Many marketers mistakenly believe that their number of LinkedIn followers is the golden ticket to marketing success. But not really. It’s all about those precious LinkedIn impressions.
That’s where the magic happens, unleashing LinkedIn’s entire marketing and networking glory. If you’re here, you’re already ahead of the game.
Stick around to discover actionable tips to ramp up your impressions, expand your reach, and master the LinkedIn algorithm like a pro.
What Are LinkedIn Impressions?
In plain English, LinkedIn impressions tell you how often your posts pop up in your followers’ feeds, even if it’s just for a fleeting 300 milliseconds.
For example, if you rack up 1,000 LinkedIn impressions, your content would have appeared 1,000 times in people’s feeds, regardless of whether they gave it a thumbs up or just scrolled by.
Fun fact: while impressions alone won’t guarantee marketing stardom, they’re a treasure trove of insights on how your content is doing. See a dip in those numbers? It’s a loud and clear signal to jazz up your LinkedIn game and get the algorithm rooting for you, giving your posts that much-needed extra push.
LinkedIn Impressions Vs. Reach
Reach and impressions are two ways to determine how many people see your social media posts, but they work differently.
Reach tells you the number of unique users who have seen your post at least once. On the other hand, impressions count how many times your post has been displayed in total, whether it was clicked or not.
Here’s an example: you post something, and it’s shown to 100 users. If 20 of those people see it twice, your reach is 100, but your impressions jump to 120. While reach and impressions might seem similar, they offer distinct insights into how well your social media content is doing regarding exposure and engagement.
8 Tried and Tested Ways to Generate More LinkedIn Impressions
As we noticed, getting impressions on LinkedIn is crucial for boosting your leads and expanding your reach. Think of them as stepping stones toward your goals.
We’ve put together five tried and true methods to help you boost your LinkedIn impressions:
1. Learn How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Think of your LinkedIn profile as your branding page. It’s your chance to shine among a crowd of professionals. Not only does it distinguish you from the competition, but it also helps LinkedIn algorithms boost your content’s visibility and engagement.
So, how do you make sure your profile is optimized to the max?
Here’s how:
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile URL: Keep it short and specific. Use keywords that highlight your profession and the services you offer.
- High-resolution headshot: Use a professional and clear photo as your profile picture. First impressions matter!
- Professional headline and summary: Clearly describe what you do and who you help. Don’t forget to end the summary with a call-to-action, like a link to book a call with you.
- Work experience: Include your current and past jobs, with detailed roles and responsibilities for each position.
- Certifications: Add relevant certifications to LinkedIn’s “Certifications and Licenses” section. That will showcase your expertise and add credibility.
2. Create Engaging Content
Content is the lifeblood of social media platforms, and LinkedIn is no exception. LinkedIn impressions provide invaluable insights into how well your content resonates with your target audience.
Want to up your game? Here are some top-notch content tips we’ve gathered from our own experiences:
Share Multimedia Content
Think LinkedIn is all about text-based posts because it’s a professional space? Think again! Multimedia content can be just as effective, if not more so, than plain text. Want proof? We’ve got you covered.
Here are some of our top-performing LinkedIn multimedia posts that scored big on impressions:
A carousel post: A carousel post is a great way to share multiple images and videos in one go. Want to make them more engaging? Mix it up with a blend of text, photos, and videos. Have fun with it.
A follow-up post with a GIF: We advise against using page redirect links because they can harm your reach. However, a GIF can be the exception to this rule.
GIFs, or Graphics Interchange Format images, have become increasingly popular in recent years to add a little extra flair and fun to social media posts. These short, looping animations are eye-catching and often elicit an emotional response from viewers.
Use high-resolution images in your posts: Let’s face it, images are a fantastic way to grab attention and give readers a much-needed break from long blocks of text. Think about using infographics to simplify complex topics. You can also create image posts featuring quotes from industry experts or turn interesting statistics and poll results into compelling visuals. It’s a fun and effective way to communicate your message.
Posts with screenshots: If you’re unsure how to convey your message, try using screenshots! They’re a fantastic way to grab attention on LinkedIn. Whether you’re sharing a glowing testimonial, celebrating a big win, or demonstrating how a tool works, a screenshot can make your post stand out.
Take a look at the example below.
Posts with video: Videos truly shine in injecting emotion into otherwise bland LinkedIn posts. They allow you to tell captivating stories that instantly resonate with your audience, significantly boosting the number of impressions you receive.
Here’s a video post showcasing a handy Excel trick. It received more impressions than we usually see, which is fantastic. People love practical tips, and it looks like this one hit the mark.
PDF-type posts: Got an incredible case study, client success story, eBook, or research paper? Upload them as PDFs on LinkedIn. The platform loves this kind of content, especially when you share valuable insights with your followers.
Plus, here’s an excellent tip: every time someone swipes through the pages of your PDF, it counts as a new engagement. That’s a nifty way to boost your impressions and reach more people.
More Tips on How to Create Awesome LinkedIn Posts That Drive Impressions
- Run intriguing, industry-specific polls each week. Polls are a fantastic way to boost impressions and keep the momentum strong.
- Avoid adding external links to your posts. LinkedIn isn’t a fan of posts that direct users away from the platform. Instead, pop those links into the comments.
- Craft catchy opening lines. Make those first two lines irresistible so readers are nudged to click “read more” and engage.
- Use relevant hashtags, but don’t go overboard. A few well-chosen hashtags can go a long way.
- Like and comment on your posts. It’s an easy way to get some initial traction and get the ball rolling.
3. Join and Participate in Relevant LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn groups have been around for a long time, and there’s a good reason for it.
They’re fantastic for getting your content noticed and for generating leads.
Wondering how to get started?
Begin by joining LinkedIn groups that match your industry or niche.
For instance, if you’re into marketing, you can search for groups with keywords like marketing, advertising, or digital marketing.
You might also want to explore groups that align with your interests—LinkedIn posting tips, local events, or handy tools. By doing this, you can connect with like-minded professionals who add meaningful value to your network and to whom you can share relevant content.
Another important tip? Don’t just be a passive member of your new groups. Dive in. Engage in discussions, join live meet-ups, and share your insights. It’s a fantastic way to boost your visibility and become a recognized face in your professional communities.
4. Optimize Posting Times
If your audience consists of working professionals, they’re probably scrolling through LinkedIn before diving into their work day or just after wrapping it up.
But don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” time to post—no magic hour guarantees sky-high impressions. Experiment a bit and see what works best for your unique crowd.
Here are two tips on how to do it:
Analyse Your Audience Activity
Dive into LinkedIn Analytics, and you’ll find a treasure trove of insights. Check out Content analytics to see how your posts are doing and spot engagement trends among your followers. It’s all about understanding the key metrics.
Then, peek at Follower Analytics to closely examine your audience. You’ll discover when they’re most active, which can help you time your posts perfectly. Plus, why not review your top-performing posts from the past? It’s a great way to replicate successful content and posting times.
Be Strategic
Figuring out the best times to post is a game-changer. Once that is down, set your posts to go live during those peak times.
This way, you’ll maximize engagement and boost your visibility. It’s all about being strategic. When your posts hit during high activity hours, they’re way more likely to pop up on your followers’ feeds, boosting your LinkedIn impressions.
5. Start Engaging with Your Network
You’re missing out on a massive opportunity if you post content without engaging with your network. Engaging with others’ posts encourages them to interact with your content and shows that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.
Make it a habit to spend a few minutes leaving thoughtful comments on your connections’ posts each day. This simple act can make a difference. Also, don’t forget to connect with professionals in your industry or niche.
When you do, your posts will attract more genuine interactions and reach audiences that genuinely resonate with what you’re sharing.
6. Be Human, Be Real
LinkedIn is a platform designed for business professionals, and you’ll be representing your business or company there. But that doesn’t mean you must come off as a corporate robot. Yes, there’s likely a line you wouldn’t want to cross when it comes to swearing—though if your brand’s cool with it, go ahead. LinkedIn shouldn’t be a place for antisocial behavior like all social media.
Communicate with a friend via text or email, considering your boss might see it.
Being genuine in your conversations and bringing honest thoughts and opinions to the table will capture your connections’ attention and drive the engagement we all aim for.
How about using this chance to share that awesome Dolly Parton Challenge meme?
7. Tag People and Companies in Your LinkedIn Posts
Tagging people or companies you’ve worked with in your posts is a great way to give them a shout-out. Just use the “@” symbol and start typing their name.
It’s a simple action that notifies them, making it more likely they’ll respond and ignite a burst of comments and interactions. How cool is that?
Plus, don’t forget to add a few hashtags (LinkedIn recommends a max of 3) at the end of your post. That will help you reach a broader audience and show relevant content.
LinkedIn Hashtags can seriously boost your post’s visibility. The best part? You’ll notice the difference from day one.
Want to dive in and do it yourself? Take some time to research and create a hashtag strategy. Consider how you’d like to use them and add relevant hashtags to your LinkedIn posts, profile, and articles. Keep an eye on their performance to see what’s working.
Try our LinkedIn hashtag generator app, Hashtag Expert, for a quicker approach. It’s an excellent tool for finding the right hashtags fast. Open the app configuration, tap the LinkedIn icon, and enter your base hashtag in the ‘Generate’ tab. Hit ‘Generate Hashtags’ and voilà.
Or, if you’re curious about what’s trending, browse through the ‘Trending’ tab to find hot topics in your niche. Give hashtags a shot, and watch your post views climb.
Conclusion
For the skim-readers out there, here’s a quick rundown on how to make the LinkedIn algorithm work in your favor and boost your post engagement:
- Build and Interact with Your Network: Connect with people and regularly engage with them.
- Hashtag Magic: Use hashtags like your connections and include them in your posts.
- Company Engagement: Follow companies you’re interested in and interact with their content by liking and commenting.
- Relevant Content: Share posts that matter to your audience and tag appropriate people and companies to get their attention
- Self-Comment: Talk to yourself by commenting on your posts and tagging others to spark discussions.
- Repeat Success: If a strategy works, rinse and repeat!
- Visual Appeal: Use eye-catching photos and, even better, videos in your posts.
- Timing is Key: Avoid posting when your audience is likely asleep.
- Stay Human: Don’t sound like a robot. Be genuine but professional.
