5-step storytelling formula to create highly engaging LinkedIn posts

You spend time crafting what you think is a great post, hit post, and… crickets.

No engagement, no comments, not even a pity-like from your mate.

It’s frustrating.

Here’s the thing - if you’re not getting the engagement you want, the problem isn’t your message, it’s how you’re delivering it.

And let me tell you, nothing connects better than a good story.

People love stories.

They don’t want to read some corporate jargon or bullet points you found in a “Top 10 Tips” list.

They want something real.

Luckily, writing a great LinkedIn post doesn’t need to be complicated.

You just need a formula that works. And guess what? I’ve got one for you.

Here’s how you can write a story-driven LinkedIn post in 15 minutes flat (yes, 15 minutes - because the more time you spend on it, the worse it gets).

Step 1: The Hook - Stop them scrolling

(2 minutes)

If your first sentence doesn’t grab them, you’ve lost them. Simple as that. You need a hook that forces them to stop scrolling. And it’s not about being clever, it’s about being relatable. Start with a problem your audience is already dealing with.

Example: "Ever post something on LinkedIn, only to hear crickets? Yeah, me too."

Boom. You’ve hit them right where it hurts. They’re already nodding along. That’s how you get attention.

Step 2: Set the stage - keep it simple

(2 minutes)

You’ve got their attention. Now you need to set the stage. Give them a bit of context about what you’re talking about. But don’t waffle on - this isn’t a novel. Keep it short and punchy.

Example: "A few months ago, I was busting my gut writing LinkedIn posts. I thought I was dropping knowledge bombs, but the likes and comments were nowhere to be found. I started questioning if LinkedIn was even worth it."

Short, sharp, to the point. You’ve just shown them you know what they’re going through. You’re not some LinkedIn guru - you’ve been in the trenches too.

Step 3: The conflict - Share the struggle

(3 minutes)

Here’s where you dive into the problem. You’re not here to sugarcoat things - tell them what sucked. This is your chance to build some emotional connection. Show them you get it, because you’ve lived it.

Example: "I was posting, commenting, trying to be consistent, but it was like shouting into the void. It was demoralising. I started to think, ‘What’s the point?’"

This is real, relatable stuff. You’re not giving them polished, perfect advice. You’re giving them your experience. And that’s what people connect with.

Step 4: The turning point - show the shift

(3 minutes)

Here’s where the magic happens. What changed? What did you do that turned things around? This is where you offer the solution, but keep it practical. People don’t want to hear vague theory - they want to know what you did that actually worked.

Example: "Then it hit me - the problem wasn’t LinkedIn, it was me. I was trying to sound like an expert instead of just being real. So I flipped the script. I stopped ‘teaching’ and started sharing. I began talking about the real stuff - burnout, feeling stuck, and how to attract clients without feeling like a sleazy salesperson."

See what I did there? It’s not overcomplicated, it’s just a simple shift in approach. Keep it real and make it something they can apply to their own situation.

Step 5: The resolution - show the results

(4 minutes)

Now’s the time to prove it works. Show them the results of your shift. This is where you build credibility and show that your advice isn’t just hot air - it gets real-world results.

Example: "And guess what? It worked. Suddenly, my posts were getting comments, messages, actual conversations. People reached out, not because I was selling, but because they felt like I got it. They saw me as someone who understood their struggles, and that’s when the clients started rolling in."

You’re giving them proof. You’re showing them that what you did wasn’t some fluke - it’s a real, tangible shift that brought in real results.

Step 6: The call to action - keep it straightforward

(2 minutes)

This is where you tell them what to do next. Don’t overcomplicate it. Ask them to engage, ask a question, or invite them to message you. The goal is to keep the conversation going.

Example: "If you’ve been posting on LinkedIn and getting nowhere, it might be time to switch things up. Drop a comment if this resonates, or shoot me a message if you want to talk more about how to connect with your audience."

The point is to encourage engagement. Keep it simple, keep it direct, and keep it clear.

Why 15 minutes?

The more time you spend writing a post, the crappier it gets.

You start overthinking everything.

You question every sentence.

You add in fluff to sound clever.

And in the end, your post feels forced and inauthentic.

When you limit yourself to 15 minutes, you’re forced to focus. You get to the point, you stay real, and you don’t overthink it. Your post stays raw, relatable, and human - exactly what your audience wants.

The storytelling formula recap:

1. The Hook: Grab attention fast.
2. Set the Stage: Briefly explain the situation.
3. The Conflict: Dig into the challenge.
4. The Turning Point: Share what changed.
5. The Resolution: Show the results.
6. The Call to Action: Invite engagement.

That’s it. Simple, right?

Writing great LinkedIn posts isn’t about being a writing genius.

It’s about being real. Your audience doesn’t want perfection - they want connection.

So, next time you sit down to write a post, use this formula. Keep it short, keep it real, and get it done in 15 minutes.

Set a timer, write your post, and watch how much more engagement you get when you stop overthinking it.

Now, go give it a try and start connecting with your audience in a way that actually works.