When did you last consider the format and structure of your LinkedIn posts?

Did you know, not all LinkedIn posts are created equal. If they were then we’d all experience the same level of engagement.

So why do some posts bomb while others go boom?💥

In our latest blog, we decided to have some fun and create a recipe for a winning LinkedIn post.

Follow our steps and watch your engagement stats soar!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Insightful Content

• Two tablespoons of Visual Appeal

• Three teaspoons of Authenticity

• A pinch of Strategic Formatting

• One dash of Call to Action

• 500 grams of Engagement

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Ideas

Preheat your creative oven by brainstorming insightful content. What's sizzling in your industry? What topics are trending? Think about your audience or target. What are their pain points? What are their challenges? What help do they need from you? Now, mix in your unique perspective and viewpoint for added deliciousness.

Step 2: Blend In Visual Appeal

Combine two tablespoons of eye-catching visuals.

Stir in images, infographics, a carousel or even a short video. A visually appealing post is more likely to catch the eyes of your audience. And promises you greater engagement, too.

Posts with images get twice as many comments as text-only posts. Videos, however, are five times more likely to get comments. What’s more, carousels offer you a higher click-through rate.

Step 3: Fold in Authenticity

This step in the recipe is really important. Gently fold in three teaspoons of authenticity. Be yourself! Share personal anecdotes or experiences related to your post. By turning up authentically writing in your style, you offer a touch of realness to your post, and your audience will trust you more.

Step 4: Sprinkle Strategic Formatting

Sprinkle a pinch of strategic formatting to enhance readability. What we’re talking about here is post formatting.

Break up your text with short paragraphs, bullet points, and headings, and dust your post with a few emojis to add a splash of colour.

Make your post easy on the eyes for a great reading experience.

Step 5: Infuse Call to Action

Infuse a dash of call to action. You wouldn’t believe how many posts I see on the platform that fail to include a call to action.

What do you want your audience to do after reading your post?

Visit your website, share their thoughts, or even tag a friend.

Make your call to action clear, compelling and easy to do.

Step 6: Bake in Engagement

Bake at 180 degrees of engagement.

Your post should encourage comments, questions, and discussions. Think about adding a P.S. at the end of your post. Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇🏼 Which of these steps have you tried already? Which of these steps do you not yet do? Share your experiences in the comments below. 👇🏼

And most importantly of all, respond promptly to comments to keep the conversation simmering. LinkedIn favours posts that are well looked after. They like to see the post’s author respond promptly to comments, so make sure you can review your post as soon as it’s published and stay on top of your audience’s engagement for at least the next 24 hours.

Step 7: Garnish with Thanks

Before serving, garnish your post with thanks.

Say thank you to your audience for engaging with your post. A little appreciation goes a long way in building a community.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a strong hook for an extra kick.

A hook is your introductory sentence. And when I say a sentence, I mean a sentence.

Your opening line should be short and compelling. It should explain what the reader will receive if they click to read more, or it will offer a great teaser to encourage curiosity.

Serve hot by posting during peak LinkedIn hours.

While LinkedIn doesn’t have ‘hot hours’ specifically, you should test posting times to determine when your post receives the greatest engagement. I find posting early in the working day is a good starting point. Some of my network posts at 07:00 and 08:00 AM, while I always post at 09:00 AM, Monday to Friday.

Get stuck in by connecting with second and third-degree connections that engage with your posts and build your network carefully and consciously.

Bon appétit!

Congratulations! Your winning LinkedIn post is ready to be served and enjoyed by your professional network.

Like what you’ve read?

Jo Buchanan, the author of this blog, is the Founder and Director of TwitTwooYou Limited, a business growth strategic consultancy centred on getting brands noticed. TwitTwooYou offers smart services to help businesses grow and achieve their aspirations and goals. Want to get your brand noticed? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat.