Have you ever wondered how LinkedIn decides which posts to show in your feed? How does LinkedIn work to ensure you see the most relevant content? In this blog, you’ll learn how the LinkedIn algorithm works and what you need to do to make the most of it.
What is the LinkedIn Algorithm?
The LinkedIn algorithm is an arrangement of rules and signals that determine the type of content LinkedIn users can see.
It’s designed to fill every user’s newsfeed with content that is as relevant and interesting to them as possible.
Why?
The purpose of social networks is to keep users active on the platform and engaged with the content.
This factor affects how the LinkedIn algorithm works and determines which posts users can see on their feeds.
How Does the LinkedIn Algorithm Work?
When you publish any content on LinkedIn, the algorithm checks it and compares it with other content within that category. Your content is subject to the following three primary filters:
- clear content
- content of low-quality
- spam
Once the algorithm has classified your content, it goes through a series of steps to determine its relevance and value to LinkedIn users. This algorithm will also consider your authority and credibility and any red flags. For example, excessive self-promotion or use of slang.
Based on these criteria, your content will be awarded a visibility score, ultimately determining where it will appear in people’s feeds.
If your content falls in that “clear” category, the LinkedIn algorithm could present your content first to a small group and later to a larger group.
Variables
The LinkedIn algorithm also looks at various variables to determine what posts should be displayed to every user. These elements or ranking signals are generally divided into three categories:
- engagement signals
- recurrence signals
- composition signals
LinkedIn has reported an astonishing 42% growth year-over-year in shared content and an impressive 27% growth in content watched between 2021 and 2023.
As determined by the algorithm, the non-chronological order of the posts appearing in user feeds can push users to see older or popular content before recent posts, reflecting the platform’s commitment to quality over new content.
Many factors influence the LinkedIn algorithm, and they can vary frequently. Let’s have a look.
The Initial Sort
The LinkedIn algorithm instantly puts your post in one or more of these below-given categories the moment you post it:
Spam
Content flagged as spam isn’t added to users’ feeds. The posts that the LinkedIn algorithm will likely mark as spam usually include at least one of these things:
- bad grammar
- a variety of hashtags, including those that try to generate engagement, such as #follow, #comment, and #like
- numerous links to websites other than LinkedIn
- tagging many people
Poor Quality
If a piece of content is classified as low-quality, it’ll be subjected to further review. Content that the LinkedIn algorithm may find not being up to mark are those that are:
- poorly written
- too general or broad for many users
If content is considered low quality, it’ll be subjected to further review. What distinguishes content as being of high quality? The following characteristics are used to find it:
- easy to read
- uses high-volume keywords
- encourages engagement by asking a question
- contains a maximum of three hashtags
- tags only those who are likely to reply
Engagement Signals
LinkedIn provides its members with the latest and most interesting content with the help of engagement signals.
Some examples of these signals that LinkedIn looks for include:
- the number of comments, likes, and shares that a post receives
- the proportion between positive comments and interaction on a page
- the number of times a user interacts with content (e.g., clicks, views, or reads)
- how long a user spends on one piece of content
Posting valuable and entertaining content is crucial. Otherwise, your content could be lost in the sea of information without engagement.
The Golden Hour Test
When your post passes the spam filter, it is approved, and the LinkedIn algorithm will share it with a smaller segment of your users for approximately an hour to assess the popularity of your post.
If your content sparks discussions and gains shares and likes within the “golden time,” the first hour, the algorithm will show your content in more people’s feeds.
If people do not engage with your content, block it from their feeds or flag it as spam, the algorithm will stop sharing it with anyone else.
The Ongoing Engagement Evaluation
If your post does well in the first hour and the LinkedIn algorithm knows people are enjoying your content, it can show the post to more people.
How does the LinkedIn algorithm decide who best to share your posts with?
It makes use of three ranking indicators:
- how connected you are
If you’ve previously worked together, how frequently do you communicate through the platform?
- user interests
How likely is the user to be interested in the content? Does it match with groups, pages, companies, and hashtags they already follow?
- the probability of engagement
This is how likely a user will be to interact with a post based on their behaviour in the past and the level of engagement that the post has already received.
Post Quality
First, LinkedIn’s algorithm quickly tests whether your post is up to the mark OR does it break guidelines against spam?
Is it in compliance with all of LinkedIn’s professional community guidelines?
By doing this, users will see spammy content less frequently. Authentic and engaging content will prevail. On the other hand, low-quality content will fall somewhere in between.
A few examples of content that is spam, according to LinkedIn, include:
- emojis or reaction polls that are intended to boost engagement
- chain letters-style content that solicits reactions, likes, and shares
- irrelevant messages or remarks
There’s an automatic filter that is used to remove spam content. More nuanced posts are submitted for human review before it is decided if they meet the quality requirements.
Relevancy for Users
LinkedIn’s algorithm is based on the relevancy of your post or profile for other members. For instance, first-degree connections will be able to view your posts first.
LinkedIn-connected users will be given priority.
In addition, the connections that LinkedIn recognises you frequently interact with will also be given priority.
After that, LinkedIn will look at the post and determine its relevance to your network.
Overall, LinkedIn’s algorithm does an excellent job of placing the most relevant content in front of the right users to increase engagement and enhance the user experience.
Subject Matter Expertise
Subject Matter Expertise (SME) is a crucial signal in LinkedIn’s algorithm to prioritise quality content over posts with lower quality.
LinkedIn is not a platform looking to engage users with pictures or memes like other social media networks. Instead, its aim is to be a platform which offers its users high-quality and authentic content.
The algorithm considers people with lots of knowledge and expertise in a particular field as contributing experts.
The criteria are based on the information they provide in their LinkedIn profiles and their proven expertise on the platform.
LinkedIn acknowledges the significance of displaying information from people with extensive knowledge and experience.
Using Subject Matter Expertise as an indicator, LinkedIn aims to enhance the overall quality of the information displayed in users’ feeds.
This is aligned with LinkedIn’s goal of becoming a reliable source of professional and high-quality information, creating an improved and more insightful user experience.
Virality is Not a Factor in the Algorithm
There was a time when the LinkedIn algorithm was designed to boost the most interesting (viral) content. When personal and professional lives came together just a few years ago, LinkedIn saw an explosion of personal posts similar to the content you’d find on Facebook.
As a result of the new posting format, engagement and membership grew, but it also caused lots of unimportant, low-quality content to rise to the top of users’ feeds. With algorithm changes, viral content is more likely to damage your engagement and visibility than helping it.
How to Use the LinkedIn Algorithm?
Read our helpful strategies to make you more visible to potential customers, connections, or employers.
Build Your Network Strategically
Relevance and connections are crucial signals for the LinkedIn algorithm. That’s why you should build a solid and active group of professionals within your field.
LinkedIn data shows that the chances of growth are huge when your page has reached 150 followers. Here are a few ways to achieve that number:
- complete the details of your personal information on your LinkedIn page and keep it up-to-date – according to LinkedIn, pages with complete details have 30 % more visitors every week
- ensure you include appropriate keywords or phrases on your page’s overview, as LinkedIn members can search using keywords
- use the invite button to build your first-degree connections and attract more attention to your LinkedIn page
- encourage employees to show they work for your business and use your company hashtag. Invite them and their connections to follow you and your company pages
- follow other relevant pages and connect with experts in your field
- join LinkedIn Groups
- be active on Linkedin
- advertise LinkedIn pages. Promote LinkedIn pages on your site and elsewhere (e.g., bios on employees’ business cards, newsletters, email signatures, etc). Making custom URLs can be helpful
Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out
The first step is ensuring the LinkedIn profile is optimised correctly and looks its best. This is by making your profile more attractive, search-friendly, and professional.
Here are the steps you can take to enhance the quality of your LinkedIn page:
- use a professional picture for your profile
- create a business-focused profile summary
- share well-written descriptions of your professional experience
- include a captivating cover image for your profile, complete with a compelling Call To Action.
- create a headline that provides more detail than a mere job description
- add the services you provide
It’s always an excellent idea to display your achievements and skills on your profile so that people will be more interested in connecting with you.
Write About Your Expertise
Every person brings some value by sharing posts on different topics, from tech to business. Hence, sharing unique insights on LinkedIn is crucial.
A way to ensure that you’re contributing something new to the discussion is to match your expertise with the people you’re speaking to.
This is why someone like a B2B marketing professional will have much easier access to the other people working in a B2B business.
However, offer advice that is within your field of expertise. For example, mechanical engineers offering B2B sales advice might need help to reach the intended audience.
Use the spaces on platforms such as LinkedIn, where your workplace information, history of work, and connections are displayed, to showcase your skills to your audience effectively.
Use the unique knowledge you have gained over your career to write a well-informed statement. It is also a good idea to ask for and welcome feedback.
This method not only builds credibility but also encourages constructive professional interactions.
Comment on Others’ Posts
This is among the best social media techniques to boost your followers on LinkedIn.
When you comment on other users’ posts, they naturally want to follow up by leaving a comment on your post.
Therefore, take 10 – 30 minutes daily to interact with other profiles.
Remember that this approach won’t work if you comment as “Great post” or anything similar. Therefore, it is essential to write a thoughtful reply that adds value.
Tag Brands and Users in Your Posts
Like tagging users on Twitter or Instagram, tagging other companies or employees on Linkedin is an excellent method to give your post more exposure and notify users who are being tagged.
Per LinkedIn’s best practices, @mentions are only sent to “people most likely to be responsive.” LinkedIn suggests limiting the number of @mentions per posting.
Engage with Other LinkedIn Posts
The more active you are with “liking” (or different reactions) or commenting on the content, the more you will benefit.
Keep in mind that LinkedIn is a platform that wants its users to engage in conversations. Since LinkedIn does not require a commitment to producing and distributing content, having conversations with users should be at the top of the list.
Post Consistently
As we mentioned above, the greater your engagement on LinkedIn, the more likely you are to be seen by the system. If you share content on the platform, the LinkedIn algorithm takes it as a sign that you’re active.
How often should you post?
There’s no magic number, but we recommend posting high-quality content at least a few times a week, which adds value to your connections and audience when you do so.
Here are some ideas of what you could share on LinkedIn:
- information and tips relevant to your field or area of expertise
- updates on your company services
- links to valuable sources
You are more likely to be noticed and develop lasting relationships if you offer your connections informative content.
Make sure to add some personal updates along with your business news so people become acquainted with you as a person, not just as a company.
Be cautious when posting sales or promotional content since it could look like spam and turn people off. The general rule of thumb is to ensure that only 20 percent of your content is for your business marketing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how the LinkedIn algorithm works is key to success on this professional nеtworking platform.
By staying updated with thе latеst 2024 updatеs and insights into thе LinkеdIn algorithm, you can prepare your content strategy for maximum engagement and visibility, which will ultimately help you achieve your professional goals.
Learning is essential, and understanding how to use LinkedIn’s algorithm is a way to connect with other professionals and find growth opportunities.
It is not just about what you post but how you еngagе with the platform that truly makes thе diffеrеncе.
Keep adapting and engaging, and see your prеsеncе on LinkedIn rapidly increase.
Next Steps
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