In today’s digital world, social media has totally changed the game for professional networking and career growth. LinkedIn, the big daddy of professional networking platforms, has become an absolute must for connecting with colleagues, potential employers, and big shots in various industries. But let’s face it, plenty of us still scratch our heads over how the LinkedIn algorithm actually works.

First up: Sorting the Good from the Spam

When you hit ‘post’ on LinkedIn, your content’s journey through the algorithm starts with a big question – is it spam or legit stuff? LinkedIn’s algorithm is like a bouncer at the club, keeping the quality high. It sniffs out and bins posts that break its spam rules or community guidelines. Think emoji overload, chain messages, or posts that beg for likes, shares, or reactions.

But what if your post isn’t obviously spammy? That’s when the human touch kicks in. A bunch of moderators might give it the once-over to make sure it’s up to scratch before it pops up in people’s feeds.

Getting People Engaged Matters

Assuming your post passes the spam sniff test, the next hurdle is getting people to engage with it. Engagement is the heartbeat of social media, and LinkedIn is no exception. But not all likes and shares are created equal. The latest LinkedIn algorithm tweaks give more love to meaningful interactions.

That means your post isn’t just judged by how many thumbs-ups or shares it gets. The algorithm looks at the quality of engagement. Genuine comments from relevant connections and useful discussions in the comments section get a gold star. It’s all about real interaction.

Sending Your content to the right audience

Once your post has the engagement ball rolling, the LinkedIn algorithm figures out who should see it. Three big factors come into play:
1. Who You Know: Your closest connections, like your first-degree contacts, are more likely to spot your content. So, building a solid network is key.
2. What You’re Posting: The algorithm checks out how relevant, viewed, and engaged-with your content is. It looks at things like whether it matches your audience’s interests, the language you use, and whether you’re sharing knowledge or pro tips.
3. What People Are Up To: LinkedIn also takes a peek at what users are into based on the groups they’re in, hashtags they follow, and the pages and people they keep up with. It pays attention to their actions, like posting, liking, and commenting. Users are more likely to see stuff similar to what they’ve liked before.

Latest Algorithm Changes

Back in June 2023, LinkedIn shook things up with some big algorithm changes based on user feedback. The main goals?
– Pushing Valuable Content: LinkedIn now gives a thumbs-up to content that shares know-how or advice. Sharing what you know can really boost your content’s visibility.
– Tightening Connections: Your network is now more likely to see your posts, especially if they’re personal or work updates. That means less random stuff in their feeds from people they barely know.

Basically, the LinkedIn algorithm these days is all about rewarding real connections and sharing useful stuff. To ride this wave, focus on creating content that matters, building genuine connections, and sticking to topics your audience digs.

So, as you navigate LinkedIn’s ever-changing world, remember that understanding the algorithm could be your ticket to unlocking your full potential on this powerhouse networking platform. Get chatting, share good stuff, and watch your influence grow.

If you would like more useful tips or need a hand with your social media game, feel free to contact us for a chat and we would be happy to help.