The 10 FAQs about Getting Fractional Clients on Linkedin

Josh Hannen helps fractional executives use LinkedIn to win new clients. With 10+ years growing audiences, his LinkedIn Lead Engine helped a fractional COO generate 12 qualified leads in just 4 weeks.

This week, Fractional Jobs subscribers can download his free “Win Clients on LinkedIn in 2026” checklist to sense-check whether their LinkedIn is built to convert in 2026. GET IT HERE.

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If you're a fractional executive using LinkedIn and thinking: "I'm spending a lot of time here… but nothing is really happening," you're not alone.

On almost every sales or coaching call I run with fractionals, the same questions come up. Not about hacks or algorithms, but about why their effort isn't translating into client work.

This post gives you the answers to the most frequently asked LinkedIn questions from calls with over 75 fractional execs in 2025.

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1. Does LinkedIn actually work for fractional executives?

Yes, but it's not a tick-box platform where posting will magically generate leads.

LinkedIn works when you have a system with four things working together: positioning around one ideal client profile, content that generates awareness, effective writing that gets distributed, and a DM-based strategy to drive conversions.

Most fractionals have one or two of these. The ones getting client work have all four working in sync.

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2. Do I need to post all the time for this to work?

Nope. I coach fractionals to be predictably present, not to post daily. My typical baseline is 3 posts per week, but you can start lower as long as you're consistent. Whilst consistency matters, coherence is even more important. If someone reads three of your posts, they should immediately understand who you help and how you think.

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3. How do I post without sounding salesy?

First, you need a mindset shift. You're not posting for old colleagues/bosses anymore, you're promoting your services.

I teach fractionals to pre-answer objections and solve pain points. You're not pitching by posting, you're showing potential clients how you can help them before they ever reach out. When your content does the heavy lifting, the sale happens before the DM.

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4. Why am I getting profile views but no conversations?

This is one of the most common frustrations, and usually the issue is down to positioning & profile optimisation. 

The key gaps to be aware of: your profile doesn't invite conversation, your content doesn't signal availability, or there's no obvious next step for an interested buyer.

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5. How do I stand out when there are so many other fractionals?

This is a positioning challenge which requires you to shift from "CV LinkedIn" to "Lead Gen LinkedIn". 

Most fractional profiles say something like "Fractional CMO | Prev Google". Standing out comes from naming a specific buyer, calling out a specific problem, and showing how you think.

Example: "I help pre-seed health tech startups scale faster | Fractional CMO". Your entire profile and feed should reflect your positioning.

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6. Should I niche down or keep my positioning broad?

Let me be direct: broad positioning is possible, but continues to get tougher. On LinkedIn specifically, it will limit your success because it creates more questions than it answers.

I'd recommend picking one ICP for your LinkedIn presence. Not because you can't serve others, but because specific language is what makes people stop scrolling. You can still take on different types of clients, but trying to appeal to everyone on LinkedIn usually results in no one taking action.

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7. How do I talk about results when everything's under NDA?

There are a few options here (you can use a combo):

Your "proof" posts don't have to share exact numbers, client names and dashboard screenshots. They can come from redacted case studies or screenshots to illustrate proof. Proof can also come in the form of written/video testimonials from existing and former clients. You can also illustrate your decision logic, which signals expertise just as much as results do.

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8. What do I do when my engagement is basically zero?

Remember: lurkers are your buyers, not the people liking your posts. Likes matter for distribution, but they're not the conversion signal.

If engagement is low, reflect on your strategy. Is your hook strong? Is your positioning clear? Does your content speak to one specific buyer? Are you sharing your lived experience or just giving generic advice?

Beyond that, spend 20 minutes daily engaging with 10+ posts in your niche. Add insightful comments that demonstrate expertise. This will drive attention to your own profile & help you build relationships on LinkedIn. Fix your content and positioning, then use engagement to fix your visibility.

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9. Should I be DM'ing people, or is that cringe?

Pitch-slapping is cringe, but social selling isn't. Pitch-slapping is "Hey! I help companies like yours. Want to grab a virtual coffee?" Social selling is leading with genuine curiosity and building rapport first.

When you accept a new connection, send them a message with a curious question about their business. Your goal is to uncover fit and permission to pitch through conversation, rather than forcing it.

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10. How long does LinkedIn realistically take to convert?

LinkedIn isn't referral-speed fast, but it is predictable when you have a full lead engine set up. Fractionals who I work with typically see clearer positioning in weeks, better conversations in days 30–60, then inbound/outbound opportunities following closely after. Some bring in leads within the first 14 days. 

My advice is to focus on building for consistency and longevity, over "fast quick wins".

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BONUS: Here's a simple way to sanity-check your setup

If LinkedIn feels time consuming but unproductive, I put together a short self-audit for you.

Winning Clients on LinkedIn: 2026 Checklist

If you want to know whether your LinkedIn presence is helping you win clients (or quietly holding you back), download the checklist and run the audit.

LinkedIn in 2026 is still the biggest B2B opportunity. 

But only for fractionals who fix the structure behind how they show up.

Grab it here.

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