Did you know that 97% of HR professionals and recruiters use LinkedIn? LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, plays a pivotal role in professional growth and recruitment. These connections are often attributed to networking, but LinkedIn posts can also play a part.
Think about it. Beyond the job postings and endless scrolling, LinkedIn posts are your chance to show the world what you’re made of. Your posts show off your expertise, your insights, and your personality. Master the art of the LinkedIn post can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence? Let’s explore how to create posts that stand out, get seen by the right people, and help your career grow.
Crafting the perfect LinkedIn post
What separates a post that gets lost in the feed from one that garners likes, comments, and shares? We’re about to dive into the art of creating LinkedIn posts that truly resonate.
Types of LinkedIn posts
LinkedIn isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform. It offers a variety of post formats, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. The kind of post you make affects how people see your message, whether it’s a quick thought, a celebration, or a discussion.
Text posts
Text-only posts, often overlooked for their simplicity, are, in fact, a powerful tool on LinkedIn. These posts are great for expressing your thoughts, opinions, or expertise on a particular topic. You can also spark conversations by asking questions or sharing controversial opinions. If you plan to make a listicle, use relevant emojis instead of bullets as they are more eye-catching.
Single-image posts
Posts with images get 98% more comments compared to text-only posts, making LinkedIn single-image posts a powerful tool. They’re perfect for sharing quick stats, helpful infographics, events, or announcements, and you can even drive traffic by adding links directly to your captions.
When creating image posts, use high-quality images that enhance your message, not overshadow it. If you plan to add text to the image, prioritize readability. Use simple fonts and avoid using clashing text colours.
Multiple image posts
By their name, LinkedIn’s multi-image posts allow you to share up to nine images in a single post. These posts were first meant for sharing even photos, but now they’re often used for visual storytelling.
You can use them to showcase the different stages or outcomes of a project. You can also share photoshoots or product demos to highlight the quality of your work.
Pro tip: Take note of these layouts:
- 2 images: Side-by-side, cropped to portrait.
- 3 images: Top one landscape, bottom two cropped to square.
- 4 images: Top one landscape, bottom three cropped to portrait.
- 5 images: Top two cropped to square, bottom three cropped to portrait.
- 5+ images: A “+1” overlay indicates additional content.
Video posts
LinkedIn allows you to upload videos directly to the platform instead of embedding them from YouTube. These posts are called “native video” posts and are considered more advantageous since they autoplay in the LinkedIn feed. Compared to other formats, native video posts get 20x more shares.
They’re great for explaining complex topics in a digestible format. So, think explainer videos, testimonials, case studies, or event recaps. You can also use them for product demos or expert interviews.
Tip: Avoid creating overly long videos that might lose viewers’ attention.
Carousel posts
LinkedIn carousel posts allow you to share multiple images or documents in a single post. Unlike the standard multi-image post, carousel posts appear as swipeable slides. This makes them a more immersive and interactive experience for your audience.
Similar to video posts, they’re great for simplifying complex information into bite-sized chunks. Do you have a step-by-step process or tutorial that might overwhelm viewers in a single image post? Break it down into a series of slides. You can also use carousels to present data and research findings, making them easier to understand.
How to post on LinkedIn
Ready to make your voice heard on LinkedIn? We’ll guide you through the simple steps of crafting and publishing posts that capture attention and get results.
Creating standard LinkedIn posts
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create text and media LinkedIn posts:
- To start creating a post, click the text box with “Start a post.” If you simply want to post images or videos, click “Media.”
- If you want to combine text and media, utilize the pop-up window after clicking the text box. Then click the “Add media” icon at the bottom of the window.
- To create a carousel post, click the “+” or “More” icon and then click “Add a document.” From there, you can upload the pdf containing your carousel post.
How to post a job on LinkedIn
If you’re a recruiter planning to post a job opening on behalf of your company, here’s how:
- On the pop up window, click the suitcase or “Share that you’re hiring” icon.
- A pop window will appear, prompting you to enter the details of the job, including the title, workplace type, location, and job type.
- After that, click next. The pop-up will then ask you to enter more details about the job. This will include a summary of the role, its responsibilities, and the qualifications for the job. You can also include information on compensation and benefits.
How to post a resume on LinkedIn
Uploading your resume directly to the feed can give it more exposure. This also allows potential recruiters to download your resume directly from the feed. Just make sure to remove any sensitive information prior to posting.
- To post your resume, click the “Add a document icon.”
- Then simply upload your resume and give it a title or description.
How to post a promotion on LinkedIn
You can also share job promotions and other milestones on the feed. This can give your work more exposure and can help bring new opportunities your way. To post a promotion, click the “Celebrate an occasion” icon represented by a medal. Then select “New Position” in the pop-up window that follows.
Timing your posts for maximum impact
Even the most brilliant LinkedIn post can get lost in the shuffle if it’s not shared at the right time. When your audience is most active on the platform can significantly affect how many people see, engage with, and share your content.
Best time to post on LinkedIn
According to data from Sprout Social, the sweet spot for LinkedIn posting falls between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. on weekdays. This makes perfect sense when you consider that LinkedIn is primarily a professional networking platform. The majority of users are likely checking their feeds and engaging with content during their workday.
However, it’s important to note that this is just a general guideline. The best time to post for your specific audience might vary depending on their industry, location, and other factors.
Best day to post on LinkedIn
Interestingly, while all weekdays see great engagement, data from Buffer indicates that Friday stands out as the day with the highest level of engagement. This could be attributed to the fact that people tend to have more downtime on Fridays, giving them more opportunities to browse their LinkedIn feeds. Thursday and Wednesday follow closely behind in terms of engagement.
LinkedIn post scheduler
You can also create and schedule posts. However, you can’t schedule events, jobs, or services. To schedule a post, look for the clock icon at the bottom-right corner of the “Create a post” pop-up. From there, you can select the time and date, which must be within 1 hour to 3 months from the current time. Then click “Schedule.”
Scheduling posts is a great way to be consistent. You can create multiple posts in advance and schedule them at the times we mentioned above. This way, you maintain a consistent presence without the effort of posting daily.
Visuals that capture attention
In the fast-paced scroll of the LinkedIn feed, a well-chosen visual can be the hook that stops thumbs and sparks curiosity. Let’s take a look at how we can optimize images and videos for maximum impact.
Optimal image sizes
You have to make sure your content displays correctly, both on desktop and on mobile, so you can maximize their visual impact. Take note of LinkedIn’s recommended post dimensions:
LinkedIn post image sizes and dimensions
- Single or multi-image posts: For optimal display, aim for a square image with dimensions of 1080 x 1080 pixels. Alternatively, you can use a portrait orientation with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
- LinkedIn articles:
- Featured image: The recommended LinkedIn post size for featured images in articles is 1200 x 644 pixels.
- Banner image: Use a banner image with dimensions of 600 x 322 pixels to complement your article’s title.
- Blog post link images: When sharing links to blog posts, the ideal LinkedIn image post size is 1200 x 627 pixels.
- Carousel posts: Each slide in a carousel post should follow the same dimensions as single-image posts. This is either 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (portrait). For best results, format your carousel content as a PDF.
LinkedIn video specifications
- Video Size: LinkedIn supports video sizes ranging from 256 x 144 pixels (minimum) to 4096 x 2304 pixels (maximum).
- File Size: Keep your video file size between 75KB and 200MB.
- Video Length: The maximum allowed video length for LinkedIn is 10 minutes.
Tips for selecting and editing images
Here are 3 simple tips for selecting images for your LinkedIn posts:
1. Have a purpose
Before you start searching for images, you need to have an objective in mind and know what you want to achieve with your image. What message or story do you want to convey with your image? How do you want your audience to feel or act? You need to answer these questions before you start searching online, as it can be very easy to keep changing your narrative based on the images you find. This also applies to the original images you take or create.
2. Match the image to the message
Your images should vibe with your post’s message. Let’s say your post is about the daily life at your company. Instead of using a generic stock photo of people in suits shaking hands, try something more authentic and engaging. For example, share photos of your team celebrating a successful launch, a work anniversary, or a company outing.
Your images should reflect the tone of your post. Are you going for serious and informative or fun and casual? If you’re providing insight, even a simple graphic with the quote overlaid on a can be enough.
3. Edit the image
Now that you have your images ready, it’s time to refine them to complement your message even more. Use editing tools to enhance remove unnecessary elements, and incorporate text or other visuals.
Use colors and text that match your brand’s style and the post’s theme. Arrange images alongside text thoughtfully. You can also use grids, margins, and spacing to create a visually appealing layout.
Advanced strategies for enhanced engagement
We’ll go beyond the basics and learn how to make your LinkedIn posts go viral. These tips will help you use LinkedIn to get seen by more people, and position you as an industry thought leader.
What to post on LinkedIn
The thought of sharing your thoughts with billions of professionals can pressure you to always post great content. Coming up with fresh ideas every day can be overwhelming and eventually burn you out. If you’re stuck staring at a blank screen, here are some ideas to spark inspiration:
- Industry Insights: Share articles or your own thoughts on the latest trends or news in your field. Did a new study drop? Share a quick summary and your take.
- Career Tips: Everyone loves a little advice. Offer tips on job hunting, career advancement, or work-life balance.
- Company Culture: Give people a peek behind the scenes at your workplace. Share photos of team events, or highlight a colleague’s awesome work.
- Success Stories: Did you nail a project? Tell your network about it! Just be sure to focus on the lessons learned or tips you picked up along the way.
- Thought-Provoking Questions: Spark a conversation! Ask your network for their opinions on a relevant topic or share a challenge you’re facing.
- Personal Achievements: Share your wins, big or small! Did you earn a certification, give a presentation, or volunteer for a cause you care about?
- Work Anniversaries: Celebrate your time at a company and reflect on what you’ve learned.
- Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Share a photo of your workspace, your morning coffee, or the book you’re currently reading to add a personal touch.
Key Tip: Keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to show some personality! Authenticity goes a long way on LinkedIn.
Best practices for increasing engagement
While high-quality content is enough to attract engagement to your post, there are ways to increase its visibility further. These include using hashtags, tagging other creators, and using calls to action.
Just like on other social platforms, hashtags categorize your posts and make them easier for people to find. Use relevant hashtags for your industry or the topic of your post. Don’t overdo it, though. Stick to a few that really fit.
If you mention a specific person or company in your post, tag them! It’s a polite way to let them know and could lead to them sharing your post with their network. Lastly, end your post with a clear call to action. Ask a question, invite comments, or encourage them to share their experiences.
You can also use LinkedIn ads to promote your posts, increasing their reach. You can also consider buying real LinkedIn likes or accounts to give your posts an initial boost.
Maximizing Linkedin carousel posts
To make the most out of your carousel posts, make sure to maintain consistent branding throughout all the images in the carousel. Keep your colors, fonts, and design elements consistent on all slides so people recognize your brand right away.
Make sure each slide focuses on one clear idea and uses simple language to get your message across. Lastly, finish with a strong call to action (CTA. This can simply be leading them to your website, asking them to comment their opinions, or sharing your post.
Managing saved posts on LinkedIn
Saved posts help you curate a collection of articles, job postings, and insights that resonate with you. They turn your feed into a personalized library of valuable content that you can reference whenever you need it. Saving posts ensures you can easily return to articles, job opportunities, or advice you found interesting.
How to find your saved posts
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to “Resources” and click “Show all 5 resources.”
- Click “My Items” and then “Saved Posts.”
- Then choose either “All” or “Articles.”
Measuring success and iterating
The next step is to see if your posts are giving you results. We’ll explore the key metrics that truly matter for LinkedIn success, and how to use data to refine your approach continually.
Using LinkedIn Analytics
Now that you have your posts, how will you know if they hit the mark? LinkedIn Analytics offers a data-driven perspective on what’s working and what isn’t. This allows you to refine your content strategy.
To view a specific posts’ analytics, click on “View Analytics” at the bottom right corner of the post.
From there you will find the following metrics:
- Impressions: This is the total number of times your post appeared in someone’s LinkedIn feed. While it doesn’t guarantee interaction, it does reflect your post’s potential reach and visibility.
- Video Views: If you’re sharing video content, this metric tracks how many times your videos have been watched. It helps you gauge the effectiveness of your video strategy.
- Reactions: Likes, celebrations, support, love, insightful, and curious reactions all fall under this category. They represent the emotional responses your post evokes in your audience.
- Comments: Comments signify deeper engagement, indicating that your content sparked conversation and discussion. Track the quantity and quality of comments to understand what resonates most with your network.
- Reposts: The number of shares reveals how much your content resonated with others, prompting them to spread it to their own networks. This is a key indicator of the post’s viral potential.
- Top Unique Demographics of Unique Viewers: This breakdown reveals demographics like job titles, industries, or company sizes of the companies or people who have viewed your content.
Adapting your strategy
Use the data you’ve gathered from analytics to refine your content strategy to drive even more engagement and get viral posts. Here’s how to utilize this data for continuous improvement:
- Track Key Metrics: Monitor impressions (how many times your post was seen), clicks (how many times users clicked on your post or profile), likes, comments, and shares.
- Identify Trends: Look for patterns in your top-performing posts. Do certain topics, formats, or posting times resonate more with your audience?
- Experiment and Test: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different content types (articles, videos, images), post lengths, and posting frequencies.
- Adapt Your Approach: Based on your data analysis, adjust your strategy accordingly. If videos receive more engagement, consider creating more video content. If certain posting times lead to higher impressions, schedule your posts strategically.
- Refine and Repeat: Continuously refine your approach based on the feedback you receive. LinkedIn is a dynamic platform, and your audience’s preferences may change over time.
Case studies of successful LinkedIn posts
Theory is helpful, but nothing beats the power of real-world examples. We’ll dive into case studies of posts that have gone viral, sparked industry conversations. These real-world examples will serve as a roadmap for maximizing your impact on LinkedIn.
1. Chris Donnelly’s “10 Mental Models To Change The Way You Think”
This carousel post went viral, with its concise explanations and eye-catching visuals. The post shared ten popular mental models, like the Pareto Principle and Occam’s Razor, with a simple image and short explanation for each. This mix of easy-to-understand info and interesting visuals helped it get popular, since people found it both helpful and fun to read.
The post’s success can also be attributed to its focus on self-improvement and personal growth. The carousel format also helped the post get seen more, since each slide had a new idea, making people want to see all of them. Additionally, the post’s concluding question, “Which visual was your favourite?” sparked conversation in the comments section, further boosting its visibility and engagement.
2. Dr. Christian Poensgen’s “12 habits high-EQ leaders ditch for a successful day”
The text and image post presented 12 habits that high-EQ leaders avoid. Each habit was accompanied by a concise explanation and a corresponding time slot on a clock-shaped infographic. This visual offered a clear and organized overview of the suggested changes.
The inclusion of tips for each habit further enhanced its value. This provided readers with practical steps to implement the suggested changes.
Jen Gray shared her favorite opening question and stressed how important it is for people to show they know themselves and can tell a good story. The post did not include any images, relying solely on text to convey its message.
The post’s success likely stems from its relevance to both job seekers and hiring managers. Job seekers learn how to tell their career story in a way that shows their goals. Hiring managers are reminded to look at how well a candidate communicates and understands their own career.
The post’s engagement was further amplified by its use of relevant hashtags. These hashtags helped to categorize the content and increase its visibility to users interested in the topic.
Final thoughts
We’ve covered the ins and outs of crafting captivating LinkedIn posts, timing them strategically, and maximizing the impact of images. By embracing these strategies, you can amplify your voice, create meaningful connections, and unlock exciting career opportunities.
Remember, it’s an ongoing journey of experimentation and refinement. Don’t be afraid to try new things, analyze your results, and adapt your approach. Over time, you’ll build a thriving professional network and position yourself for success on the platform.
Now it’s your turn! Take these strategies for a spin and see how they transform your LinkedIn presence.
FAQs
What should I write in a LinkedIn post?
The content of your LinkedIn post depends on your goals and audience. You can share industry insights, career advice, project updates, company news, personal achievements, or thought-provoking questions. Remember to keep your posts professional, relevant to your field, and engaging for your network.
What are the most effective LinkedIn posts?
The most effective LinkedIn posts offer value to your audience. This could be in the form of informative content, helpful tips, inspiring stories, or thought-provoking discussions. Visual content, such as images and videos, tends to perform well, and posts that encourage engagement (comments, likes, shares) can increase your reach.
How do I write my first LinkedIn post?
Start by introducing yourself and your professional background. Share your areas of expertise, interests, or recent accomplishments. You can also post an article or blog post you’ve written, comment on a relevant industry trend, or ask a question to spark discussion. Keep it concise, informative, and engaging.
How do you caption a LinkedIn post?
A good LinkedIn caption should be clear, concise, and compelling. Summarize the main point of your post, ask a question to spark discussion, or include a call to action (e.g., “Share your thoughts below!”). Use relevant hashtags to increase your post’s visibility.
What kind of posts do I post on LinkedIn?
There are many types of posts you can share on LinkedIn. Some popular options include:
- Text posts: Share your thoughts, insights, or questions.
- Image posts: Share photos, infographics, or other visuals.
- Video posts: Share videos showcasing your expertise or company culture.
- Document posts: Share presentations, reports, or other documents.
- Article posts: Share articles you’ve written or found interesting.
Poll posts: Ask your network for their opinions on a topic.
The post Why LinkedIn Posts Are the New Networking Power Move in 2024 appeared first on jeffbullas.com.
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