Unlocking LinkedIn’s Algorithm: How to Boost Your Visibility and Grow Your Network

LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume — it’s a powerful platform for networking, personal branding, and even generating business leads. But if you’re not getting the engagement or connections you want, it might be because you’re not playing by LinkedIn’s algorithm rules. Today, I’m going to reveal the secrets of LinkedIn’s algorithm and show you how to use them to your advantage.

Secret #1: The Power of the First Hour

The Secret:?LinkedIn’s algorithm pays close attention to how your post performs in the first hour after it’s published. If your post gets a lot of engagement — likes, comments, and shares — quickly, LinkedIn is more likely to boost it to a broader audience.

How to Beat It:?Time your posts for when your network is most active. LinkedIn is a professional network, so aim to post during business hours, particularly in the morning or just after lunch. Encourage immediate engagement by tagging relevant connections and asking thought-provoking questions that invite comments.

Secret #2: Native Content Reigns Supreme

The Secret:?LinkedIn favours content that keeps users on its platform. That means posts with native content — like text posts, LinkedIn articles, and videos uploaded directly to LinkedIn — are prioritized over posts with external links that take users off-site.

How to Beat It:?Whenever possible, post your content directly on LinkedIn. For example, instead of sharing a link to a blog post on your website, write a summary or an insightful piece as a LinkedIn article. If you must share an external link, put it in the comments rather than the main post.

Secret #3: The Importance of Comments Over Likes

The Secret:?While likes are nice, comments are king on LinkedIn. The algorithm places a higher value on posts that generate discussions. A post with a lot of comments is seen as engaging and will be shown to more people.

How to Beat It:?Create posts that spark conversation. Ask open-ended questions, share a controversial opinion, or request feedback on a specific topic. When people comment, respond to them to keep the conversation going — this further boosts your post’s visibility.

Secret #4: Consistency Builds Credibility

The Secret:?Just like on other social platforms, consistency is crucial on LinkedIn. Regular posting helps you stay top of mind with your connections and signals to LinkedIn that you’re an active user worth promoting.

How to Beat It:?Aim to post at least 2–3 times a week. Mix up your content with a blend of industry insights, personal experiences, and valuable resources. Consistent engagement — commenting on others’ posts, reacting to content, and participating in discussions — also helps boost your visibility.

Secret #5: Leverage LinkedIn’s Content Types

The Secret:?LinkedIn offers a variety of content types, and each has its own benefits in terms of engagement. Text posts are great for quick updates, while LinkedIn articles are ideal for in-depth analysis. Video content is increasingly favored by the algorithm, especially if it’s native.

How to Beat It:?Diversify your content strategy. Use text posts for short, impactful messages. Publish LinkedIn articles for thought leadership and deep dives. Incorporate native video to engage viewers with dynamic content. Polls are another great tool, as they encourage quick engagement and can provide valuable insights.

Secret #6: The Role of Hashtags

The Secret:?Hashtags on LinkedIn work differently than on platforms like Instagram. They help categorise your content and make it discoverable by users interested in those topics. However, using too many can make your post look spammy.

How to Beat It:?Use 3–5 relevant hashtags per post. Choose a mix of broad industry-related hashtags (e.g., #Marketing, #Leadership) and more niche tags (e.g., #ContentStrategy, #AIInBusiness). You can also create your own branded hashtag to help build a community around your content.

Secret #7: Engage Beyond Your Content

The Secret:?LinkedIn rewards users who engage with content beyond their own. Commenting on others’ posts, reacting to updates, and sharing insightful thoughts on trending topics increases your visibility and positions you as an active member of the community.

How to Beat It:?Spend time each day engaging with your network’s content. Thoughtful comments on others’ posts can attract views to your profile and increase the likelihood that your content will be seen by more people. Look for trending topics or posts from industry leaders where your input can add value.

LinkedIn’s algorithm might seem complex, but once you understand how it works, you can start using it to boost your visibility, grow your network, and enhance your personal brand. Focus on creating content that encourages engagement, use the platform’s features strategically, and don’t forget to engage with others. Try out these tips and let me know how they work for you — and if you have any other LinkedIn hacks, drop them in the comments below.