No, LinkedIn’s Algorithm Isn’t Broken — You Might Just Be Misreading It

Before You Blame the Algorithm, Check Your Content

Arin Vale
4 Min Read

If your LinkedIn posts aren’t performing like they used to, you’re not alone — but that doesn’t mean the LinkedIn algorithms are broken. It’s working exactly how it’s designed to. The real issue? Many of us simply don’t understand how it behaves.

Like Google, Instagram, or TikTok, LinkedIn’s algorithm is all about engagement. It wants to keep users on the platform, interacting with content that sparks conversations and adds value. So if your content isn’t pulling in views, likes, or comments, it’s probably not the algorithm’s fault — it’s a signal to shift your content strategy.

Why Your LinkedIn Reach Might Be Dropping

Let’s break down what’s really happening behind the scenes:

  • More people, more content: As more professionals post and engage on LinkedIn, your content competes with a growing wave of posts. That means it’s tougher to stand out unless your content is timely and truly engaging.
  • Paid content dominates: Sponsored posts and paid ads naturally get more visibility. LinkedIn is still a business, after all.
  • Engagement is king: If your post doesn’t catch attention early (within the first hour), it won’t reach further. That’s not punishment—it’s the algorithm prioritizing content that’s already proving itself.

How LinkedIn’s Algorithm Actually Works

LinkedIn ranks content by how engaging it is to your network. It considers:

  • Reactions: Likes and other emoji responses.
  • Comments: Especially ones that start a conversation.
  • Shares: The more your post travels, the more credibility it gains.
  • Dwell time: How long people are stopping to read your post.

Content that gets strong interaction within the first 60–90 minutes of posting is more likely to appear in others’ feeds. This means when and how you post matters just as much as what you post.

What Content Works Best Right Now?

  • Polls and interactive posts: People love giving their opinion.
  • Authentic stories: Real moments from your professional life or team will always outshine overly polished content.
  • Timely topics: Addressing industry news or shifts can boost engagement, especially if it invites discussion.

And What About Company Pages?

Yes, LinkedIn favors personal profiles when it comes to reach — but that doesn’t mean company pages are useless. They’re still important for:

  • Brand credibility and trust
  • SEO visibility
  • Job seekers researching your company
  • Sharing culture and employee stories

However, company content needs to shift too — away from generic announcements and toward value-driven posts, behind-the-scenes looks, and team highlights.

Tips to Boost Your LinkedIn Reach

  • Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promotion.
  • Stop linking out in every post — LinkedIn deprioritizes posts that push users off-platform.
  • Use native formats like carousels, videos, and plain text over external blog links.
  • Focus on conversation over conversion — comments are the new clicks.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t broken — it’s evolving. And so should your strategy. In a more crowded, content-savvy environment, only content that feels human, sparks interaction, and delivers real value will stand out.

Treat every post like a conversation starter, not a billboard. Build trust, not just traffic. Do that consistently, and the algorithm will take care of the rest.

 

Share This Article
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *