When I look at people who succeed on LinkedIn, there’s one thing they all have in common: they write. And they write consistently.

If I had to start LinkedIn from scratch today, I wouldn’t worry about my profile being perfect because there is no such thig. I wouldn’t obsess over my banner image, my headline, or getting the right mix of connections. Those things matter, but they’re not the first thing I’d focus on. I’d focus on writing.

Here’s why: writing builds authority, credibility, and visibility. It helps people get to know your perspective and expertise. It creates opportunities for conversations, collaborations, and eventually business. And the best part? You don’t need thousands of followers to start seeing results.

Where to Start Writing: You don’t need to be an expert in everything. In fact, trying to cover too many topics will make it harder to stand out. Instead, focus on two things:

  1. A topic in which I already have experience.
  2. A topic I’m learning right now.

This mix works because it allows you to share valuable insights while also taking people along on your learning journey. It makes your content both authoritative and relatable.

Write About Something You Enjoy: You can’t fake enthusiasm. If you pick a topic just because it’s trending or because someone told you it’s profitable, you’ll burn out fast. But when you write about something that genuinely interests you, the process becomes easier. You’ll find yourself noticing patterns, forming opinions, and wanting to share insights naturally.

Once you’ve picked your topics, it’s time to start writing. But before you dive in, take these steps:

  • Become an Expert: If you want to be taken seriously, you need to go deep. Follow industry leaders, read articles, listen to podcasts, join discussions. The more you absorb, the more you’ll have to say. But don’t just consume passively—analyze what you’re learning and start forming your own take on it.
  • Understand the Benefits, Problems, and Solutions: Every good post addresses at least one of these:
    • The benefits: What’s the upside of what you’re talking about? How does it help people?
    • The problems: What are the common challenges or mistakes people make?
    • The solutions: What practical advice or insights can you share?

If you keep this framework in mind, your content will always feel useful and engaging.

Commit to Writing Every Single Week: Consistency matters more than perfection. Your first few posts might not get much engagement, and that’s fine. The goal is to improve over time. Set a schedule, whether it’s once a week or three times a week and stick to it.

What to Write About

If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few types of posts that work well:

  • Lessons From Your Own Experiences: People love learning from real stories. Share a challenge you faced, a mistake you made, or a lesson you learned. Be specific and honest—it makes your content more relatable.
  • Your Take on Industry Trends: Have an opinion on what’s happening in your industry? Share it. But don’t just repeat what everyone else is saying. Add your own perspective—what’s being overlooked? What do you agree or disagree with?
  • A Breakdown of Something Complex: If you can simplify a complicated topic, you’ll instantly stand out. Break things down into simple terms, actionable steps, or easy-to-digest insights.
  • A “How-To” or List of Tips: People love practical advice. Share strategies, frameworks, or steps they can apply immediately.
  • A Contrarian Take: Sometimes, the best way to get engagement is to challenge a common belief respectfully. If there’s a piece of conventional wisdom you think is outdated or wrong, explain why.

How to Make Your Posts More Engaging

It’s not just about what you write, but how you write it. Here are a few ways to keep people reading:

  • Use short paragraphs: No one likes a giant wall of text. Keep your paragraphs to 1-3 sentences.
  • Start with a hook: The first sentence matters more than anything. Make it intriguing, surprising, or thought provoking.
  • Write like you talk: Avoid corporate jargon or overly complex language. The more conversational, the better.
  • End with a question: If you want engagement, ask for it. Invite people to share their thoughts or experiences.

Keep Showing Up and Writing: One of the biggest roadblocks to writing on LinkedIn is overthinking. People worry about whether their post is good enough, whether they’ll get engagement, or whether they’ll sound smart. The truth is, the only way to get better is to keep posting. Post it. Move on. Learn from the response (or lack of it), then write the next one.

If you stick to this approach, here’s what will happen:

  • Your writing will improve.
  • Your ideas will get sharper.
  • People will start engaging with your content.
  • You’ll build a reputation as someone worth following.
  • Opportunities – connections, collaborations, clients – will come your way.

It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. And it all starts with writing.

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