LinkedIn is a very cool tool for personal branding, thought leadership, and content creation. More than 950 million people use it, so you’ve got a big chance to get noticed.
But the big question is – How to go viral on LinkedIn?
This article is your go-to guide for that.
We’ll show you how to be a LinkedIn star, from making viral posts to talking with your connections.
Ready to learn some cool stuff?
What Makes A Post on LinkedIn Viral?
Before we dive into the how let’s first understand what makes a LinkedIn post viral-worthy. There are many factors that contribute to the virality of a post, but here are two of the most important ones:
Emotional Triggers: From Inspiration to Controversy
Emotion is what drives people to react, share, and comment on your posts. But what kind of emotion should you aim for?
Well, it depends. Different emotions can have different effects on your audience.
For example, you can share personal stories about overcoming a challenge or achieving a goal and evoke emotions of inspiration, admiration, or gratitude.
Don’t shy away from expressing your unique opinion in a LinkedIn article on industry matters, even if it’s a bit unconventional. Just remember to be respectful and open to different viewpoints – it’s about sparking constructive conversations, not flame wars.
The key is to know your target audience and what kind of emotion they respond to best. Don’t fake it or force it – people can sense when you’re being insincere or manipulative.
Relevant and Timely Content: Riding the Current Wave
LinkedIn thrives on fresh, relevant content. Posting regularly about the latest industry trends, news, or current events can make your content not just interesting but also timely.
If you’re in marketing, talk about recent advertising campaigns. If you’re in technology, dive into the latest breakthroughs. Being the go-to source for up-to-the-minute updates in your industry will keep your audience engaged.
The key here is to catch the wave before it fades away. So, follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and keep your ear to the ground.
How To Craft Compelling Content on LinkedIn?
Now that we know what makes a post-viral-worthy let’s move on to how to craft compelling content on LinkedIn.
Authentic Storytelling: The Personal Touch
Keep in mind that LinkedIn is all about building connections with professionals, and what better way to connect than by sharing your own experiences?
Spill the beans in personal posts.
Write about the ups and downs of your career journey, the lessons you’ve picked up along the way, or any personal experience that has shaped you. It makes you relatable, and LinkedIn users appreciate that.
Also, share stories of others in your industry, client success stories, or lessons from your mentors.
Storytelling is powerful and resonates with people on a deeper level than facts and figures.
Using Visuals: The Power of Videos and Infographics
In the age of information overload, visuals cut through the noise and help you go viral on the LinkedIn platform. Videos, infographics, and attention-grabbing images can make your posts pop on your connections’ busy feeds.
Think about it, a video that demonstrates your latest project or an infographic illustrating industry statistics can make complex information digestible. Visuals add an extra layer of engagement to your posts.
Creating visual content doesn’t require Hollywood-level production. With a smartphone and some basic editing skills, you can create compelling videos that captivate your audience.
Thought Leadership: Share Expert Insights
Another way to create viral content on LinkedIn is to share the latest trends, expert opinions, and insights.
So, consider creating thought-provoking articles on trending industry topics. Or, contribute to discussions in your niche, offering valuable insights and solutions.
When you consistently provide valuable information, other LinkedIn users start to see you as a trusted source.
And don’t hesitate to give shout-outs to the thought leaders who’ve guided you or backed up your views with industry reports. It adds credibility to your LinkedIn posts and shows that you’re in the know.
2 Crucial Engagement Strategies For Going Viral
Crafting compelling content is just the tip of the iceberg. The real magic happens when you engage with your followers. So, how do you get the chatter flowing and keep the engagement rate soaring for your posts?
Well, keep reading to find out!
The Importance of First-Hour Engagement
That first hour after your post drops is make-or-break.
Why? The LinkedIn algorithm has its eye on the early response your post pulls in.
So, you’d want to get your close professional network in on the action. Ask them to like, comment, and share your post in that first hour. The more activity during this time, the more chances to get a viral LinkedIn post.
Be genuine, and don’t hesitate to personally message a few close connections to request their support. Remember, a little push can go a long way.
Harnessing Comments, Shares, and Reactions
Engagement is more than just racking up numbers; it’s also about sparking a real conversation.
When someone drops a comment on your post, dive in – ask questions, share more of your insights, and give them a shout-out for joining the discussion.
If someone shares your post, be sure to say “thanks.” And think about returning the favor.
LinkedIn and other social media platforms are not a one-sided conversation. So join in the chatter on other’s posts or in some company page posts and build connections.
Show that you’re genuinely interested, toss in some questions, and offer your two cents. The more you connect with others, the more they’ll do the same when you put up your own posts.
Leveraging LinkedIn Algorithms to Your Advantage
LinkedIn’s algorithm is what decides the fate of your posts.
So, let’s explore some strategies for wider post reach.
Post Timing: When Your Audience is Most Active
Timing is everything. Your viral LinkedIn posts won’t go far if nobody’s around to see them.
But how do you maximize your post’s reach?
Well, for that, you need to understand when your audience is most active on the platform.
As we’ve mentioned, LinkedIn’s algorithm gives a thumbs-up to fresh content that gets the engagement rolling right away. So, study your network’s activity patterns.
When are they most likely to be online? It could be during their lunch break, early morning, or late afternoon.
Experiment with different posting times and dig into the data. LinkedIn analytics is your trusty sidekick for this. It clues you in on when your audience is most active and ready to engage.
And if you want to expand your network, find more leads, and chat with them about your offer on LinkedIn, be sure to check AimFox.
Our powerful tool automates this process and helps you grow your business faster and easier.
Optimal Post Frequency: Striking the Balance
It’s tempting to post regularly to stay on your connections’ radar, but don’t overdo it. Finding the right balance is key.
Start with a posting schedule that’s manageable for you.
Here, consistency is more important than bombing your followers multiple times a day. Often, posting once a day or a few times a week is just right. Test the waters with different posting frequencies and keep an eye on how it shakes up your engagement and followers.
Using Hashtags and Mentions Appropriately
LinkedIn hashtags and mentions often lead to viral posts.
When using hashtags, choose ones that match your personal brand and industry. If you’re discussing digital marketing, snag hashtags like #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingTips, or #SocialMedia.
And when it fits the story, don’t be shy to give a shout-out to individuals or LinkedIn company pages in your posts. This not only increases the chances of them engaging with your post but also potentially sharing it on their LinkedIn account, giving your post a wider reach.
2 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Journey to Virality
In this journey, you might stumble upon a couple of hiccups and slip-ups that could put the brakes on your path of going viral on LinkedIn.
To avoid that, let’s discuss some common mistakes you should steer clear of.
Avoiding “Clickbait” and Misleading Headlines
Clickbait may get you clicks, but it won’t get you far on LinkedIn. Using flashy headlines that don’t deliver on their promises, like “How I Made $10K in One Hour on LinkedIn,” can dent your credibility and trustworthiness.
Your headline should accurately reflect the content of your post. It’s okay to create curiosity, but don’t trick your audience.
Instead, craft headlines that grab attention while providing a clear idea of what your post is about.
Over-Promotion and Losing Authenticity
While promotion is not inherently bad, too much can push people away and ruin your shot at getting viral LinkedIn posts.
Stay true to yourself by mixing promo stuff with useful, interesting posts. Drop industry insights, your company updates, and stories that genuinely help other users.
If you do have something to promote, do it in a subtle way. Share success stories or cases that show how your stuff can make a difference. This keeps your pro image real and on point.
The Final Verdict on LinkedIn Virality
And there you have it – your step-by-step guide on how to go viral on LinkedIn.
To sum it up, getting a viral hit on LinkedIn isn’t a walk in the park. It takes heaps of strategizing, getting ready, taking action, and reviewing. Plus, there’s a good dose of experimenting, picking up lessons, and getting better.
But remember, a viral post is not the ultimate destination. It’s just a way to provide value to your audience and build meaningful relationships.
Keep in mind the human side of LinkedIn, and you’ll go far.
Oh, and one last thing – sign up for AimFox. With a little help from our automation tool, you’ll harness the full power of LinkedIn and enjoy a full inbox of high-quality prospects.
