Mastering LinkedIn: 7 Top Tips for Boosting Engagement and Building Your Network

This month, I have been reading a lot about getting the most from LinkedIn’s algorithm. There seems to be more insight into it than ever before, and I want to capitalise on that.

LinkedIn's algorithm is designed to surface knowledge relevant to its members, making it crucial for your posts to be both relevant and informative. Here's is what I found from reading countless guides on how to maximise your LinkedIn engagement by aligning to their algorithms.

1. Be Relevant and Informative

Understanding your audience's skills and interests is key. Ensure these align with your own expertise to position yourself as a credible authority. LinkedIn identifies your areas of expertise through your profile, making your posts more likely to reach beyond your immediate network.

For instance, Hootsuite found that post-sharing benchmark engagement rates for various industries garnered significant engagement because they provided highly relevant information.

How could you use this to boost your posts?

• Analyse analytics from other social platforms to understand your audience’s interests.
• Create content that aligns with both your expertise and your audience’s interests.
• Use these insights to guide your LinkedIn marketing strategy.

Apparently, 98% of LinkedIn members find professional knowledge posts valuable, even from outside their direct network.

2. Schedule Your Posts for Optimal Times

Engagement within the first hour is crucial for your post’s success. Schedule your posts when your audience is most active. While 1 p.m. on Mondays is the best time, tailor this to your unique audience by analysing past engagement of your posts.

What tips did I find for this?

• Post regularly; weekly posts can double your engagement.
• Use tools to find the best personalised times to post.
• Analyse past posts to find the right time to post for your audience

3. Promote Your Posts On and Off LinkedIn

Increase your post's visibility by tagging people and companies, using strategic keywords, and including relevant hashtags. Creating a branded hashtag can further amplify your reach.

Examples:

• Lyft’s #LifeAtLyft
• Nike’s #SwooshLife
• Adobe’s #AdobeLife
• Google’s #GrowWithGoogle

Also, share your posts on other platforms like Slack or in newsletters to engage inactive LinkedIn members.

4. Avoid Outbound Links

According to research, LinkedIn prioritises posts that keep users on the platform. Posts without outbound links perform better. If you must share an external link, place it in the comments.

5. Encourage Meaningful Engagement

LinkedIn’s algorithm favours meaningful engagement. Encourage thoughtful comments by asking questions that invite opinions and insights. Be an active participant in the conversation to foster a dynamic exchange.

Strategy:

• Pose questions to provoke discussion.
• Respond actively to comments to keep the conversation going.

6. Craft Original Content with a Unique Perspective

Original posts generate more engagement than shared content. Even when repurposing content, add your unique insights to make it more engaging and informative.

7. Build Your Network Strategically

A robust network enhances your content’s reach. Aim to grow a network of professionals in your field.

Steps:

• Complete and update your profile and Page.
• Use relevant keywords in your Page overview.
• Invite connections to follow your Page.
• Encourage employees to list your company on their profiles and use your corporate hashtag.
• Engage with relevant Pages and professionals, participate in groups, and make your profile public.

Next steps

I have yet to try all of the above tips and tricks, but I will aim to test them all in June.

By following these strategies, hopefully, you can enhance your LinkedIn presence, drive meaningful engagement, and build a strong professional network.

As always, tailor your content to resonate with your audience and watch your LinkedIn influence grow.