How to Post on LinkedIn: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Learn how to post on LinkedIn for maximum engagement. Step-by-step guide covering text posts, images, videos, documents, and best practices for 2026.
To post on LinkedIn, click "Start a post" on your homepage, write your content, optionally add media, and click "Post." LinkedIn supports text posts, images, videos, documents, polls, and events. Each format serves different purposes and engages audiences differently.
This guide covers everything about posting on LinkedIn—from basic mechanics to advanced strategies for maximum engagement and reach.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple post formats: Text, images, videos, documents (carousels), polls, and events
- Optimal length: 1,000-1,500 characters for text posts perform best
- Engagement matters: Comments boost reach more than likes
- Timing affects visibility: Mid-week mornings see highest engagement
- Consistency wins: Posting weekly doubles engagement over time
How to Create a LinkedIn Post (Basic Steps)
Creating a LinkedIn post takes just a few clicks. According to LinkedIn's content guide, here's the process.
On Desktop (Web Browser)
- Log into LinkedIn: Go to linkedin.com and sign in
- Find the post box: At the top of your feed, you'll see "Start a post"
- Click "Start a post": Opens the post creation modal
- Write your content: Type your message in the text area
- Add media (optional): Click icons to add photo, video, document, or poll
- Choose visibility: Public, Connections only, or specific groups
- Click "Post": Publishes to your feed immediately
On Mobile App
- Open LinkedIn app: Tap the LinkedIn icon
- Tap the post button: The "+" icon at the bottom center
- Select post type: Choose from available formats
- Create your content: Write and add media
- Tap "Post": Publishes to your feed
Types of LinkedIn Posts
LinkedIn offers multiple post formats. According to Social Champ's LinkedIn research, different formats serve different purposes.
Text Posts
Best for: Storytelling, insights, questions, discussions
Characteristics:
- Up to 3,000 characters
- No media required
- Easiest to create
- Can include hashtags and mentions
Example structure:
[Hook - first line that grabs attention]
[Story or insight - 3-5 short paragraphs]
[Call to action - question or prompt]
#relevanthashtag #industryhashtag
Image Posts
Best for: Data visualization, quotes, announcements
Specifications:
- Recommended size: 1200x628 pixels
- Supports JPG, PNG, GIF
- Multiple images create a carousel effect
- Alt text available for accessibility
Engagement tip: According to LinkedIn engagement studies, images get 2x more engagement than text-only posts.
Video Posts
Best for: Tutorials, behind-the-scenes, personal messages
Specifications:
- Maximum length: 10 minutes (15 minutes for Pages)
- Maximum file size: 5GB
- Optimal dimensions: 1920x1080 (landscape) or 1080x1920 (portrait)
- Captions recommended (80% watch without sound)
Engagement tip: Videos receive 5x more engagement than text posts. Live videos see 24x more engagement than pre-recorded.
Document Posts (Carousels)
Best for: Step-by-step guides, tips, visual storytelling
Specifications:
- PDF format required
- Maximum 300 pages/slides
- Each slide becomes swipeable
- Title and description customizable
Engagement tip: According to LinkedIn data, carousels earn 278% more engagement than video content.
Polls
Best for: Market research, engagement, conversation starters
Specifications:
- Up to 4 options
- Duration: 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, or 2 weeks
- Results visible to voters
- Generates notifications when people vote
Events
Best for: Webinars, workshops, networking events
Features:
- Registration tracking
- Attendee messaging
- Calendar integration
- Reminder notifications
Writing Posts That Get Engagement
Quality content follows proven patterns. According to RevenueZen's LinkedIn research, these elements drive engagement.
The Perfect Hook (First Line)
Your first line determines whether people click "see more." Make it count:
| Hook Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Contrarian | "Everyone's wrong about LinkedIn automation." |
| Result | "I generated 47 leads from one LinkedIn post." |
| Question | "What's the biggest mistake in B2B sales?" |
| Story | "I got fired 6 months ago. Here's what happened next." |
| Curiosity | "Nobody talks about this LinkedIn feature..." |
Optimal Post Length
According to LinkedIn best practices:
- Sweet spot: 1,000-1,500 characters
- Short posts: Good for questions and quick tips
- Long posts: Better for storytelling and deep insights
- Very long: Risk of losing readers
Formatting for Readability
Use white space and line breaks:
Bad:
I've been thinking about LinkedIn strategy and wanted to share some thoughts. First, consistency matters more than perfection. Second, you need to engage with others before expecting engagement back. Third, your content should provide value, not just promote yourself.
Good:
I've been thinking about LinkedIn strategy.
3 things that actually work:
→ Consistency beats perfection
→ Give engagement before expecting it
→ Value over self-promotion
The algorithm rewards authenticity.
What would you add?
Ending with a Call to Action
Every post should invite engagement:
- Ask a question
- Request opinions
- Encourage sharing
- Prompt discussion
Examples:
- "What's been your experience?"
- "Agree or disagree?"
- "Share this with someone who needs it."
- "Drop a 🎯 if this resonates."
Best Times to Post on LinkedIn
Timing affects initial engagement, which determines reach. According to Sprout Social's 2025 research:
Peak Engagement Windows
| Day | Best Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8-10 AM |
| Tuesday | 8-10 AM, 12 PM |
| Wednesday | 8-10 AM, 12 PM (highest) |
| Thursday | 8-10 AM, 12 PM |
| Friday | 8-10 AM |
| Saturday-Sunday | Lower engagement |
Time Zone Considerations
Optimize for your target audience's time zone:
- B2B in USA: Post for Eastern/Pacific business hours
- Global audience: Consider multiple posting times
- Local business: Match your local business hours
Learn more about best times to post on LinkedIn.
Using Hashtags Effectively
Hashtags extend reach beyond your immediate network.
Hashtag Best Practices
- Use 3-5 hashtags: More than 5 can look spammy
- Mix broad and niche: #Marketing (broad) + #B2BSaaSMarketing (niche)
- Place strategically: End of post or first comment
- Research popularity: Click hashtags to see follower count
Popular LinkedIn Hashtags
Business: #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Business #Marketing #Sales
Industry: #Technology #Finance #Healthcare #RealEstate #Consulting
Career: #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #Hiring #PersonalBranding #Networking
Post Visibility Settings
Control who sees your content.
Visibility Options
| Setting | Who Sees It |
|---|---|
| Anyone | All LinkedIn members + search engines |
| Anyone + Twitter | Also posts to connected Twitter |
| Connections only | Only your 1st-degree connections |
| Group | Only members of selected group |
When to Limit Visibility
Consider limiting visibility when:
- Testing content formats
- Sharing company-sensitive information
- Targeting specific audiences
- Avoiding public scrutiny
Scheduling Posts
LinkedIn allows scheduling through its native tool.
How to Schedule a Post
- Create your post as normal
- Click the clock icon next to "Post"
- Select date and time
- Click "Schedule"
Scheduling Tips
- Schedule during your peak engagement windows
- Plan a content calendar 1-2 weeks ahead
- Leave room for timely/reactive content
- Use scheduling tools like ConnectSafely for automation
Analyzing Post Performance
Track what works to improve over time.
Key Metrics to Watch
| Metric | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Impressions | How many times your post was shown |
| Engagement | Likes, comments, shares, reposts |
| Engagement Rate | Engagement ÷ Impressions × 100 |
| Click-through Rate | Link clicks ÷ Impressions |
| Profile Views | New visitors from your content |
How to Access Analytics
- Go to your post
- Click "View analytics" below the post
- Review detailed breakdown
- Compare against previous posts
Industry Benchmarks
According to LinkedIn engagement data:
- Average engagement rate: 2-3%
- Good engagement rate: 4-6%
- Excellent engagement rate: 8%+
- Top 1% of users: 10%+ consistently
Common Posting Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Inconsistency
Posting once, then disappearing for weeks hurts your reach. Aim for at least 2-3 posts per week.
Mistake 2: All Self-Promotion
The 80/20 rule: 80% value-adding content, 20% promotional.
Mistake 3: No Engagement Back
LinkedIn rewards conversations. Reply to every comment on your posts.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Analytics
Post without checking what works, and you'll repeat mistakes. Review performance weekly.
Mistake 5: Copy-Pasting from Other Platforms
LinkedIn has its own culture and format. Adapt content specifically for LinkedIn's professional audience.
LinkedIn Posting for Inbound Leads
Your posts can attract qualified leads when done strategically. According to our inbound lead generation guide:
Content That Attracts Leads
- Industry insights and trends
- Case studies with results
- Thought leadership perspectives
- Educational content
- Behind-the-scenes expertise
The Authority-Building Approach
Instead of posting promotional content:
- Share valuable insights freely
- Demonstrate expertise through content
- Let prospects identify themselves through engagement
- Build relationships before selling
This inbound approach generates warmer leads than cold outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I post on LinkedIn?
Post 2-5 times per week for optimal reach and engagement. According to LinkedIn data, businesses that post weekly see 2x more engagement. Consistency matters more than frequency—it's better to post 2 quality posts weekly than 5 rushed ones. Learn more about posting frequency.
What is the best format for LinkedIn posts?
Document posts (carousels) currently see the highest engagement—278% more than video. However, the best format depends on your content. Use carousels for step-by-step content, videos for personal messages, and text for stories and insights. Test different formats with your audience.
How many characters can a LinkedIn post be?
LinkedIn posts can be up to 3,000 characters. However, posts between 1,000-1,500 characters typically perform best for engagement. Very short posts (under 300 characters) work for questions and quick tips. The first 210 characters are visible before "see more."
Should I use hashtags on LinkedIn posts?
Yes, use 3-5 relevant hashtags per post. Hashtags help your content reach people beyond your network who follow those topics. Mix popular hashtags (#Leadership) with niche ones (#B2BSaaSGrowth). Place them at the end of your post or in the first comment.
Can I edit a LinkedIn post after publishing?
Yes, you can edit posts after publishing. Click the three dots (...) on your post and select "Edit post." Make your changes and save. However, extensive edits or adding links later may affect how LinkedIn distributes the post. Minor edits are fine.
Ready to create posts that attract qualified leads? Discover how ConnectSafely helps you build LinkedIn authority through strategic content.
