LinkedIn Algorithm Shift: Dan Sherrard-Smith Explains How Founders Can Reclaim Reach

In a recent LinkedIn post, Dan Sherrard-Smith delves into the significant shifts within LinkedIn’s algorithm, particularly addressing a perceived drop in impressions and reach experienced by many users since January. Sherrard-Smith frames these changes not as a cause for despair, but as an opportunity for founders to recalibrate their strategies and achieve more targeted results.

He begins by acknowledging the widespread confusion and frustration surrounding the algorithm update, noting:

“WTF just happened to my LinkedIn impressions?”

Sherrard-Smith asserts that the current approach, where many founders struggle with low reach, engagement, and a lack of inbound leads, is a systemic issue rather than a content problem. He explains that the algorithm’s core function has been fundamentally altered.

The New LinkedIn Feed: A “For You” Page Approach

A key takeaway from Sherrard-Smith’s analysis is that the LinkedIn feed now operates more like a personalized discovery engine, similar to TikTok’s “For You” page. As Dan Sherrard-Smith points out:

“The feed now behaves more like a “For You” page = it’s based on what your clients are interested in, right now.”

This shift means that content is prioritized based on the demonstrated interests of potential clients, rather than simply the follower count of the poster. This, according to Sherrard-Smith, democratizes reach for founders who may not have massive followings but can create highly relevant content.

Shifting Focus from Followers to Niche Relevance

Sherrard-Smith argues that the value of a large follower base has diminished in favor of high-quality, targeted content. He highlights:

“Followers matter less than high quality posts = posts dialled in to a specific audience, on a specific problem, tend to perform better.”

This emphasis on specificity is crucial for founders aiming to connect with decision-makers rather than just peers or competitors. Sherrard-Smith believes this is a positive development, enabling businesses to focus their efforts on reaching the right audience, regardless of their existing network size.

The Importance of Consistency and “Staying in Your Lane”

Another critical element Sherrard-Smith identifies is the increased importance of consistency across one’s entire LinkedIn presence. He states, “Consistency across profile, posts & comments is critical = staying in your lane becomes more important.” This means maintaining a cohesive brand message and focus across all interactions on the platform to signal expertise and relevance to the algorithm and potential clients.

Leveraging the New System for Business Growth

Sherrard-Smith frames these algorithmic changes as beneficial for founders prepared to adapt. He outlines several advantages:

• Reduced reliance on follower numbers.
• Increased potential for content to reach ideal clients.
• Establishment of consistent inbound leads.

He elaborates on how understanding the new system can lead to content reaching decision-makers and an audience growth composed of ideal clients, ultimately making inbound leads more consistent. To further assist founders, Sherrard-Smith has compiled his findings into a free resource, “The 2026 LinkedIn Growth Blueprint,” which details the algorithm’s distribution process, strategies for retraining it, and effective content formats.