LinkedIn Best Practices Cheat Sheet (No Common Advice)

Whaaat? Seriously, hashtags no longer work on LinkdIn as they used to. In fact, using hashtags in your posts makes you look desperate (especially when using multiple) and out of date.

However, if you still feel more comfortable using hashtags, at least NEVER use more than three.

Most people skim LinkedIn posts. Keep your opening sentence compelling and to the point – this is your hook. Break up content with short, punchy paragraphs or bullet points, and finish with a clear CTA.

Avoid the generic “I’d like to add you to my network” message. Always send personalized connection requests explaining why you want to connect, even if it’s brief. It shows effort and increases the likelihood of acceptance.

Don’t overload posts with links, especially external ones. If you must include an external link, place it in the comments.

When writing articles on LinkedIn, use specific keywords in your article’s title and first 300 words. Instead of general terms like “leadership,” opt for “emerging leadership trends in tech.” This makes your article more discoverable and engaging.

Post during off-peak hours, like 9-10 AM or 4-6 PM (local time). People are more likely to engage with your content when they’re catching up after meetings or winding down from the day. This can lead to higher engagement rates.

People connect with authenticity. Share your struggles and failures in long-form posts, not just your wins. Readers will find your honesty relatable, and it can lead to more meaningful interactions.

Don’t just like posts – engage thoughtfully. Share a personal anecdote, ask a question, or offer insight. LinkedIn’s algorithm gives more weight to comments than likes, boosting visibility. Add value, not just affirmation.

If you’re in a highly competitive niche or role, pin your best-performing post to the top of your profile. This ensures the first impression visitors get from your feed is a well-received, high-impact piece of content.

Create a custom LinkedIn banner that’s aligned with your personal brand or business. Avoid generic stock images or logos; instead, use visuals that speak to your expertise or area of focus. It adds a professional touch that’s memorable.

After connecting with someone, send a follow-up message within a week. Don’t pitch; just keep it casual, e.g., “Thanks for connecting, I really enjoyed your recent post about X!” This can lead to natural conversations without the hard sell.

When someone comments on your post, engage in the conversation. Go beyond “Thanks for your comment” and try to dive deeper into the discussion. It increases the likelihood of your post showing up on your network’s feed again.

Instead of using the default LinkedIn URL, create custom URLs for specific campaigns or purposes. For example, add keywords or trackable phrases like linkedin.com/in/YourName-BookSpeaker or linkedin.com/in/YourName-Consulting. This makes your profile more memorable and can help drive better tracking for campaigns. You can share these custom URLs in email newsletters, on business cards, or in presentations to directly point people to a tailored version of your profile. It also helps you optimize for search engines within LinkedIn, making it easier for prospects to find you.

Your LinkedIn headline should be more than your job title. Use it to showcase your value proposition – what problem you solve and how. For example: “Helping businesses scale with data-driven marketing strategies” is more compelling than “Marketing Manager.”

Don’t tag people just to get their attention. Instead, tag only those who are relevant to the conversation and ideally the ones you actually have some sort of relationship with. For example, if you’re referencing a book, tag the author, or tag someone who’s directly contributed to the project you’re posting about. This keeps it authentic and prevents the “tagging just for visibility” problem.

Instead of just posting your thoughts, create meaningful content that offers value. Use LinkedIn’s native features like documents and polls—they’re designed to engage your audience in a more interactive way, which is more likely to catch their attention.

Instead of asking for vague endorsements, request specific skills or expertise that reflect your value. For example, asking someone to endorse your “leadership coaching” rather than just “leadership” makes the endorsement more meaningful and relevant.

Post 1-3 times a week rather than daily. LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards consistent, high-quality content, not quantity. Posting too often can feel spammy and make your audience tune out.

Don’t just ignore the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” feature—actively engage with people who visit your profile. If someone in your target industry or a potential client views your profile, reach out with a friendly, personalized message. Mention something you noticed on their profile, such as mutual connections or shared interests. This builds rapport and can lead to meaningful conversations or opportunities.

Instead of just looking for people by title or company, try searching by keywords like “looking for a speaker” or “hiring for a panel.” You can filter results by location, industry, or even past job titles to identify leads or potential clients. Save your searches and set up alerts to get notified when new opportunities arise, so you’re always one step ahead. This trick is a powerful way to find new speaking gigs, collaborations, or business opportunities that aren’t immediately visible on the surface.