how to write linkedin posts that get engagement

LinkedIn has over 900 million users, but most posts get barely any engagement. The ones that do follow specific patterns you can learn and apply.

the hook matters most

LinkedIn shows only the first 2-3 lines before "see more." Your hook determines whether anyone reads the rest. Start with a surprising statement, a question, or a bold opinion.

formatting for readability

LinkedIn users scroll fast. Make your posts scannable: - Short paragraphs (1-2 sentences max) - Line breaks between paragraphs - Bullet points for lists - White space is your friend

content that performs

Personal stories: Vulnerable, authentic stories about failures and lessons learned consistently outperform promotional content. Contrarian takes: Challenge common industry wisdom (respectfully) to spark discussion. Tactical advice: Share specific, actionable tips people can implement immediately. Industry insights: Commentary on trends and news relevant to your field.

the best posting times

Generally, Tuesday through Thursday mornings (7-9 AM) work best. But test different times and check your analytics to find your sweet spot.

engagement tactics

• End with a question to encourage comments
• Respond to every comment within the first hour
• Comment on others' posts before and after publishing
• Tag relevant people (but don't overdo it)

hashtags on linkedin

Use 3-5 relevant hashtags. They help with discoverability but don't obsess over them. Content quality matters more.

what not to do

• Don't be overly promotional
• Avoid posting and ghosting (engage with comments)
• Don't use engagement bait ("Like if you agree!")
• Skip the corporate jargon
• Don't post AI-generated content without editing

consistency beats virality

One viral post won't build your brand. Showing up consistently with valuable content will. Aim for 3-5 posts per week to build momentum.

document, don't create

Stuck on ideas? Share what you're learning, challenges you're facing, or lessons from your work. You don't need to be an expert — you just need to share genuine experiences.

measure what matters

Track impressions, engagement rate, and follower growth. But remember: one meaningful connection can be worth more than a thousand likes.

Building a LinkedIn presence takes time. Focus on adding value, and the engagement will follow.