How To Leverage Links
How do I use links correctly?
- Tips & Tricks
- Sample Posts
- Ben & Eli
- Action Steps
Today: Learn how to use links.
By now you know that posting original content on LinkedIn can be incredibly valuable. But sometimes what you write doesn't tell the whole story. You may feel that sometimes you need to use an outside web link to support or bring context to your content.
Here is something to keep in mind: LinkedIn wants users to stay on LinkedIn. Outside links encourage users to leave the site. Therefore, LinkedIn has diminished the value of posts containing links in its algorithm.
If you post content with a link in the body of it, your post reach may be diminished. That being said, there are two things that override that completely:
1. High quality, valuable content.
If a post is valuable enough and receives enough engagement, it doesn't matter if there's a link or not!
2. Publishing the post without the link first, edit, then insert the link.
Your original post (without the link) is published as 'text-only.' Then, you then go edit the post and insert your link. It's a win-win. Your post doesn't get hindered in reach and you can have the link within the post.
Another workaround is to post the link in the comments. All you have to do is mention at some point in your post "Link in comments" or something to that effect that lets your readers know the link is there.
A couple notes:
> If a link preview is created (a box with a web preview below your content), you've incorrectly linked to the article. Make sure to publish the post first (with no link), edit, then insert the link.
> Be careful with spacing. If you're wondering why your post randomly links to a website that doesn't exist, it could be because LinkedIn thinks you're trying to create a link. For example, if you write:
"I want to hear about your experience.Share it below!"
LinkedIn will think you are trying to create a link called "experience.share" even though that website obviously doesn't exist. Make sure to put a space after each period. If this does happen, go back, edit your post and add the spacing.
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I put a link inside the body of post only when I feel like it really needs it. Sometimes it just isn't the right context to put in the first comment. Pick and choose the right moment to use either method based on the context of the post. For example, if it's an article you think people might be interested in reading based on your post, put it in the comments. If it's a link you want people to click that directly relates to the content of the post, you'll probably want it in the body text.
Many people won't click on your links anyway. So, if your post is only about the content of that link, they won't engage. Instead, they'll scroll on and that's how a post dies in the feed. Instead, make the post valuable. Split your post into two parts. One part a value-add; the other a link. For example, teach people a cool productivity hack and at the bottom, put a paragraph with a link to your blog.
Today: Learn how to use links.
- Write a post with a link in the body or comments.
- Include the hashtag #30DS at the bottom.
- Join the Facebook group.
Tomorrow: Learn how to get in the mindset.
"There's always a way - if you're committed."
~Tony Robbins~