most linkedin marketing agencies are scams (Here’s How to Avoid Getting Burned)
The world of business has changed.
But too many LinkedIn marketing agencies are still out here selling dreams... and delivering digital dust.
You don’t need more likes. You need leads. Real ones. The kind that actually close.
And yet—every second self-proclaimed “LinkedIn specialist” is peddling automation tools, cold DMs, and recycled content they probably found on ChatGPT.
So let’s break it down.
Here’s what most LinkedIn marketing agencies are doing wrong—and how to avoid getting scammed like it’s Fyre Festival 2.0.
First: The Ugly Truth About Fake LinkedIn “Experts”
There’s 428,400 fake accounts reported in a single year.
And that’s just what got flagged.
The problem? A lot of these so-called "agencies" are using automation tools that put your brand at risk. They’re connecting you with fake profiles, burner accounts, or worse—mass messaging people using your name.
It’s like hiring The Rock to be your bodyguard, only to find out it’s an inflatable cutout wearing sunglasses.
Red Flags: How to Know You’re Dealing With a Scammy LinkedIn Agency
Here’s what scammy agencies all have in common:
1. They treat LinkedIn like Instagram
If their “strategy” includes meme posts and engagement bait… run. LinkedIn is a professional network. It rewards trust, not thirst traps.
2. They sell you followers
You want qualified leads, not bots from Bangladesh. If their pitch includes growing your audience by the thousands “in 30 days” – you’re not buying a service, you’re buying spam.
3. They use automation for everything
Automation has its place—but abuse it, and LinkedIn will shadowban or restrict your account. Real LinkedIn marketing is personal. Human. Strategic.
4. They have no process
Ask them, “How is your approach different from Facebook?” If they mumble something about “content is king,” they have no idea what they’re doing.
3 Traits of a Legit LinkedIn Marketing Agency
A real agency? They go deep.
1. They eat, sleep, and breathe LinkedIn
They know Sales Navigator like Eminem knows rhyme schemes. They understand what content drives visibility, how to optimise a profile for conversions, and how the algorithm actually works.
2. They care about lead quality—not just volume
It’s not about 1,000 DMs. It’s about 10 great conversations with the right people. One good lead can change your entire quarter. The others? Just noise.
3. They know it’s about trust
LinkedIn is a trust platform. You’re not pitching, you’re building relationships. The best agencies help you earn attention and respect—before you ever make an ask.
5 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a LinkedIn Agency
Chasing “growth hacks” – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Choosing based on price alone – Cheap agencies cost more in lost reputation and missed opportunities.
Getting obsessed with vanity metrics – Likes don’t pay the bills. Revenue does.
Skipping due diligence – No case studies? No results? No thanks.
Expecting a magic bullet – LinkedIn isn’t instant. It’s a compound effect. But it works—when done right.
want to Work With a Real LinkedIn Agency? Ask These Questions:
What’s your specific approach to LinkedIn compared to other platforms?
How do you generate and qualify leads?
Can you walk me through your content strategy?
What results have you driven for clients in similar industries?
How do you measure ROI?
If they squirm when you ask these, get out of there faster than Elon leaves a board meeting.
Why Bibby Media Group?
I won’t hype myself. My results do that for me.
Simon came in with 100 connections. Now he’s a thought leader in his industry—closing deals weekly.
Kristian doubled his revenue in a month. 100+ leads. No ads.
An RTO client? 122 booked appointments in 30 days. Had to pause the campaign. Couldn’t keep up.
This isn’t luck. It’s process. Precision. And a decade of knowing exactly how LinkedIn works.
Final Word
If you’re ready to get real results on LinkedIn. Ignore the bots. Ditch the hacks.
Look for an agency that understands the platform, values trust, and can prove they deliver results.
And if you’re sick of wasting time and money on agencies that overpromise and underdeliver—we should talk.
Because on LinkedIn, trust is all that matters.
