The final 2025 edition of “Ask Us Anything About LinkedIn” delivered exactly what it promised – relevant insights, bold opinions, and a dash of humor wrapped in BookMark’s signature style. The session unfolded across using LinkedIn to build real-world connections, the debate around gender bias and post performance, and expectations for 2026, particularly when it comes to AI and visuals on the platform.
Building Bridges Beyond the Feed
One of the most practical conversations centered on how to take relationships off-platform — turning likes and comments into coffees and collaborations on other social media platforms. The key? Time, consistency, and a clear value proposition.
Time is necessary to build trust. Connections won’t become clients overnight, and it takes repeated exposure to prove value. But consistency does half the work. If you show up regularly — not just when you have something to sell — you become part of someone’s mental shortlist. Once that’s in place, it’s easier to invite people over to a different space — whether that’s Instagram, email, an offline event, or even a stage.
The message was clear: don’t wait for people to “find” you elsewhere. Invite them. Guide them. Be intentional about where you show up and why.
The Advent Calendar Is Back
While 2025 brought a slew of updates, we’re not listing them all — and for a good reason. The team at BookMark is preparing something much more festive: a brand-new edition of our LinkedIn Advent Calendar.
This year’s edition highlights the top 12 LinkedIn moments of 2025, one each day for 12 days straight. Whether it’s algorithm changes, new features, or creator tips, the daily email series is designed to keep your LinkedIn knowledge sharp going into 2026. Don’t miss it – subscribe now and open a new insight each day like a digital chocolate.
Gender, Algorithms, and Visibility: A Heated Debate
One of the more controversial topics discussed was the viral “bro-coding” experiment, where several female LinkedIn users changed their gender settings and writing style — adopting male names and using more stereotypically “aggressive” business jargon — and then tracked huge success in their content performance.
LinkedIn officially responded, stating that gender is not used in its ranking systems and that algorithmic reach depends on factors like timing, audience interaction, and engagement history.
Still, the results sparked a broader reflection. While the algorithm might not “see” gender, people do. In fields still dominated by male-coded leadership traits — like tech, entrepreneurship, or finance — audiences might unconsciously engage more with content that “sounds” male. In that sense, it’s not necessarily LinkedIn’s fault — but it’s still a symptom of broader systemic bias.
There’s also the matter of consistency. Many of the participants in the experiment probably posted more frequently and strategically during the test period. So probably it is not about whether you are a man or a woman, but to post consistently, build your voice, and connect with people intentionally.
LinkedIn in 2026: AI in Design
As the team looked ahead to 2026, AI was the clear favorite for “most likely to disrupt your workflow.” Not just in terms of tools like ChatGPT or DALL·E, but how AI will influence LinkedIn’s own features — including how content is served, personalized, and even created.
One prediction? Visuals will become even more important. Creators and companies who treat their LinkedIn presence like a branded content hub — with thoughtful design, clear formatting, and visuals that stop the scroll — will have an advantage. Think documents that actually flow, infographics that educate, and video headers that add personality to newsletters and articles.
While efficiency matters on LinkedIn, the team warned about the risks of relying too heavily on artificial design tools, especially without a designer’s eye.
In 2026, brands and professionals will need to pay closer attention to aesthetic authenticity. The message was clear: if your visual identity looks automated and soulless, it won’t land well — even if your copy does.
Opportunities for Small Businesses in 2026
Towards the end of the session, Didi brought up a key report focused on small and medium-sized businesses and their growth on LinkedIn. As the platform increasingly tailors features to serve such companies — like Premium Business Suite, product spotlights, and monthly ad credits — LinkedIn is also promoting best practices to help these companies succeed.
The idea isn’t just to follow trends but to understand what genuinely builds relationships on LinkedIn. Success can come from staying visible and relevant while also being flexible enough to meet the expectations of fast-changing audiences.
To wrap up the year, each host shared their LinkedIn wish for 2026. From more personalization in the feed, to tools that make content creation smoother, to seeing even more creators stepping up on the platform—there’s a shared sense that LinkedIn is only just getting started.
If you missed the conversation live, don’t worry – you can always rewatch it on Spotify or YouTube.
Happy Holidays from our team! See you in 2026 — with more posts, more questions, and more real connections.
