How to train the LinkedIn algorithm

As a small business owner, building relationships on LinkedIn is crucial for driving sales and growth. But with so much content vying for attention, it can be tough to get your message seen by the right people. That's where understanding the LinkedIn algorithm comes in. In this article, we'll dive into how the algorithm works, and provide actionable tips on how to train it to work in your favor.

Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm

The LinkedIn algorithm is designed to provide a valuable experience for users by connecting them with relevant and useful professional advice and expertise. It sifts through billions of posts every day to prioritize high-quality, engaging content that sparks meaningful conversations.

To achieve this, the algorithm uses a series of filters to determine whether a post is spam or valuable content. If it's unclear, human reviewers step in to make a call. Three key signals determine who gets to see your post: who you are (identity), what you're posting about (content), and how active you are on the platform (member activity).

How the Algorithm Prioritizes Content

So, what makes the algorithm tick? It's all about relevance, engagement, and activity. The algorithm wants to show users content that's relevant to their interests and needs. It also looks for engagement signals like comments, likes, and shares to determine whether a post is worth sharing with a wider audience. Finally, it takes into account how active you are on the platform, including how often you post and engage with others.

Crafting Engaging Content

To train the algorithm, you need to create content that resonates with your target audience. Here are some actionable tips to get you started:

Make it Relevant and Informative

Target the skills and interests of your target audience to help the algorithm understand who your content is for and who will find it valuable.

Use Keywords Strategically

Use keywords in a way that feels natural and authentic to attract the right audience.

Add Visibility with Hashtags

Include relevant hashtags, including branded ones, to help your content surface to followers who are interested in what you have to say.

Encourage Engagement

Ask questions and encourage engagement to spark meaningful conversations. Then, join the conversation yourself to show that you're actively participating and care about what others have to say.

Stand Out with Original Content

Craft original content with a unique perspective to attract more engagement and show the algorithm that your content is worth sharing.

Optimizing Post Timing and Engagement

When it comes to getting your content seen on LinkedIn, timing is everything. Here are some tips to maximize your reach and engagement:

Post at the Right Time

Post between 7:00am and 10:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to maximize your reach and engagement. Although you may find your audience are active at different times, so make sure you test it out for yourself.

Use Visuals to Increase Dwell Time

Use images, slide-deck carousels, and video to increase dwell time and show the algorithm that your content is valuable.

Encourage Interaction

Add a "Read More..." call-to-action (CTA) to your posts to encourage interaction. Comments are also super powerful, especially if they're made within the first two hours.

Building a Strong Network and Profile

Your LinkedIn network and profile are the foundation of your online presence. Here's how to create a strong, active network of professionals in your field:

Complete Your Profile

Complete your personal profile and LinkedIn Page, and keep them fresh and up-to-date to show the algorithm you're serious about your online presence.

Use Relevant Keywords

Use relevant keywords and phrases in your Page overview to help people find you when they're searching for your expertise.

Invite Connections to Follow Your Page

Invite your first-degree connections to follow your LinkedIn Page, and encourage your employees to do the same to build a loyal community around your brand.

Keep it Professional

Keep your content focused on business and avoid posting personal or irrelevant stuff to attract people who are interested in what you do.

Analyzing Performance with Analytics

To train the algorithm, you need to understand what makes your audience tick. That's where analytics comes in – it helps you see what's working and what's not. By digging into your analytics, you can identify the types of posts that resonate with your audience and why they're so effective.

Identify Top-Performing Posts

Identify your top-performing posts and dissect what makes them successful.

Inform Your Content Strategy

Use those insights to inform your content strategy and create more of what your audience loves.

Refine Your Approach

Analytics helps you separate the winners from the losers, so you can refine your approach and make data-driven decisions.{}