Avoid These 5 LinkedIn Written Content Blunders (That Most People Are Making)

After years of coaching teams and individuals on how to shine on LinkedIn, I've seen it all when it comes to written content.

But some blunders are so popular they’re practically part of the official LinkedIn starter pack. Seriously, I see the same ones over, and over, and over, like Justin Timberlake's mugshot memes on Instagram.

So, I thought it’s about time we sit down together with our afternoon iced coffees and chat about these missteps and how you can easily steer clear of them to make your LinkedIn content pop.

Let's get into it.

Mistake #1: The Great Wall of Text

Problem: You post large blocks of text. On a platform where users scroll during brief breaks or in between meetings, dense paragraphs are daunting.

Last week, I attended a networking event designed for tech professionals, and it was an incredible experience. I met numerous individuals from various backgrounds, including software developers, project managers, and startup founders. Each conversation provided deep insights into the challenges and opportunities within the tech industry today. Furthermore, the exchange of ideas was enriching and offered perspectives that are crucial for anyone looking to grow in this field. As someone passionate about tech innovation and collaborative growth, I found the diversity of thoughts and the willingness to share knowledge profoundly impactful.

Fix: Break up your text. Use more white space, shorter paragraphs, and eliminate any unnecessary words. Keep it crisp to retain attention.

Last week, I hit up a networking event packed with tech’s finest—from software developers to startup founders. Imagine a room where every corner offers a new insight or a chance to make a meaningful connection!

We chatted about the latest challenges and breakthroughs in tech. It was like opening a treasure trove of ideas every few minutes. What struck me the most was the incredible mix of enthusiasm and openness to share knowledge. You don’t get that kind of vibe just anywhere!

Key takeaway? These events are gold mines for anyone in tech looking to stay inspired and connected. Already looking forward to the next one!

Mistake #2: Missing the Hook

Problem: Your posts lack a compelling first line, causing potential readers to bypass the '...see more' option.

In today's job market, it's important to stay adaptable and continuously improve your skills to remain competitive. Many professionals fail to invest time in learning new technologies, which can impact their career growth.

Fix: Hook your audience from the get-go. Start with a provocative question, a vivid image, or a relatable quote. Grab attention early and they’ll stay for the story.

Have you ever noticed how some folks always seem to be in the right place at the right time in their careers? Spoiler: It’s not all luck. Let’s talk about what they’re doing right.

Mick's Tip: Try a Cliffhanger as Your Hook

Ever heard of a cliffhanger?

It's that moment in a story when everything hangs in suspense, and you just have to know what happens next. TV shows and books use it all the time to keep us coming back for more. And guess what? It works wonders on LinkedIn too.

Let me give you a taste:

Picture me a few years ago, at a major crossroads in my career. I was knee-deep in a project that felt like climbing Everest. Just when I thought I couldn’t go any further, a phone call came in with news that changed the game.

Mistake #3: Burying the Lead

Problem: Your most compelling points are lost in the middle of dense paragraphs.

We all know staying ahead in digital marketing is crucial. But a lot of us are still pouring our energy into long-form content. Buried in there is a key nugget: video content is absolutely crushing it right now. Despite its massive engagement boost, many of us overlook it, sticking to the traditional text-based approach.

Fix: Let your key insights shine! Place impactful statements on their own line to draw the eye and emphasize their importance.

Heads up: Video content is the new MVP in digital marketing.

If you’re still churning out long blog posts, you might be missing the boat. Videos are where the real engagement happens. Seriously, they’re not just trendy—they’re game-changers. Time to start thinking video-first if you want to stay ahead.

Mistake #4: No Call to Action

Problem: Your post ends without direction, leaving audience engagement up to chance.

Attending networking events can be a great way to build your professional connections and learn about new opportunities. It's important to follow up with the people you meet and stay in touch to maintain those relationships over time. Networking can really open doors if you put in the effort.

Fix: Always include a call to action. Guide your readers on what to do next, whether it’s to comment, share, like, or click on a link. Make the next steps clear and easy to follow.

Ever been to a networking event, collected a bunch of business cards, and then… nothing? We’ve all been there. Meeting new people is just the first step. The real magic happens when you follow up and keep those connections alive.

What’s your go-to move for staying in touch after a networking event? Share your tips in the comments! And if you think this advice is useful, hit that share button so your friends can get in on it too. Let’s keep the conversation rolling!

The Biggest Mistake (By Far): Lack of Posting Strategy

Okay, let’s talk about a biggie—posting without a plan. It’s like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. Sporadic posts that don’t seem to follow a clear plan can leave your audience confused and disengaged. Trust me, we’ve all been there, but it’s time to get strategic.

The Problem: Your posts are all over the place, and there’s no rhyme or reason to them. One day you’re sharing a motivational quote, the next it’s a random industry article, and then radio silence for a week. Your audience doesn’t know what to expect, and honestly, they’re probably not sticking around for the inconsistency.

The Fix: Time to put on your strategic hat. Start by defining your audience persona. Who are you talking to? What are their challenges, values, hopes, and fears? Get into their heads. Once you know who they are, craft your posts to speak directly to them—hit those emotional and intellectual chords.

Here’s a handy formula to keep things on track when you do post: What, So What, Now What.

• What: Introduce your topic. What’s the main point you’re sharing?
• So What: Explain why it matters. Why should your audience care? How does it relate to their world?
• Now What: End with a call to action. What do you want your audience to do next? Comment, share, like, visit your website?

By following this structure, your posts will not only be more cohesive, but they’ll also provide real value to your audience. They’ll start looking forward to your updates because they know they’ll always walk away with something useful or inspiring.

I always say that your LinkedIn written content should feel like going to a fun party and leaving with a loot bag!

Remember, it’s not about posting just to post. It’s about posting with purpose. Your audience will thank you for it, and you’ll see much better engagement. So, let’s ditch the spaghetti method and start posting like the pros we are!

Bonus Tip: Lower the Reading Comprehension Level (Yes, Seriously!)

Sometimes, even with a great strategy, your posts might still come off as a bit too stiff or academic. Keeping your content simple and approachable is key. Here’s how to make your writing more reader-friendly:

• Use Simple Language: Ditch the jargon and complex words. Imagine you’re explaining the concept to a friend over coffee.
• Keep Sentences Short: Long sentences can be hard to follow. Break them up to make your point clear.
• Use Active Voice: It’s more engaging and easier to read.

Tools to Test Your Content:

• Hemingway App: This tool highlights complex sentences and suggests simpler alternatives. It also gives you a readability grade.
• Grammarly: Beyond just grammar, it offers clarity suggestions to make your writing more concise and readable.
• Readable: This tool scores your content on various readability scales, helping you adjust your text for better comprehension.

By keeping your language simple and your sentences clear, you'll ensure your content is accessible to a wider audience. And with these tools, you can easily check and refine your posts before hitting publish.

Avoiding these common LinkedIn mistakes isn’t just about tweaking your posts—it’s about transforming how you engage with your audience. By implementing these tips, you'll not only enhance your visibility but also strengthen your professional brand on LinkedIn.

Feeling like you could use some extra help? Let’s work together one-on-one to elevate your LinkedIn content and presence: https://calendly.com/mickalexis/60min

And for even more in-depth guidance, check out my LinkedIn Learning course on Copywriting for Social Media. It’s packed with tips and strategies to help you craft compelling content that captures attention and drives engagement.

Take my LinkedIn Learning course on Copywriting for Social Media

Until next time...

Love and coffee,

Mick