Ever notice how some LinkedIn posts rack up thousands of engagements while your thoughtful insights seem to vanish into the digital abyss? Welcome to the mysterious world of the LinkedIn algorithm – a code that can make you an overnight sensation or an unnoticed wallflower.
Let’s pull back the curtain on how this thing actually works.
First off, LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t just one thing – it’s a collection of signals that decide whether your content deserves the spotlight. Think of it as the bouncer at an exclusive club, sizing up each post before deciding if it gets VIP treatment or waits outside in the cold.
The initial “golden hour” is crucial. When you post something, LinkedIn shows it to a small sample of your connections. If they engage quickly, the algorithm thinks, “Hey, this might be interesting!” and pushes it to more people. It’s like LinkedIn is testing your content with focus groups before giving it a broader release.
Take my friend Sarah, who posted what she thought was a boring update about a project milestone. But because she mentioned a trending topic and included a simple question at the end, her post generated quick comments. Before she knew it, her “boring” update had 40,000 views and led to two speaking opportunities.
Here’s a quick hack: the algorithm loves comments more than likes, and it absolutely adores back-and-forth conversations. That’s why you’ll see influencers responding to every comment – they’re not just being nice; they’re feeding the algorithm beast.
And contrary to popular belief, external links aren’t automatically penalized. It’s more about whether people stay on LinkedIn after seeing your post. So if you must include a link, bury it in the comments instead of the main post.
Remember, LinkedIn wants users to stay on LinkedIn – so content that achieves this goal will always be rewarded. Game the system by gaming this core principle!