks for booking to attend our Better Networking Hubs. Let’s stay in touch here too.” These small touches help make connections more meaningful from the beginning.
Utilising LinkedIn’s messaging function to stay in touch between meetings can also be useful. For example, you might follow up with someone who shared something interesting during a meeting or reach out to say congratulations if you see them celebrating a win.
Stay in Touch Long After Networking Meetings End
Not every relationship ends when someone leaves a networking group. In fact, some of the strongest connections I’ve kept were with former members who stayed active on LinkedIn. We’ve continued to support each other’s businesses, social media posts, and even catch up from time to time.
Social media allows you to maintain those bonds without feeling like you’re “selling” to anyone. It’s about staying connected, supporting where you can, and celebrating others’ successes. That ongoing visibility helps both parties and often leads to unexpected opportunities. Staying in touch is just one of the reasons why networking is important.
Create Content That Encourages Interaction
Your content doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be authentic. Try sharing posts that encourage discussion. Ask your network about their experiences. Share a takeaway from a recent networking meeting or a reflection on your own journey in business.
Some of my most engaged posts have been those where I’ve opened up about the human side of running a business. Sharing wins is great, but being open about lessons learned can be even more powerful. This builds trust and shows you’re not just a business. On the contrary, most importantly, you’re a person too.
Posts that spotlight others in your network, thank attendees after meetings, or promote upcoming Better Networking Hubs sessions are also a fantastic way to grow goodwill and visibility.
Final Thoughts: Networking + Social Media = Success
Networking doesn’t stop when the networking meeting ends. By combining face-to-face networking with a strong social media presence, you can deepen connections, stay visible, and build meaningful relationships that go far beyond the room. It’s just it’s a great skill to have when mastering the art of networking.
Social media is simply another way to show up, offer value, and stay in touch. Whether you’re nurturing leads, building brand awareness, or keeping up with current and former group members, platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable tools. Highlighting perfectly why it’s important to know how to supercharge your networking through social media
I’ve built business connections, long-term collaborations, and genuine friendships through LinkedIn. Some began online and moved into real-world networking. Others started face-to-face and stayed strong through online interactions.
Whichever way the relationship starts, what matters is that it continues, and social media helps you make that happen. Speaking of which, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow our Better Networking Hubs company page too. Be sure to send me a message about reading this blog and I’ll be happy to add you to my LinkedIn network.
Looking to grow your network in real life too?
Check out our Better Networking Hubs here in the UK.
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I’m Tracy Heatley
I’m Tracy Heatley, Chartered Marketer & Founder of Better Networking Hub Ltd. I thank you for reading my ‘How To Supercharge Your Networking Through Social Media’ blog and hope you found it useful. If you have any questions, whatsoever, about networking, do get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you.
