Informed: the podcast for LinkedIn® users
John Espirian
"Informed" is for you if you'd like to understand more about how LinkedIn works so that you can be an effective user of the platform.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 25, 2014 • 39min
17. Should we be different online?
LinkedIn improve the 'Who's viewed your profile' feature. Here is a link to article I published on this.Here is a link to the 'Don't invite from a mobile app' status update I posted with the subsequent comments/discussion.Max's cute doggy post (see below)Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 16, 2014 • 36min
16. LinkedIn User Survey
Recruitment Juice - Fast & effective online learning for recruiters.The below picture was produced (in seconds) using the Word Swag appThis is a screenshot of the post's data in 'Who's viewed your updates'Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 10, 2014 • 31min
15. LinkedIn announce 1st quarter results
LinkedIn Stock price takes a tumble after they announce Q1 resultsshow notes(Links in black)The 3 Day Start Programme - 30% discount for LinkedInformed listeners, just enter the code 'linkedinformed' at checkout.My blog article about the Cardmunch invitation workflow (which now doesn't work!)LinkedIn announcement about Evernote & CardmunchLinkedIn's Q1 results Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 4, 2014 • 42min
14. Groups with Jo Saunders
A break from the normal format this week as the whole episode is dedicated to chatting with Jo Saunders about LinkedIn groups.As always, if its in black - its a link!Jo's LinkedIn profileAn interview with Carl Whalley about his Google Android groupMy LinkedIn SWAM blog postHow to choose a LinkedIn group by Jo SaundersGet moving forward on LinkedIn with the 3 Day Start ProgrammeMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 28, 2014 • 34min
13. Optimisation
NewsCRM providers experience a 'freeze out' from the LinkedIn API - read more hereAdvertising partners and content partners get preferred API access - articlePhotosharing now available on iPhone app - articleOptimisationDoes it really matter? Its almost impossible to keep on top of profile optimisation but everyone should ensure that important keywords are found in the following sections;HeadlineJob titleCompany name (edit display name)SkillsMost importantly you should build a strong network so that most people that might search for you are at least a 2nd tier connection.TipFind old school or college mates by searching the Alumni sectionQuestionWhat is a 'view' of an update on LinkedInMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 19, 2014 • 32min
12. LinkedIn reaches 300 million members!
In this weeks episode I cover the following;(links are in black)NewsLinkedIn Reaches 300 million members, you can view the infographic hereEndorsements can now be switched off - hooray!RIP LinkedIn polls - announcement hereMy newly released 3 Day Start video tutorial, click on the picture below for more information.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 12, 2014 • 32min
11. The LinkedIn Publishing Platform
NewsLinkedIn's feline April fools joke. Read the article hereLinkedIn’s Moderation Process for Groups - OverviewNew layout for Groups - read article hereHeartbleed Bug - informative article on the subject here and this cartoon explains it in a less 'techie' way.I use 1Password to avoid issues with passwords. Due to the Heartbleed problem they are offering their product at a 50% discount! Clickhere for more informationThe video below was made using Videoscribe. Highly recommendedYou can register your interest in the 3 Day Start programme hereFeatureThe LinkedIn publishing platform. Apply for early access hereQuestionsHow I view my previous updates?What is the WeChat link?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 4, 2014 • 39min
10. Premium or free?
The main topic in this weeks show is premium accounts. Should you pay to use LinkedIn or can you get by as a free user?I discuss many of the pro's and cons and would welcome any feedback or comments you have on this subject. Email me directly at mark@linkedinformed.comHere are the notes and links (in black)News- Who's viewed your updates - summary (All) viewClick on the < highlighted above to see this view from your home page- On, Off, or Around the Clock: When LinkedIn Members Read Professionally-Relevant Content on the Web. Read the article here- Please stop those annoying puzzles! below is the picture that accompanied my updateFill in the gaps!- Link to article about 'Sell Hack' LInkedIn email plugin- You can register your interest in my new LinkedIn 3 Day Start Programme hereMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 29, 2014 • 31min
9. In The News
NewsFalse alarm over a change to LinkedIn Contacts - phew!'In The News' feature. Inspired by this articleMy WeekThis was a very busy week involving running webinars and workshops together with being asked to speak at a networking event attended mainly by small business owners.The 3 Day Start programme at 3daystart.in - register your interest prior to launchQuestionsHow do I advertise a job opening without a paid account?How do I reflect a promotion in my profile, even though the tasks are primarily the same?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 22, 2014 • 46min
8. Company Pages
About LinkedIn company pages, plus other topics.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
