08/19/2025
Jeff recently reviewed the data from our last 1,000 LinkedIn posts for executives.
Here are 6 takeaways you can use.
Everyone wants the shortcut. But most LinkedIn posts aren’t falling short because of the algorithm. They’re falling short because they’re built for no one.
After writing and publishing thousands of posts for executives, consultants, and founders, we’ve learned what actually earns attention and what falls flat.
1 ➡️ The algorithm isn’t your problem.
It’s cadence. It’s clarity. It’s intention.
Most people who blame the algorithm post inconsistently, without a plan, and expect magic. The real unlock? Show up often enough that people remember you, and post with a point.
Every piece of content should do something: build trust, start a conversation, spark curiosity, or demonstrate value. If your strategy is just “post when you can,” your results will reflect that.
2 ➡️ Your thought leadership is too polished.
People don’t want your “brand voice.” They want your voice.
Your followers aren’t asking for textbook advice or over-edited perfection. They want honesty. They want nuance. They want to see how you think, even if it’s different. The best-performing posts often read like a text to a friend or a rant in a Slack thread.
3 ➡️ Posts under 150 words get more engagement.
Shorter = easier to read, easier to finish, easier to react to.
Most people scroll. They don’t study. Posts under 150 words are scannable and satisfying, and they rack up likes and comments fast.
But let’s be clear: engagement isn’t the same as impact.
The most meaningful posts?
They’re often long. They get bookmarked. They get shared in DMs.
They don’t always go viral, but they resonate.
4 ➡️ Observation beats advice.
People want to know how you see the world. That’s what builds trust. That’s what shows leadership.
So instead of “5 ways to manage a team,” try, “Here’s something I’ve noticed about every great team I’ve worked with.”
When you show people how you think, not just what to do, they’ll remember you.
5 ➡️ Posting every day doesn’t mean you’re winning.
We’ve slowed the cadence for some execs and watched engagement rise.
Why? Because every post was actually saying something.
More is not more.
6 ➡️ Stop writing for your peers, start writing to your prospects.
A lot of execs try to impress people in their industry. That’s the wrong audience.
Your peers don’t hire you. Your prospects do.
And your prospects don’t need jargon, frameworks, or industry buzzwords.
They need clarity.
They want to understand how you think, how you solve problems, and whether you get them.
If your peers think your post is “too basic,” it might be perfect for the people who actually pay you.
If you'd like to increase and enhance your LinkedIn presence, we'd love to help you. Send an email to [email protected].