What nobody tells you, be real, be authentic

LinkedIn is a weird place sometimes.
You scroll past a CEO sharing a humblebrag, then someone posting a resume in desperation, and then a carousel from a marketer about “storytelling.”
But here's the thing — it works. When used right, LinkedIn can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your professional network, get visibility, and actually start conversations that matter.

So what’s the secret?
It’s not just about posting. It’s about posting with intention.

From what I’ve seen (and tested myself), here’s how to actually build something real on LinkedIn.

Post in the morning.
If you’re in the U.S., the best time to post is usually between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM local time. That’s when people are checking their phones over coffee, scrolling before meetings, or easing into the day. Your post sticks better during that time.

You don’t need to post every day.
Start with 2–3 times a week. That’s enough to stay visible without burning out. Quality over quantity every time. If you're posting just to fill space, you're wasting time (and possibly turning people off).

Write like a human.
That’s the biggest one. Talk like you talk. Not like a brochure. Not like a press release. And definitely not like ChatGPT wrote it. Your tone is everything. Speak directly, like you're telling a friend what you’ve learned, what you’re seeing, or what you’re curious about.

Use titles that actually make people pause.
“Just a thought” isn’t a hook. “Here’s what nobody tells you about interviewing after 40” — that gets people to stop scrolling.
Think of the first line as a headline. If it doesn’t grab, the rest won’t matter.

What should you post?
That depends on what you want to be known for. But here are some prompts to get going:
- A lesson you learned the hard way
- A tip you give every new hire
- A myth you wish more people would stop repeating
- A short story from your career that still sticks with you

End with a question.
Seriously. Ask people what they think. You’re not shouting into a void — you're starting a conversation. Engagement doesn't mean just likes. It means someone reading your post and deciding it's worth responding to.

Reply to comments.
If people take the time to leave a comment, honor it. Respond. Keep the thread alive. That's how LinkedIn decides to show your post to more people. Comments feed the algorithm.

Don’t just consume — contribute.
A lot of people lurk. That’s fine. But if you’re trying to grow — contribute. Post. Comment. Share insights. Your voice matters more than you think.

The posts that stick aren’t the ones that are perfect — they’re the ones that are honest.
So be honest. Be helpful. And show up consistently.

That’s how LinkedIn works.
No hacks. Just being a real person with something real to say.