LinkedIn in 2026. Customer Research Beats Algorithm Hacks (Every Time)

Are you still treating LinkedIn like it's 2024—or have you adapted to the massive algorithm shift that's changing everything about how coaches get discovered, build trust, and land clients? In this game-changing episode, Lidia sits down with Michelle J. Raymond, LinkedIn expert and company page evangelist, to cut through the noise and reveal what actually works on LinkedIn in 2026. If you've been frustrated by dropping engagement, confused about whether to use video or newsletters, or wondering why your perfectly crafted posts aren't converting into clients anymore, this conversation will completely transform your LinkedIn strategy. This episode strips away the vanity metrics and gets brutally honest about what it takes to use LinkedIn as a lead generation machine for your coaching business. Stop chasing impressions. Stop trying to trick the algorithm. Start speaking your client's language and watch the right people find you. 🔗 Connect with Michelle J. Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a FREE community to turn your M.A.G.I.C.(mentoring, advising, guiding, instructing, coaching) skills into a $12K/m online expert business through monthly action sprints: https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: Chapters 00:00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 00:04:29 LinkedIn Profile Fundamentals: Banner & Featured Section 00:11:44 Company Pages for Solopreneurs: Why They Matter 00:16:14 Your Greatest Hits Library: Repurposing Content Strategy 00:25:38 The Trust Crisis: Why Coaches Need Different Strategies 00:37:52 The New LinkedIn Algorithm: What Actually Changed 00:39:32 Customer Research Over Algorithm Hacks 00:49:29 The Vanity Metrics Trap: Impressions vs Real Business Results 00:45:41 The Power of Strategic Commenting 00:46:55 Content Creator vs Service Provider: Know the Difference 00:57:09 Video on LinkedIn: The Honest Truth 00:57:39 LinkedIn Newsletters: A Resounding Yes 00:58:39 The One Thing to Double Down On in 2026 01:00:28 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Michelle ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidiaaxe