For most people, LinkedIn is a struggle. I’ve seen countless individuals put effort into their content only to watch it fall flat, and the truth is, I was once in the same boat. Like many others, I believed that creating content for people—what I thought they would find interesting—was the key to success. But then I realized something game-changing: to truly succeed on LinkedIn, you need to think algorithm-first.
This shift in mindset completely transformed how I approached the platform.
Most of us believe that our primary goal should be to connect with our audience by creating content that feels interesting or valuable to them. While this idea has merit, it misses the larger picture. What matters most is how the algorithm perceives your content. If the algorithm approves, it will push your post to a wider audience—many of whom will naturally find it relevant.
So, how do you make the algorithm work for you?
The first mistake many people make is posting generic content. They focus on topics they think are broadly interesting or safe, but in doing so, they fail to stand out. Another pitfall is neglecting the importance of a strong opening. On LinkedIn, hooks are critical. If your first sentence doesn’t grab attention, you’ve already lost your audience. And then there’s the temptation to chase likes—a habit that leads to shallow content aimed at validation rather than meaningful engagement.
Instead of these approaches, think about what the algorithm rewards.
One of the most important factors is stickiness. The algorithm loves content that keeps people engaged, whether it’s reading through your post, clicking “see more,” or leaving a comment. Your job is to make your post so compelling that it captures and holds attention.
Relevance is another key piece of the puzzle. Are your posts consistent with your personal brand? Do they align with the broader themes you regularly discuss? The algorithm favors accounts that build a cohesive narrative, making it easier for your audience to follow and engage with your content over time.
Timing also plays a critical role. When you publish a post, the algorithm immediately assesses its performance during the first hour or two. This window is crucial, as early engagement signals whether the post is worth promoting further.
What I’ve learned through this process is that LinkedIn success isn’t about posting for yourself or even directly for your audience—it’s about creating content that meets the algorithm’s criteria while still resonating with readers. This doesn’t mean abandoning authenticity or creativity, but it does require a shift in focus.
By crafting posts that are engaging, relevant, and strategically timed, you can unlock LinkedIn’s potential to amplify your reach and build a meaningful community.
If you’ve been struggling with your LinkedIn presence, consider this your wake-up call. Approach it with an algorithm-first mindset, and watch how the platform starts working for you.
Have questions or want to discuss this further? Let’s chat: https://shorturl.at/Nv5ot
Matt Sheehan is a Go-to-Market expert
