LinkedIn notes allow users to share longer-form content on their profiles beyond just the short snippets they can post as updates. Notes are an excellent way to establish thought leadership, share insights, promote your business, and engage your network. But crafting compelling, valuable notes takes strategy and planning. Here are some of the main options for what to write in a LinkedIn note.
1. Share professional insights
One of the most common uses of LinkedIn notes is to share professional knowledge and insights, whether based on your own experience or outside research. You can dive into topics related to your industry, career field, business, or areas of expertise. For example, a marketer could write a note analyzing new trends in social media. A project manager could explain best practices for leading remote teams. The options are endless.
To provide maximum value, think about questions and pain points your network may have and how your unique perspective can shed light on those issues. Support key points with data, examples and anecdotes. Readers will appreciate the chance to learn something new.
2. Promote your business or services
LinkedIn notes also offer a subtle way to showcase your business, products, services or consultancy. You can share key features, client success stories and service offerings without coming across as overly salesy. Focus on providing useful information readers can apply in their own roles.
For example, an HR consultant could write a note about techniques for improving employee retention. A fashion designer could share behind-the-scenes insight into her creative process. Frame it as thought leadership rather than an outright product pitch.
3. Establish yourself as an industry expert
Consistently publishing high-quality LinkedIn notes focused on your niche allows you to build authority and raise your profile. You’ll gain visibility beyond just your direct connections as your notes appear in search results and get shared across the platform.
Aim to offer a unique perspective compared to other thought leaders in your space. Share contrarian viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and educate readers on lesser known aspects of the topic. Over time, your distinctive voice will emerge.
4. Comment on industry news and trends
Timely commentary on news developments and industry trends make for engaging, relevant note topics. Don’t just summarize the news – provide your hot take on the implications. Weave in how the issues connect to your experiences and expertise.
For example, a retail analyst could weigh in on the latest holiday shopping projections. A political consultant could offer thoughts on a new campaign strategy. Tapping into what’s happening now hooks readers.
5. Share career advice and best practices
For professionals in recruiting, HR and talent management, notes can be a platform for sharing career development insights. You may give tips on resume writing, interviewing, workplace etiquette, leadership, productivity or other areas valuable to job seekers and workers.
Take an educational tone, drawing from your own career journey as well as industry knowledge. Include bulleted or numbered lists for easy skimming. Job candidates will appreciate the guidance.
6. Compile “listicle” style content
List-based articles like “10 Must-Read Books for Project Managers” or “5 Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid” tend to attract readers scrolling through their feeds. These notes allow you to dispense quick tips and compile resources in one place.
Aim for an odd number like 7 or 15 items. Mix short paragraphs with bullet points for scannability. Lists focused on problems ranked by severity or importance are particularly engaging.
7. Share key takeaways from events
Attending a conference, workshop, seminar or other industry event? Follow up by summarizing your big takeaways in a LinkedIn note. Share key insights from speakers as well as your own reflections on the experience.
Pull out any particularly useful statistics, frameworks or concepts mentioned. Discuss how you plan to apply what you learned. This shows the value and allows you to continue conversations started at the event.
8. Reflect on your career path and lessons learned
LinkedIn notes give you space for thoughtful reflection on various aspects of your career journey. You can recount lessons learned, analyze key turning points, highlight mentors who made an impact, or frame your overall experience.
This is a chance to get personal and inspire others who may be navigating similar crossroads in their professional lives. Be authentic and speak from the heart.
9. Respond to current events and issues
Notes allow room for commentary on timely news events, public policy issues and pop culture trends – with a professional spin, of course. Share how current issues connect to your industry and job role. Weigh in as an expert source.
Pose thoughtful questions, highlight underreported angles, and provide context readers may lack. Just keep it civil and nuanced. Done right, it presents you as plugged into what’s happening now.
10. Share success stories and wins
Notes can provide a space to highlight career accomplishments like landing a big promotion, nabbing a new client, getting published or earning an award. Share the backstory of how it happened along with lessons learned.
Frame it thoughtfully so it comes across as an inspirational case study versus an outright brag. Focus on the process, hurdles faced and teamwork involved in the win.
11. Q&A’s with industry leaders
Turning interviews with influential professionals in your field into LinkedIn notes can provide valuable insider perspectives for your audience. Apart from the Q&A content itself, set the context by sharing what makes the interviewee worth learning from.
Aim for a mix of biographical questions, industry insights, career advice and perspectives on trending topics. Let their words shine through rather than injecting too much of your own commentary.
12. Behind-the-scenes company spotlights
Give readers an inside look at your company, department or team by profiling recent initiatives, events or milestones. For example, you could recap a new product launch, office opening or company anniversary party.
Include photos and quotes from employees to add color. Strike a balance between showcasing your culture and accomplishments without going overboard on PR spin.
13. Roundup or review of tools/services
A note comparing and contrasting various products or services can serve as a handy reference guide for professionals evaluating options. Focus on a tight niche like “Top 5 ATS Systems” or “7 Time Tracking Tools for Consultants.”
For each option, summarize key features, pricing, who it’s best suited for and where it falls short. If you’ve used them yourself, incorporate user experiences as well. Just disclose any affiliations you may have.
14. Reactions to books/articles/podcasts
Weaving in commentary on thought-provoking books, articles and podcast episodes shows you’re actively engaging with knowledge across fields. Summarize key ideas and why they resonated with you.
Quote passages you found particularly insightful. Discuss how you’ve applied concepts from the work in your own life. Sharing new sources helps build community among readers.
15. Crowdsource perspectives on issues
Solicit insights from your network by posing questions related to challenges in your industry, thoughts on new technologies or feedback on a proposed approach. This turns notes into two-way conversations.
Where possible, tag specific individuals likely to have informed opinions to draw them in. Synthesize responses in a follow-up note demonstrating active listening. Engagement may lead to new connections.
Curating compelling LinkedIn notes
Whatever your topic, excellent notes blend personal voice with professional insights readers will find valuable. Showcase your unique expertise while connecting to broader conversations. With consistency and care, notes provide a platform to engage your community while building your brand.