5 simple writing shifts that lead to better engagement
Read time: 5 minutes
Only 1-3% of LinkedIn users actively share content consistently, which means there’s still a big opportunity to use the platform to your advantage.
The problem is, most people try posting a few times, don’t see much engagement, and then give up—usually because of things like:
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Low engagement
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Not knowing what to write
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Struggling to show up consistently
I’ve been there myself: When I first started posting, it was frustrating to spend time writing something thoughtful, but get no traction. At times it made me want to stop.
What I now know is that good content does work—it just takes time, practice, and the right approach.
If you're trying to get better at posting on LinkedIn, here are a few things that helped me:
1. Start with a strong hook
The first line of your post is the most important part. It shows up before the “...see more” cut-off, and is what decides whether someone clicks to read the rest. A strong hook should spark curiosity and emotion, or highlight a relatable thought. Without a god hook, even a great post can go unnoticed.
Try this: Think of the hook like a headline. Ask a bold question, share a surprising data point, or lead with a raw and honest emotion. It gives people a reason to stop scrolling and keep reading.
2. Make it easy to read
No one wants to work hard to read a LinkedIn post. If it looks like an essay or a dense wall of text, most people will scroll past without giving it a chance, even if what you’re saying is valuable. Since most people are skimming posts on their phones, good formatting makes it more readable.
Try this: Keep paragraphs short (one or two lines). Use line spacing to break things up, so the post flows better and people read to the end.
3. Tell a story
People remember stories; they help your content feel real and human. When you share something personal or a real-life situation, your advice becomes more relatable and engaging. It can be about a mistake, a win you had, a mindset shift or something else.
Try this: Next time you’re giving tips or insights, think about the context that led you to that realisation, and begin the post there. Here’s an example.
4. Use numbers
Specifics land better than more general statements. Data and numbers naturally draw attention when someone’s scrolling. They give posts more credibility, and make a story feel more trustworthy. Even small metrics can help people understand what you're talking about.
Try this: Start a post with a strong metric or data point that grabs attention and helps the reader quantify what you're saying. In my experience, this works well—like the hooks I used here and here.
5. End with a Call to Action (CTA)
Having a clear next step gives the post some momentum. It helps people know what to do after reading, reflect on the post, and create some dialogue. It can also direct people to where you want them to go—whether it’s to your profile, your website, or even your newsletter sign-up page.
Try this: Add a call to action at the end of your next post. It could be a question (“What would you add?”), a prompt (“Try this the next time you do X”), or a request to share their own experience.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to succeed on LinkedIn. But you do need to focus on being clear, relatable, and consistent. And above all—keep showing up. That’s where the results come from.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you try any of these.
Speak soon,
Dupé
PS: whenever you're ready, feel free to enquire about working together: Get guidance on how to be more visible and grow your brand. Whether you need 1:1 coaching or ready-to-post content, hit reply and let’s chat!
