I reviewed 4,862 viral LinkedIn posts, here is what I found

With the help of AI, I analysed the posts and put together some commonalities of these posts into tips to improve your content BUT... I also created some common templates used across some of the biggest creators.

You can download the post templates here.

These tips come straight from studying what makes top influencers’ posts go viral - posts that consistently capture attention, inspire action, and deliver value. By breaking down their techniques, I’ve identified simple, practical strategies that anyone can apply to write better content.

1. Start Strong with a Hook

A good hook grabs attention and makes people stop scrolling. On LinkedIn, the first 1-3 lines are what readers see before clicking "See more."

How to Do It:

1. Start with a bold statement:
   • Example: "I just got punched in the face."
   • This evokes curiosity and makes people wonder, "What happened?"
2. Ask a provocative question:
   • Example: "Why do most people fail on LinkedIn?"
   • This sparks introspection and invites people to keep reading for the answer.
3. Use a surprising fact or statistic:
   • Example: "80% of LinkedIn users never engage with posts—are you one of them?"

• Pro Tip: Write your main content first, then brainstorm 3-5 potential hooks. Test which one feels the most intriguing.

2. Speak to Common Struggles

When you describe a problem your audience relates to, they feel seen and understood.

How to Do It:

1. Identify a pain point your audience has, such as:
   • Struggling to get engagement.
   • Fear of failure or rejection.
   • Feeling stuck in their career.
2. Use conversational language to make it relatable:
   • Example: "Ever felt like no one notices your posts? Like you’re shouting into the void on LinkedIn?"
3. Add empathy: Acknowledge their frustration and reassure them they’re not alone:
   • Example: "I used to feel the same way, and here’s what changed everything for me."

• Pro Tip: Write as if you’re talking to one specific person, like a friend or colleague.

3. Make Your Post Easy to Read

Most people skim posts. Breaking up text makes it easier to digest and keeps readers engaged.

How to Do It:

1. Break your post into short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max).
   • Example: Instead of:
     "Many people think LinkedIn is just a place to dump their resume, but it's actually a powerful platform for building a personal brand, growing your network, and generating leads for your business."
   • Write:
     "Most people think LinkedIn is just for resumes.
     But it’s so much more than that.
     Done right, it’s a platform for building your brand, growing your network, and generating leads."
2. Use lists or bullet points for clarity:
   • Example: "Here’s how to succeed on LinkedIn: → Create great content. → Engage with people daily. → Be consistent for 6 months."
3. Use bold or emojis sparingly to highlight key points:
   • Example: "This ONE habit changed my life. 🛑 Stop procrastinating and start planning your week today."

• Pro Tip: After writing your post, format it so there’s plenty of whitespace for easy reading.

4. Teach People a Simple Framework

Frameworks give readers a step-by-step guide they can use immediately, making your content actionable and valuable.

How to Do It:

1. Think about a process you’ve mastered. Break it into 3-5 simple steps.
   • Example: "Want to overcome rejection? Try my 3-step approach:
     1. Write down the worst-case scenario.
     2. Prepare for it.
     3. Take one small step toward your goal."
2. Explain each step briefly:
   • "Step 1: Write down the worst-case scenario. What’s the worst that could happen if someone says no? Usually, it’s not as bad as you think."
3. End with a reminder to take action:
   • "Try this today and let me know how it works for you!"

• Pro Tip: Frame your steps as a solution to a specific problem your audience faces.

5. Use Relatable Analogies

Analogies simplify complex ideas and make them more memorable.

How to Do It:

1. Think about your key message. Ask: “What’s something everyday that this reminds me of?”
   • Example: "Confidence is like a muscle—you build it through repetition. The more you face your fears, the stronger you become."
2. Use sensory details or vivid comparisons to make the analogy stick:
   • Example: "Learning LinkedIn is like learning to ride a bike—at first, you wobble, fall, and feel awkward. But with practice, it becomes second nature."

• Pro Tip: Test your analogy on a friend. If they say, “That makes sense!” you’re on the right track.

6. Be Honest and Vulnerable

Sharing your struggles makes you relatable and builds trust with your audience.

How to Do It:

1. Pick a real moment from your life or career where you struggled or failed.
   • Example: "When I first started posting, I got 3 likes—and two of them were my mom. Here’s how I turned that around."
2. Describe your feelings at the time:
   • Example: "I felt embarrassed and thought, 'Maybe I’m not cut out for this.' But I didn’t give up."
3. Share the lesson you learned or the solution you found.
   • Example: "Here’s what I did differently: I started writing for my audience instead of myself. The results were incredible."

• Pro Tip: Balance vulnerability with a positive takeaway—don’t just vent; inspire action.

7. End with a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

A CTA guides readers on what to do next, whether it’s commenting, sharing, or messaging you.

How to Do It:

1. Decide on your goal (e.g., engagement, sharing, leads).
2. Write a simple instruction:
   • For engagement: "What’s a struggle you’re facing? Share it in the comments—I’d love to help."
   • For sharing: "If this resonates, please share it so others can benefit."
   • For leads: "DM me if you want help with this."

• Pro Tip: CTAs work best when they feel natural and match the tone of your post.

8. Challenge Conventional Thinking

People are drawn to posts that challenge the status quo or offer a fresh perspective.

How to Do It:

1. Pick a common belief in your field. Ask: “What’s wrong with this idea?”
   • Example: "Lead magnets are overrated. Real relationships drive real results."
2. Offer evidence or examples to support your viewpoint.
   • Example: "Instead of collecting emails, I DM people directly and build real connections. It works faster and better."

• Pro Tip: Ask readers for their thoughts: "Do you agree, or have lead magnets worked for you?"

These lessons came from studying some of LinkedIn’s best performing posts. Now it’s your turn - apply these tips, experiment but remember to always be yourself.

Your audience is waiting.