It was so lovely to have this conversation with Beth Kirk for this episode! We first met back when she was the LinkedIn trainer for the TechPixie’s social media course, so when I wanted someone to come on and chat about the latest LinkedIn strategies for 2026, Beth was the first person I thought of.
Beth has a brilliant way of making what can feel like a very “scary” or “corporate” platform feel much more “homely” and accessible for small business owners.
Is LinkedIn Really for Me? Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It in 2026
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “LinkedIn is just too corporate for me,” you aren’t alone. Beth Kirk from Socially Oxford hears this all the time, but she’s here to show us that LinkedIn is actually a goldmine for small business owners, especially those in the B2B (business-to-business) space.
In this episode, we dive into why LinkedIn should be in your marketing mix this year. Beth shares that 89% of B2B marketers are already using it for lead generation. If you’re a coach, consultant, freelancer, or web designer, it’s a platform where the decision-makers (the people with the budgets!) are actually hanging out and looking for talent.
Why Relationship Building Trumps “Hard Selling”
One of the most reassuring parts of our chat was Beth’s reminder that LinkedIn isn’t just a place for “hard sales.” In fact, if you go in with nonstop sales posts, people will likely tune out.
Instead, Beth views LinkedIn as a relationship-building tool. It’s about sustainable actions over a longer period. It’s a place to collaborate, share stories, and emotionally connect with your audience in a way that feels genuine rather than “salesy”.
Quality Over Quantity for Your LinkedIn Content
One of the most surprising things Beth shared is that only about 5% of LinkedIn users are actually sharing content. This means if you show up with good quality content, you have a massive opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
And the best part for busy mums? You don’t need to be a video editing pro. While Instagram often requires high-quality Reels and complex transitions, LinkedIn still rewards good copy and a simple image. You can create impactful content quickly without pulling your hair out over tech glitches.
Your LinkedIn Profile: Your Digital Port of Call
Beth’s biggest practical takeaway for anyone listening is to stop overthinking your posts and start looking at your profile. She often finds that for her clients, their profile needs a bit of love before they even think about a content strategy.
Your profile is your first impression. Beth suggests checking a few simple things today:
- Is your image up to date? Does it actually look like you do now?
- Is it visible? Ensure your privacy settings aren’t hiding your photo from people outside your network.
- Does it speak to your talent? Make sure it clearly shows how you can help solve a problem for your ideal client.
Want More Support Understanding LinkedIn in 2026?
Beth will be delivering a masterclass inside the This Mum Loves Tech Membership on Thursday, 26th February at 2:00 pm. She’ll be breaking down what’s working on LinkedIn in 2026, looking over key profile points, and busting some common myths that everyone should ignore.
If you don’t want to figure out LinkedIn (or your tech) on your own in 2026, the membership is there to support you.
Inside, you’ll get:
- Weekly tech support Q&A calls with me
- Monthly masterclasses from experts like Beth
- A growing library of practical training to help you move forward with confidence
- Support from a community of mums who “get it”
👉 The membership is £30 a month (and you can cancel any time). Find out more and join here.
Connect with Beth Kirk, Socially Oxford:
Download Beth’s 26 LinkedIn Tips for SMEs in 2026 here
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