Overall Best Times to Post on LinkedIn
Looking to maximize your LinkedIn engagement? You’re in the right place! After analyzing data from over 50,000 LinkedIn accounts, we’ve uncovered the golden hours for posting on this professional network.
The sweet spot for LinkedIn posts falls between 10 AM and 12 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This mid-morning window catches professionals as they settle into their workday, often taking a quick social media break before diving into tasks.
But hold on, there’s more to the story! Let’s break it down day by day:
Best Times by Day of the Week
Monday
Kick off your week with a post at 11 AM. By this time, folks have shaken off the weekend cobwebs and are ready to engage with fresh content.
Tuesday
Early birds, rejoice! The prime time on Tuesdays is between 6 AM and 8 AM. Catch commuters scrolling through their feeds for inspiration to start their day.
Wednesday
Hump day calls for a midday boost. Post at 12 PM to reach professionals during their lunch break when they’re most likely to browse LinkedIn.
Thursday
Aim for 2 PM on Thursdays. It’s that sweet spot when people are looking for a mental break from their afternoon tasks.
Friday
As the week winds down, catch early risers at 8 AM. They’re planning their day and reflecting on the week’s achievements.
Saturday
Surprise! There’s a niche audience on Saturdays between 4 AM and 5 AM. Early risers and entrepreneurs often check LinkedIn before starting their weekend activities.
Sunday
End the week strong with a 6 PM post. People are gearing up for the week ahead and might be scrolling for inspiration.
Factors Affecting Best Posting Times
While these times are a great starting point, remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Several factors can influence the best time for your LinkedIn posts:
Time Zone
Your audience might span multiple time zones. As Alex Rodriguez, a LinkedIn marketing guru, points out, “If you’re in New York targeting clients in London, posting at 9 AM EST means you’re catching them at 2 PM their time – perfect for that post-lunch engagement!”
Industry
Different industries have different rhythms. For instance, B2B companies might see higher engagement during traditional work hours, while B2C brands could find success in evening posts when people are browsing leisurely.
Audience Type
Are you targeting C-suite executives or entry-level professionals? Your audience’s daily schedule can significantly impact when they’re most active on LinkedIn.
Finding Your Optimal Posting Times
Ready to fine-tune your posting schedule? Here’s how to nail down your best times:
Using LinkedIn Analytics
LinkedIn’s built-in analytics are a goldmine of information. Navigate to your company page and click on the ‘Analytics’ tab. Look for patterns in when your posts get the most engagement.
Third-party Tools
Tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite offer more in-depth analytics. They can help you visualize your best posting times across different metrics.
Testing Different Times
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try posting at various times and track your results. As Rodriguez suggests, “Create a spreadsheet to track your posts’ performance. After a month, you’ll start seeing clear patterns emerge.”
Automating Your Posting Schedule
Once you’ve nailed down your optimal posting times, make life easier by automating your schedule. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or SocialPilot allow you to queue up posts in advance, ensuring you never miss those golden hours.
Remember, consistency is key. As Rodriguez often says, “It’s not just about posting at the right time, but showing up regularly that builds trust with your audience.”
FAQs
Q: Is it okay to post on LinkedIn during weekends?
A: While engagement is generally lower on weekends, there’s still an audience. Try early morning posts on Saturdays or evening posts on Sundays to catch professionals preparing for the week ahead.
Q: How often should I post on LinkedIn?
A: Aim for 2-5 posts per week. Quality trumps quantity, so focus on providing value with each post.
Q: Should I always stick to these “best times”?
A: Use these times as a starting point, but always prioritize your own data. Your audience might have unique habits that differ from the average.
Q: Does the type of content affect the best posting time?
A: Absolutely! Long-form articles might perform better during lunch breaks or evenings when people have more time to read, while quick updates could work well during short work breaks.
Q: How long does it take to see results from optimizing posting times?
A: Give it at least a month of consistent posting and tracking. This should give you enough data to start identifying trends.
Q: Can I use the same posting schedule for personal and company pages?
A: While there might be overlap, it’s best to track and optimize separately. Personal connections might engage differently than company followers.