Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer

How AI Forced Me to Rewrite My Entire LinkedIn Strategy

11 snips

Jan 6, 2026

Discover how the AI revolution has transformed LinkedIn strategies! Learn about the updated decision-making process for choosing between Free and Premium tiers. Neal introduces the AI 'Ask Neal' Framework for creating engaging content that resonates. He also shares tips for organizing your LinkedIn inbox with personal CRM tools, reclaiming lost opportunities. Plus, real-world case studies highlight how simple profile tweaks can lead to significant income shifts. Stay ahead as Neal underscores future-proofing your digital marketing tactics!

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INSIGHT

AI Necessitated A Major Book Rewrite

AI forced Neal Schaffer to expand his LinkedIn book by 70% to address rapid platform changes.
He updated strategies because AI changed how content and relationships work on LinkedIn.

ADVICE

Use Decision Trees To Choose Paid Plans

Use the decision trees Neal provides to decide between LinkedIn Free, Premium, and Sales Navigator.
Evaluate features against your specific goals before paying for any tier.

ADVICE

Prioritize Formats With Real Algorithmic Reach

Focus only on LinkedIn content formats that currently get organic reach according to Neal's tests.
Stop investing time in formats the algorithm now deprioritizes.

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Note: This is Episode 442, published January 6, 2026.

You published a book, it hit #1, and the reviews were phenomenal. In the digital marketing world, that’s usually where you take a victory lap. But then the AI revolution happened. Over the last year, the fundamental ways we build relationships and create content on LinkedIn have shifted so dramatically that I knew a simple "tweak" wouldn't cut it.

I’ve spent the last several months obsessively updating Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth to reflect the 2026 landscape. This isn't just a minor update—it's a 70% expansion featuring five entirely new chapters. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the exact strategies I added to help you stay visible, professional, and profitable.

Tune in to discover:

The AI "Ask Neal" Framework: My exact process for creating AI content that actually resonates with humans.
The CRM Solution: Why your LinkedIn inbox is a "black hole" and how to fix it with a personal CRM system.
Paid vs. Free: A definitive breakdown of when you should pay for Premium and when you should save your money.
Evergreen ROI: Real-world case studies of professionals who turned simple profile optimizations into five-figure income shifts.

Key Highlights:

[03:25] The Decision Tree: How to choose between LinkedIn Free, Premium, and Sales Navigator.
[04:40] Content Formats: Why some "tried and true" posts are now being deprioritized by the algorithm.
[05:55] Beyond Robotic AI: Using headshot generators and LLMs to enhance—not replace—your personal brand.
[07:20] The DM Epiphany: Why your next big opportunity is likely already buried in your inbox.
[13:10] Expert Endorsements: Why industry leaders like Joe Pulizzi and Jon Ferrara consider this a "Masterclass."

Links:

Order the New Expanded Edition: [https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon]

Learn More:

Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon
Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon
Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/
Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo
Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer
All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com