Posting Best Practices
Alice Malby
Last updated: Aug 12, 2024
Posting on LinkedIn but not getting the engagement you want? If this is you and you’re wondering what content will get you noticed on LinkedIn, we can help.
LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume; it's a platform for building relationships and establishing yourself as an industry expert.
To stand out from the crowd, you need to post content that captivates your audience and drives engagement. This guide will explore two key types of posts that can help you achieve just that.
Tip: If you’re a founder looking for content ideas, this LinkedIn content ideas guide will be useful for you.
TL;DR: Post inspirational and expert content on LinkedIn to boost visibility and credibility. Use engaging visuals and a balanced content strategy to maintain a strong professional presence.
Why Your LinkedIn Posts Matter
Before diving into content types, let's consider why posting on LinkedIn is crucial. In recent years, LinkedIn has become more than just a networking site. It is now the best platform for building your professional brand. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or collaborators have of you.
Consistent and engaging posts showcase your expertise, build credibility, and expand your professional network. But it's not just about being seen; it's about being seen in the right light. The right posts can attract opportunities, foster connections, and even open doors to new career possibilities.
💡 Top Tip: LinkedIn posts are also a great way to show off your personality, so avoid being too generic. Let your personality shine through your posts.
2 Types of Posts to Get Noticed
Through our years of LinkedIn expertise, we’ve come to the conclusion that there are two standout types of LinkedIn posts. These two types of posts can come in a wide range of formats and we are convinced that everyone can find a way to use them.
Inspirational Posts
Inspirational content can resonate deeply with a wide audience. These posts often tell a story of overcoming challenges, achieving goals, or witnessing personal or professional growth. They can motivate your network and encourage engagement through likes, comments, and shares. For example, sharing a story about a difficult project you successfully completed can both inspire others and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
When crafting inspirational posts, keep the narrative authentic and relatable. Use vivid descriptions and a positive tone to captivate your audience. These posts work best when they evoke emotions, inspire action, and create a positive impact.
Expert Posts
Sharing your knowledge and insights through expert posts is an excellent way to establish yourself as a thought leader. These posts can include industry trends, professional advice, case studies, or analyses of current events. By providing valuable content, you position yourself as a trusted source of information in your field.
To maximize the impact of expert posts, focus on delivering clear, actionable insights. Use data, research, or personal experience to back up your points. This not only enhances your credibility but also encourages your audience to engage with your content. Remember, the goal is to educate and inform, providing real value to your readers.
Combining Inspiration and Expertise
While inspirational posts are great for building connections, expert posts solidify your credibility. The most effective LinkedIn profiles blend both types of content. This approach not only showcases your expertise but also humanizes your professional persona.
For instance, you could share a personal story of a professional challenge (inspiration) and then discuss the strategies you used to overcome it (expertise). This dual approach can create a more profound connection with your audience, making your posts more relatable and impactful.
Here are some tips:
Start with a Personal Anecdote: Begin your post with a relatable personal story or experience that sets the stage for the expertise you'll share. This approach hooks readers emotionally and makes your content more engaging. Jasmin Alić is a great example of creating engaging posts through effective personal anecdotes.
Highlight the Challenge: Clearly outline the problem or challenge you faced. This sets up the context for the expert insights you're about to provide and adds a sense of drama and interest to your narrative.
Share the Solution: Transition smoothly into the expertise portion by detailing the steps you took to overcome the challenge. Use clear, actionable language to make the solution easy to understand and implement.
Include Data or Evidence: Back up your solutions with data, research, or concrete examples. This adds credibility to your expertise and helps your audience trust your insights.
Connect to Broader Trends: Link your personal experience and expert advice to larger industry trends or issues. This shows that your insights are not just personal opinions but are relevant to a wider professional context.
Create a "before and after" format: Showcase how your expertise helped someone overcome a challenge, inspiring others to take action.
Offer a mix of positive and thought-provoking content: Balance uplifting posts with those that encourage critical thinking and discussion.
Encourage Interaction: Invite your audience to share their own experiences or thoughts in the comments. Posing a question or asking for feedback can encourage engagement and deepen the discussion.
Keep It Authentic: Ensure your posts remain genuine and true to your voice. Authenticity resonates with readers and builds trust, making your content more impactful. Don’t hesitate to be yourself, and remember that humor is allowed on LinkedIn too!
Engaging Visuals
Visual content is an essential element of engaging LinkedIn posts. Images, videos, and carousels can grab attention quickly and make your message more memorable. For inspirational posts, consider using motivational images or videos that complement your story. For expert posts, infographics and charts can effectively convey complex information in a digestible format.
💡 Top Tip: When using visuals, ensure they are high quality and relevant to your message. Just as a well-designed graphic can enhance your post's appeal, a low-quality one can have the opposite effect and drive your audience away.
Balancing Your Content Strategy
Remember, variety is key. While inspirational and expert posts are essential, experiment with different content formats to keep your audience engaged. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, industry news, or personal opinions. The goal is to create a well-rounded profile that reflects your professional personality and interests. For additional ideas on LinkedIn posts, refer to our top 5 types of LinkedIn posts.
By understanding these core principles and experimenting with different content types, you can create a LinkedIn presence that stands out from the crowd and drives meaningful connections.
