How To Make the Best of the New LinkedIn Algorithm

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed a change in my LinkedIn feed content and engagement level on my posts. After a bit of research, I discovered that LinkedIn has (once again) changed its algorithm in an attempt to engage users better. Unfortunately, these changes did just the opposite for me. I noticed more irrelevant content on my feed. I stopped seeing content from people whom I used to interact with frequently, and my content engagement had gone down significantly.

So why would LinkedIn change its algorithm to do the opposite of what it′s supposed to? I believe this has to do with LinkedIn’s goal of keeping users on their site as long as possible. One of LinkedIn′s primary forms of revenue is through paid advertisements. The amount of ads you see is based on how frequently you use the platform. The more time you spend on the platform, the more ads you′ll see. The more ads you see, the more money LinkedIn makes. The algorithm is also meant to increase the visibility of accounts with smaller followings, which may be the case for some as long as they’re adapting the type of content their publishing to fit the new algorithm.

The only problem is that the new algorithm goes against many of the reasons why most users and I have historically enjoyed the platform so much. In the past, users were encouraged to create communities and build valuable connections. This was done by engaging in discussions in the comments section of groups or posts and sharing relevant content and resources, whether this be on the platform itself or via external links.

After several hours of research and a few tweaks to my network and content, I′ve been able to reconnect with my most important contacts and reach more people through my posts. Here are a few tips to help you improve your experience on the platform while working around the changes to the new algorithm.?

How to increase engagement on your content:

·????????Avoid external links. The new LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes content which keeps you on their site longer. Video content is 20 times more likely to get viewed and shared; therefore, it is highly prioritized by the platform. Plain text is the next highest prioritized content type. Text with photos and text with external links are more likely to get pushed to the back of your followers’ newsfeeds.???????????????

·????????Use relevant hashtags. This increases the chance that your content will show up on the feeds of others that have common interests. However, use no more than three hashtags per post.

·????????Stay consistent. By posting on fewer topics, the platform will be able to keep track of your interests and expertise better. It will make sure your content reaches people who are interested in it.

How to improve the content on your feed:

·????????Unfollow irrelevant people/organizations. For me, this meant unfollowing companies and organizations that I′m not interested in anymore and connections that I don′t know or share common interests with.

·????????Comment on content you find interesting or valuable. The algorithm will pick up on that and continue showing similar content.

·????????Follow people whose content brings you value. Last year LinkedIn started providing the option to follow people who aren't “high profile users” such as Gary Vaynerchuck or Bill Gates. This makes it easier to keep up with thought leaders in your industry or people you admire without having to know them personally.

By making these small changes to your content and interactions on LinkedIn, you can maximize your engagement and continue to build meaningful connections.