Ever found yourself poised to share content on your LinkedIn profile, wondering
whether your forthcoming post might bolster or undermine your personal brand and authority on the platform?
Determining the optimal content to post while sidestepping certain items can indeed pose a challenge. This becomes particularly daunting when certain topics are current and potentially contentious. Although controversial subjects often elicit heightened engagement, consider this: Do you wish for your audience to link such controversy directly to your brand and business?
My guiding principle is simple: when uncertain, prioritise professionalism and relevance to my brand, steering clear of the negativity that can accompany such posts.
Below, discover the types of LinkedIn posts best avoided when engaging with your audience!
Political or Religious Posts
Two of the most debated topics globally undoubtedly revolve around politics and religion. These discussions have fueled many heated debates at family gatherings, hence I’d strongly advise to avoid these types of posts on your profiles. This is particularly crucial given LinkedIn’s international reach, where the pertinence of your post may not resonate with all countries and could potentially alienate segments of your audience.
Instead, consider sharing industry-related topics that offer value to your clients. Explain your expertise and how your services address your client’s needs effectively.
Controversial Topic-Related Posts
The quickest route to losing potential clients and your audience is by sharing posts that polarise them. Although certain topics may be trending worldwide, posts with controversial and negative undertones aren’t suitable for LinkedIn. Such discussions tend to divide your audience, potentially harming your business and brand.
Examples of controversial posts could include discussions on sexuality and gender identity, science, history, celebrity news, media & culture, and environmental issues. Unless these topics directly relate to your industry, I recommend steering clear and focusing on content that adds value and remains relevant to your audience.
Sales Pitch Posts
LinkedIn is an exceptional platform for B2B promotions, yet its effectiveness lies more in building relationships, authority, and a loyal following rather than unceasing product and service pitches.
While some businesses achieve sales through the platform, most of us benefit more from establishing relationships with our audience and clients. It’s about building their confidence, eventually leading to offline sales conversations.
Remember, your audience isn’t following you for adverts or sales pitches. Such posts risk being ignored, appearing spammy, and might harm your reputation, leading to a decline in your following.
LinkedIn serves as a valuable space to share industry insights. Focus on offering valuable knowledge that addresses your target audience’s problems. This approach fosters growth in influence and following on the platform.
In-Depth Personal Information Posts
LinkedIn isn’t Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat. Avoid using it like you would use those social media platforms. Your audience doesn’t follow you for dog memes or lunch pictures unless they relate to your profession. Nonetheless, being social on the platform is encouraged.
Posting content that highlights your leadership, work events, team photos, or business successes helps forge connections with your audience but in a highly professional manner.
Negative or Unprofessional Comments
While sharing valuable content helps build your following, engaging with others’ content on the platform cultivates relationships and interactions. When commenting, ensure your tone isn’t overly critical, hostile, or rude, even if you disagree.
Healthy discussions and debates on LinkedIn are welcome, but maintain professionalism and courtesy. Remember, other members can read comments, and any negativity or rudeness can tarnish your reputation and brand.
LinkedIn serves as a fantastic avenue to connect with your audience, establish authority, and grow your business. As you cultivate your presence on the platform, it’s crucial to bear in mind that upholding professionalism and authority necessitates avoiding specific types of content.
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