Introduction
Sharing links on LinkedIn can be a game-changer for your professional network and brand visibility. But here’s the catch: LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t exactly link-friendly. So, how do you share valuable content without getting penalized? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As a LinkedIn marketing strategist, I’ve cracked the code to effectively share links while keeping the algorithm happy. Let’s dive in!
Understanding External Links
Before we jump into strategies, let’s clarify what counts as an external link on LinkedIn. Essentially, it’s anything clickable that takes users off the platform. This includes:
- Website or blog links
- App download links
- Document or file download links
- Embedded videos from external sources like YouTube
Surprisingly, even links to your own LinkedIn articles are treated as external links. It’s a bit counterintuitive, but that’s LinkedIn for you!
The “Write-Post-Edit” Method
Now, let’s talk about the secret sauce – the “write-post-edit” method. This technique allows you to share links without triggering LinkedIn’s link-hating algorithm. Here’s how it works:
- Write your post as usual, but don’t include the link you want to share.
- Publish the post.
- Immediately click the ellipsis (…) menu in the top-right corner of your post.
- Select “Edit post” and add your link.
- Save the changes.
Why does this work? LinkedIn seems to only check for links when a post is first published. By adding the link later, you’re flying under the radar. Sneaky, right?
One thing to note: LinkedIn may shorten your link to their lnkd.in format after a few minutes. While this keeps things tidy, it can hide your domain name. If you’re concerned about brand visibility, consider using a URL shortener like Bitly before posting.
Optimizing Link Previews
When it comes to link previews, LinkedIn can be a bit finicky. If you’re using the write-post-edit method, you won’t get a preview image. But fear not! There’s a workaround:
- Create your post with the link included initially.
- This will generate a preview with an image, title, and description.
- Before posting, remove the link from the text.
- Publish the post, then quickly edit to add the link back in.
This method gives you the best of both worlds – a visually appealing preview and algorithm-friendly post. Just remember, the ideal image size for LinkedIn posts is 1200×630 pixels.
Boosting Link Visibility
While the write-post-edit method is effective, there are other strategies to increase your link’s visibility:
- Comment linking: Some folks suggest putting the link in the first comment. While this can work, it’s not ideal as the comment might get buried.
- Native content: Instead of always linking out, try summarizing your content in a LinkedIn post or article. This keeps people on the platform, which LinkedIn loves.
- Boost Post feature: Tools like Linked Helper offer a “Boost Post” feature that can automatically tag relevant people in your post comments, increasing visibility and potential link clicks.
Remember, it’s all about balance. Mix up your content strategy to keep both your audience and the LinkedIn algorithm happy.
Measuring Link Performance
What gets measured, gets managed. To truly optimize your link-sharing strategy, you need to track its performance. Here’s how:
- UTM parameters: Use these magical little code snippets to track where your traffic is coming from. Google’s Campaign URL Builder is a great tool for this.
- LinkedIn analytics: Keep an eye on your post engagement metrics. High views but low clicks? You might need to tweak your call-to-action.
- Google Analytics: Set up goals to track how LinkedIn traffic converts on your website.
By consistently analyzing your link performance, you can refine your strategy and maximize your LinkedIn ROI.
FAQs
Can I add a company link to a LinkedIn post?
Absolutely! Use the “@” symbol followed by the company name to create a clickable link to their LinkedIn profile.
Is it possible to add a link to an image in a LinkedIn post?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn removed this feature. However, you can still add a link in the post text along with an image.
How many links can I include in a single LinkedIn post?
While there’s no strict limit, it’s best to stick to one or two links per post for better engagement.
Does the position of the link in my post matter?
Not significantly, but placing it at the end of your post can make it more visible and easier to click.
Can I use URL shorteners for my LinkedIn links?
Yes, services like Bitly can be used to create shorter, cleaner links. This can be especially useful for tracking clicks.
How often should I share links on LinkedIn?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to balance link posts with other types of content. Aim for about 20-30% of your posts to include external links.
Will using the write-post-edit method affect my post’s reach?
Generally, no. This method helps bypass LinkedIn’s initial link detection, potentially improving your post’s reach compared to directly posting a link.