Here's how the LinkedIn algo works ??

This is a must-read for anyone who wants to know why someone's selfie scores better than the well-thought-of post that cost you hours to make.

I sure wasn't disappointed when the newest version of Chat-GPT gave me a detailed explanation of how the LinkedIn algo works.

Sometimes, all you need is to ask.

Like other social media platforms, LinkedIn utilises a proprietary algorithm to curate and personalise user content. While the exact details of the algorithm are not publicly disclosed, it is designed to optimise user engagement and promote relevant content. Based on known factors and observations, we can outline a general understanding of how the LinkedIn algorithm works:

1. Content filtering and classification: When a user posts content on LinkedIn, the algorithm initially filters and categorises it based on its type (e.g., text, image, video, article) and other attributes (e.g., language, keywords, hashtags).
2. Initial audience selection: LinkedIn then selects a small sample audience from the user's network to display the content. This audience is chosen based on their relationship with the user, recent engagement with similar content, and overall platform activity.
3. Engagement evaluation: As the initial audience interacts with the content (e.g., liking, commenting, sharing), the algorithm gauges its relevance and quality. Metrics like engagement rate, dwell time, and the nature of the interaction are considered.
4. Network expansion: If the content performs well with the initial audience, the algorithm expands its reach to a broader audience within the user's network. This can include second and third-degree connections and users who follow relevant hashtags or topics.
5. Ongoing optimisation: The algorithm continually assesses the content's performance and adjusts its reach accordingly. High-performing content may be displayed on users' feeds outside the original poster's network, while low-performing content may reduce visibility.
6. Personalisation: The LinkedIn algorithm also considers users' unique preferences and behaviour when deciding what content to display on their feeds. Factors such as the user's connections, groups, interests, and past engagement help tailor the feed to their needs and interests.

While these steps provide a general understanding of the LinkedIn algorithm, it's essential to remember that the algorithm is constantly evolving. LinkedIn frequent updates and refines its algorithm to improve user experience, promote relevant content, and maintain a professional environment. As a result, the exact factors and weightings may change over time.

So now you know. ???? For next week.. an evaluation of my LinkedIn experiment. For the past month, I switched from posting 6 to 3 times per week...