LinkedIn Articles: What Sets Them Apart & How to Write Them
In the early days, LinkedIn was simply a social networking site; today, however, it is an influential publishing platform that provides many different types of content for both individual and corporate users to build their online presence. An example of one such type of content is a LinkedIn article; this type of content also helps users create an impact on their audience through creating trustworthy and credible writing.
What distinguishes a LinkedIn article from a standard post? Read on to learn more!
What are LinkedIn Articles?
LinkedIn Articles are long-form contents that can be published on LinkedIn via the "Write Article" button. These articles differ significantly from short content pieces that you post via the feed. They are more like blog posts but are permanent additions to your LinkedIn Profile.
Through LinkedIn Articles, you will be able to:
- Articulate your ideas in great detail
- Create thought leadership content
- Elaborate on difficult issues
- Showcase your knowledge and expertise in your industry
These are basically your blogs on LinkedIn.
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What Makes LinkedIn Articles Unique?
Detailed Analysis
Articles allow you to dig deeper into topics compared to regular LinkedIn updates. These will come in handy when posting tutorials, analyses, industry news, and opinions.
SEO-Friendly Content
Unlike regular LinkedIn posts, articles are indexed by popular search engines like Google. It is possible to get traffic from sources other than LinkedIn itself.
Lasting Value
Regular LinkedIn posts become invisible quite soon; however, an article stays active on your profile forever. With a good article, you may receive traffic for many months or even years.
Positioning as an Expert
Articles increase your credibility since when someone views your profile, they immediately see all your articles that demonstrate your expertise in certain topics.
Improved Format
Articles allow adding titles, pictures, links, and different formatting options.
How to Write Effective LinkedIn Articles
Get a Killer Headline
Your headline needs to be direct, precise, and convey a distinct advantage. Don't use only generic titles such as those found below.
Example:
- “Creating Your Personal Brand in 30 Days Using LinkedIn”
- “5 Blunders of Professionals in Creating Content on LinkedIn”
Your headline influences a person’s decision to click or scroll ahead.
Hook Readers in the Introduction
Hook your readers with an attractive opening. The first 2-3 lines of your article will determine if someone keeps reading.
Utilize one of the following hooks in your opening sentence:
- A significant issue
- A bold assertion
- A relatable event
- An astonishing statistic
Your objective is to compel your audience to read through your article.
Structure Your Content Clearly
Factually section your work by creating clear headings throughout the body of your text. For instance:
- Introduction
- A primary explanation or insight
- An outline for the reader to follow step by step
- Examples/Case Studies of individuals who successfully implemented your idea
- Conclusion
Provide Useful Data
Don't create something which could have been posted everywhere else.
Try to add value by providing:
- Advice
- Models
- Helpful statistics/data
- Practical illustrations
Use Professional Yet Warm Style
LinkedIn is a professional networking site, but that doesn’t mean that your language will have to be stiff. Employ a conversational style while retaining authority.
Explain things in such a manner that you would explain them to an acquaintance.
Employ Visual Elements
Long passages make reading difficult. Make use of:
- Short paragraphs
- Bullets
- Subheadings
- Sporadic use of bold text
These elements will make it easy for people to read the article.
Provide an Appropriate Conclusion
Conclude your article by summarizing the main idea, and if possible, ask for feedback:
- Encouraging comments
- Asking for opinions
- Inviting readers to connect
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making the content marketing-focused
- Not dividing the text into meaningful chunks
- Being too general/vague
- Failing to give insights into the topic
- Failing to include SEO keywords
Final Thoughts
However, LinkedIn Articles remain one of the least utilized but highly impactful resources to enhance one’s professional development.
When leveraged properly, they can become a means for creating your personal platform on LinkedIn that will function around-the-clock for you.
You should start with baby steps and keep at it consistently, providing valuable information to your readers – and soon enough, you’ll attract more and more followers.