Struggling to come up with LinkedIn post ideas? Considering adding more personal feelings on your profile, but don’t want to be accused of sharing ‘too much’?
As a freelance social media manager, I often come across clients who want to promote a softer, more engaging side of their business, without resorting to sharing videos of dancing kittens. The truth is, it’s a fine line. Every week I see LinkedIn posts which attract a storm of protest from fellow users crying “this isn’t Facebook”.
The trick is to post your professional updates and views in a personal way to generate engagement which will then attract a larger audience. In this article, I’ll be covering some personal LinkedIn post ideas to help you generate more likes, followers and sales leads.
How does LinkedIn work?
Firstly, you need to understand how LinkedIn works, so here is a brief overview based on personal experience and industry folklore. All posts are scanned for spam before LinkedIn deems them suitable for sharing with your network (first connections). The speed at which people like, share and comment on your post will then determine how quickly your audience grows. The first few hours will determine the success of your post.
Imagine a steam train using engagement as the fuel to make the wheels turn faster. If nobody is sharing or liking your post, the furnace cools and the wheels stop. The more engagement your posts generate, the more people will see your content.
LinkedIn post ideas
In order to create some steam, don’t be afraid to upset a few people. The right subject matter can attract a large audience, prompting some followers to have a heated argument in the comments section. Start the debate and then step back while the flames take hold.
For example, try challenging a popular view on something or a traditional way of doing business. The most popular article written on LinkedIn in 2023 highlighted a four-day week pilot scheme that was so successful that most firms that took part said they wouldn’t return to Monday to Friday. Published by the Washington Post, the article generated nearly 104,000 engagements.
The pilot was run by advocacy group 4 Day Week Global across 61 companies and 3,000 workers. The firms promised to either give staff an extra day off each week or reduce working days in a year to average 32 hours a week. According to the report, employers noticed a reduction in burnout and resignations, while year-on-year revenue increased. Staff said they felt their wellbeing and job satisfaction had improved.
Avoid being too professional or simply promoting your business, as this is a sure way to turn followers away. Never forget that people buy from people, so we naturally seek common interests or opinions. You will gain more trust if you share something about yourself.
For example, posting views on issues close to your heart (fundraising, health, travel, sport etc) will encourage others to respond with their own experiences. Finding the right mix between professional and personal posts will mean more people will see your content, hopefully generating more business for you.
Finally, remember to avoid sharing your personal opinions on religion and politics. While many people might share your feelings, you may also upset existing or potential clients. I advise sticking to your areas of expertise.
Need some help with your social media?
Posting consistently can be difficult when you are busy doing your day job. Hiring a freelance social media manager can ease the workload, while providing professional and engaging posts. If you need help with LinkedIn post ideas, contact Wordsmart Communications – we would be more than happy to help.