How Professional Genealogists Can Thrive on LinkedIn in 2025

If you're a professional genealogist, you probably spend a lot of time helping clients uncover ancestors and stories connected to their family history. But are you using LinkedIn to write the next chapter of your own story?

According to the 2025 LinkedIn Study by Metricool, LinkedIn is evolving into a dynamic platform for experts like you to build credibility, connect with collaborators, and even attract new clients.

Let’s break down how you, as a genealogy professional, can thrive in this space, without feeling salesy or overwhelmed.

🎥 Use Short Videos to Build Authority & Trust

The study shows that video content is booming - video impressions rose 73% and views jumped 52%.

Try this:

• Share 1-minute videos explaining common client questions (“What’s a probate record?”).

• Offer quick research tips: “3 Ways to Tackle a Brick Wall Ancestor.”

• Introduce yourself and share your origin story as a genealogist.

Videos humanize your brand and help potential clients feel confident in your expertise, before they even contact you.

🗳️ Polls = High Engagement + Easy Insights

Polls are performing better than ever - 206% more reach than average posts!

Use this to:

• Learn more about your audience: “Have you done a DNA test yet?”

• Crowdsource content ideas: “Would you rather learn about land records or church records next?”

• Stir up discussion: “Is genealogy a hobby, profession, or both?”

Polls are low-effort, high-impact ways to start conversations and get visibility.

📚 Carousels Let You Teach and Sell at the Same Time

Carousels (multi-slide posts) are getting the highest engagement rates on LinkedIn (45.85%).

Carousel ideas:

• “5 Signs You’re Ready to Hire a Professional Genealogist”

• “What’s in a Census Record? A Slide-by-Slide Breakdown”

• “Client Success Story: Tracing a Polish Immigrant Line Back to 1780”

Use them to educate and subtly showcase your skills and value.

🔗 Yes, You Should Include Links

Contrary to past advice, adding links is now boosting engagement by over 13%.

This means:

• Link to your services page, latest blog, free resources, or lead magnets.

• Share interviews, articles, or podcast episodes you've been featured in.

• Point to event signups or speaking gigs.

The key is to lead with value in the post, then link to the deeper dive.

🌱 You Don’t Need a Big Following to Make an Impact

The study shows accounts under 1,000 followers saw a 22% jump in impressions.

This is huge for solo professionals. It means:

• You don’t need to be an influencer.

• You don’t need to post every day.

• You just need to be consistent and valuable.

Start where you are. Show up with your knowledge and heart. The right people will find you.

📅 A Simple, Sustainable Posting Strategy

LinkedIn’s best-performing users post about 12 times per month - roughly 3 times a week.

Here’s a light rhythm to follow:

Day	Idea	Format
Tuesday	Research tip or myth-busting post	Text + link
Wednesday	Quick insight or behind-the-scenes of a project	Video
Friday	Poll or carousel with a storytelling angle	Poll or carousel

💡 Don’t forget to engage with others—commenting on posts builds visibility, too.

LinkedIn as a Business Tool for Genealogists

You already know how to uncover meaningful connections. Now’s the time to use that same gift to grow your business and community.

LinkedIn in 2025 is no longer just for job seekers. It’s a goldmine for:

• Attracting client leads

• Getting speaking opportunities

• Collaborating with historians, educators, and nonprofits

• Positioning yourself as a trusted expert

And the best part? You don’t need to dance, go viral, or spend hours a day on it. Just show up as the professional genealogist you already are and let your expertise speak.