LS #26: 3 uncomfortable truths about LinkedIn writing
I study top LinkedIn posts to uncover what makes them shine, helping you craft content that truly resonates.
Hi there,
I study top LinkedIn posts to uncover what makes them shine, helping you craft content that truly resonates.
In this issue, you'll find:
The 3 high-performing posts this week on LinkedIn
3 uncomfortable truths about LinkedIn writing
LinkedIn post template and memes
The 3 high-performing posts this week
How to make $300K and still be broke:
Why this post?
This post went viral, receiving 2k likes in a week. It received 10-70 more engagement and views than Drew's posts this week.
BREAKDOWN:
Attention-grabbing hook: "How to make $300K and still be broke" immediately creates curiosity and challenges assumptions. The high salary number makes people want to understand how this is possible.
Clear numbers breakdown: Using simple bullet points with specific monthly expenses ($7K mortgage, $2K car payments) makes the math easy to follow. The concrete numbers make the story feel real and relatable.
Powerful contrast: "But what does everyone else see?" creates a perfect split between reality (being in debt) and appearance (luxury lifestyle). This shows how social media can be deceiving.
Memorable conclusion: "The most stable wealth is built quietly" offers wisdom that sticks in your mind. This simple truth contrasts sharply with the showy lifestyle described above.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN POST:
Start with a surprising hook that challenges common beliefs (like "How to make $300K and still be broke")
Break down complex information into simple numbers or bullet points that are easy to understand
Create contrast between perception vs reality ("What people see" vs "The truth")
Use visuals that either support or intentionally contradict your message for impact
End with a memorable one-liner lesson that readers will want to share
Make sure your content either:
Reveals a hidden truth
Challenges assumptions
Teaches something valuable
Warns about a common mistake
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2. I'll hit 100,000 followers this month
Why this post?
Another viral post this week—it got 320 likes in 3 days and performed 1.5-8 times better than Richard's other posts.
BREAKDOWN
Counter-intuitive opening: "I'll hit 100,000 followers this month. And I've been at this for almost 7 years." This honest timeline challenges quick-success stories and immediately grabs attention.
Value-focused message: "For me, it's client conversion on a service I'm proud of. So hacking my follower count just wasn't a key element." This reframes success from vanity metrics to real business value.
Reality check ending: By calling 100K "a hollow victory" and explaining why follower count doesn't matter, the post gains credibility and stands out from typical growth advice.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN POST:
Structure:
Start with an achievement that people chase
Reveal a surprising truth about it
Share 3 clear lessons you learned
End with a perspective shift
Key elements to include:
Be vulnerable about your journey
Challenge a common belief
Provide specific examples
Add a twist at the end (like Richard’s PS note about not teaching follower growth)
Writing style:
Use short paragraphs
Number your main points
Include a hook line at the start
End with a thought-provoking question
Keep it personal and authentic
The main goal is to take a popular topic (like follower count) and offer a fresh, honest perspective that makes people think differently about it.
3. My 2024 wrapped up
Why this post?
This post performed 2-3 times better than Shweta's other posts this week.
BREAKDOWN:
Honest hook: "2024 was good but not great" sets a refreshingly authentic tone. This vulnerability makes the post stand out from typical "crushing it" success stories.
Value shift story: Shows personal growth from "hustle culture" to balanced living with "I didn't rush. I didn't compete. I didn't want to want more." This journey resonates with many professionals.
Strategic format: Combines reflection, achievements (using clear ">" bullet points), and future plans. The mix of photos showing both work and personal life supports the balanced message.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN POST:
Timing strategy:
Writing a mid-year review now is smart
Most people wait until December
Your post will stand out more now
You can influence others to reflect mid-year
Content structure:
Start with honest reflection
List specific achievements (use arrows or bullets)
Share what didn't work
Include plans for the future
Add relevant photos showing different life aspects
Key elements to include:
Be vulnerable about challenges
Mix personal and professional wins
Show the human side of success
End with an engaging question
Use visuals that support your story
The goal is to create an authentic review that balances achievements with personal growth, while taking advantage of the unique timing to stand out from year-end reviews.
3 uncomfortable truths about LinkedIn writing
Think writing on LinkedIn is easy?
Here's what nobody tells you.
A year ago, I believed growing on LinkedIn was simple.
Write valuable content, hit publish, and watch engagement roll in.
How wrong I was.
After analyzing hundreds of viral posts and speaking with top creators, I discovered what actually works.
Here are the 3 uncomfortable truths about LinkedIn writing:
𝟏. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Most people quit after 2-3 posts because they don't go viral.
Top creators publish 3-5 times weekly for 6+ months before seeing real traction.
The algorithm rewards persistence, not occasional brilliance.
𝟐. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤
Short paragraphs (1-2 lines) are non-negotiable.
White space is your friend.
First line must hook within 3 seconds.
Posts between 1000-1300 characters perform best.
𝟑. 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡
You need to engage with others for 45-60 minutes daily.
Comment meaningfully on 10-15 posts.
Build relationships with creators in your niche.
Network before you need the network.
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
• LinkedIn success is 20% writing, 80% consistency
• Most people focus on the wrong metrics
• Building genuine connections matters more than follower count
Post Template: Story-to-Business Lesson
You can use the template below to create content faster with AI. Just provide your context and copy the template. It will help you create content following a viral post structure.
Template:
On [DAY] it was my [EVENT]
I was honoured [NAME] asked me to be the [ROLE]
But at the same time, [EMOTION] about the [TASK].
[NUMBER] of our [AUDIENCE] watching I had to deliver.
So I got to work
→ I [ACTION_1]
→ [ACTION_2]
→ [ACTION_3]
After [TIMEFRAME] of work, I finally
→ [ACHIEVEMENT_1]
→ [ACHIEVEMENT_2]
→ [ACHIEVEMENT_3]
I was ready. [TIME] I'd be [IDEAL_STATE]. Perfect.
Then at [ACTUAL_TIME] ([REALITY_STATE]) "[UNEXPECTED_ANNOUNCEMENT]"
Ah [EXPRESSION]…
I [ACTION_4] and the [PERSON] handed me the [ITEM].
I took it from them, [ACTION_5], and got to work.
And… I [OUTCOME].
"[REACTION_1]" "[REACTION_2]" "[REACTION_3]"
I did it. I delivered.
Why?
Because I didn't leave it until [FUTURE_TIME]…
This is what every [TARGET_AUDIENCE] does with their [BUSINESS_ASPECT].
You know it. I know it. We all know it.
"[COMMON_EXCUSE]"
But…
What if you did the opposite?
What if you [SOLUTION_1]?
What if [SOLUTION_2]?
Stop treating your [BUSINESS]
→ Like the [NEGATIVE_EXAMPLE] who
→ Tried to [BAD_APPROACH] their [TASK]
→ Making an [NEGATIVE_OUTCOME_1] of themselves
And even worse, [NEGATIVE_OUTCOME_2]…
If you're a [IDEAL_CLIENT] who wants to [DESIRED_OUTCOME]? DM me "[TRIGGER_PHRASE]" And I'll share our [OFFER_NAME].
PS - [CLOSING_NOTE]
LinkedIn Memes
It's the 1/10 dentist
Friends hate this simple trick
That's a wrap for today.
See you next week! If you want more LinkedIn tips, be sure to follow me on LinkedIn (link).
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Your compadre,
Anton "LinkedIn growth strategies" Cherkasov