How to increase impressions on LinkedIn

This article was originally published here.

I’ve used LinkedIn to generate over 162M+ impressions that power my consulting, product, subscription, and sponsorship revenue streams.

But let's be real:

With 900M+ members on this professional social platform, standing out and gaining impressions can feel overwhelming. 

The reality is, countless brilliant people remain undiscovered — not because they lack expertise or value — but because they haven't unlocked the formula for LinkedIn visibility.

Guess what? That formula isn't reserved for a select few.

In this guide, I'm pulling back the curtain on my tested LinkedIn strategy. This will give you the help you need to increase LinkedIn followers, significantly ramp up your impressions, ensure your content hits the mark, and position yourself as an authority in your niche.

Let's cut through the noise.

What are impressions on LinkedIn?

Imagine you're at a bustling networking event. You've got seconds to make a lasting impression with your pitch. That's essentially what LinkedIn impressions are — they refer to the total number of times people see your LinkedIn post for at least 300 milliseconds.

While impressions are not the end-all-be-all, they do give you a peek into how often your content pops up on people's radars and a hint at how well your content is resonating.

And trust me — in the LinkedIn game, every hint matters in plotting your next move.

How to get more impressions on LinkedIn

1. Share in-depth industry insights

2. Find a content strategy that works for you

3. Create value-packed downloadable documents

4. Comment on your own posts to get initial traction

5. Tag people and companies in your posts

6. Use hashtags related to your topic

7. Post frequently

8. Engage with others in your niche

Step #1: Share in-depth industry insights

On LinkedIn, it's not about what you know, but what you share. The quality of your industry insights will elevate you from the crowd and boost those LinkedIn impressions.

When I committed to the platform in 2019, I quickly recognized a simple truth:

Echoing industry buzz isn't enough.

Let's use AI as an example. It's been revolutionizing many industries lately, especially content creation.

Work in content marketing? Don't just share the (obvious) news.

Dig deeper. Predict industry changes — discuss how it could redefine SEO, streamline workflows, or even challenge human writers and content strategists to innovate further. Relate it to personal experiences.

Become that beacon of expertise that people can't help but crave.

Step #2: Find a content strategy that works for you

People often ask me how to write a viral LinkedIn post.

I use over 10 different processes for writing daily content, but here's one of my favorite ways to create content quickly and easily:

Write the "meat" of the content

The first thing I do is create "the meat" of the content. This is where you’re teaching, showing, or suggesting something.

It's the information the reader is looking to consume and that you're attempting to convey.

In this example, I am trying to teach the reader how I built my online course business.

With that in mind, I started creating this content by writing out 2 learnings and 1 piece of advice that I felt was important to share:

People might find these suggestions helpful. But they’ll never see them if they don’t stop to read the content.

That's why you need to stop the scroll and break patterns.

Write the "trailer"

The next part of the content I create is the "trailer."

The trailer has 2 jobs:

• Break the scroll pattern with the first line

• Make each line intriguing enough to get the reader to the next one

Here's the trailer for this particular piece of content:

Part of writing a good first line is knowing your target audience. What do they care about?

I know my audience cares about learning how to produce and sell digital products online. The first line is short, consumable, and uses a big revenue number to get their attention when scrolling.

The second line provides context and helps support that this isn't some "get rich quick" post. It's about a process that will take time. 

If they are curious about that process, their eyes move to the third line of the trailer, the hook line:

“Here are 2 big learnings and some advice:”

The hook line is the last line before the “…see more” button on the LinkedIn feed:

It’s where readers commit to reading more or continuing their scroll. 

It must be intriguing. I create intrigue by promising that they'll learn a few things related to the $1.5M in course sales.

If they click "see more," the trailer has done its job, and they are onto the "meat."

Write the summary and the CTC

Now it’s time to wrap up the content.

My goal in the ending is to give the reader the entire piece of content packaged up nicely in a few sentences. Think of it as the summary of the content, that I simply label as "TL;DR" (too long, didn't read).

I do this because I don't want the reader to have to scroll back up and reread the whole piece of content before participating in the comments section. 

After the TL;DR, I use a CTC (call-to-conversation), which increases the likelihood that the reader will leave a comment and give the post more traction.

You can do this in several different ways:

• Ask them a question

• Ask for a contrarian take

• Offer to answer their questions

The TL;DR + CTC helps them quickly review the important information in the post and start participating in the comments immediately.

Here's how I finished this piece of content:

Because I hooked them in, gave them the information, and made it easy to participate, this post was seen 232,471 times and got 2,161 interactions and 461 comments.

This is in line with a typical post for me each day.

So, remember:

• Step 1: Start with the information. What are you teaching or suggesting?

• Step 2: Create your trailer. Does each line get the reader to the next? Is the hook compelling?

• Step 3: Make it easy to engage. Leave them with a short summary and CTC.

Experiment with this content strategy and find what works for you.

Then double down on that.

Step #3: Create value-packed downloadable documents

You know what instantly separates the leaders from the crowd on LinkedIn?

Generosity.

And I'm not talking about the occasional 'like' or 'share.' I mean the kind of generosity where you give away your subject matter expertise for free with no strings attached.

One of the quickest ways to earn trust and skyrocket those impressions is by offering downloadable content brimming with unique insights.

Think about it:

When you stumble upon a resource so good you want to download and revisit it later, that's trust in action. It signals credibility and authority.

Carousels are a great way to do this. They're the modern-day equivalent of a value-packed seminar, minus the hour-long speeches. These bite-sized, visually appealing slides not only pack a punch in terms of information but also keep your audience engaged.

Bottom line: Give so much free value with your content that people can't help but wonder, "If this is what they're giving away for free, what incredible value are they keeping behind the paywall?"

Step #4: Comment on your own posts to get initial traction

The first hour after you post is critical.

That's when LinkedIn's algorithm is keenly watching, deciding whether your post is worth putting in front of a larger audience.

So, what's the best way to ensure you're putting on a good show?

Engage with your own post.

This isn't about vanity or talking to yourself; you're sparking a conversation. 

Don't be shy — drop a comment on your own post:

• Ask a thought-provoking question

• Tag a few folks who might have valuable input

• Share a bonus tip that didn't make it into the main content

For example, in my post about your employer not owning your personal brand:

I commented on it with a bonus tip to drive engagement:

This tactic doesn't just up your comment count. It sets the tone for others, nudging them to hop into the conversation.

Think of it like being the first on the dance floor… once you start moving, others are more likely to join in.

Step #5: Tag people and companies in your posts

Tagging on LinkedIn is an art. Like all art, striking the right balance and being purposeful is essential.

We've all seen those posts that spam a gazillion people with no apparent rhyme or reason.

That's not what we're going for.

Instead, think of tagging as extending an invitation. When done right, it's like giving a nod to someone (or a LinkedIn company page) in a crowded room, acknowledging their influence, or inviting them to join a conversation.

When you tag someone genuinely, and they engage with your post, their network will see your content. This drives further interactions and expands your reach. It's a beautiful ripple effect, with each engagement driving the next.

Step #6: Use hashtags related to your topic

I'll come right out and say it. I don't use hashtags. I think they look a bit ridiculous and unnatural.

But...I did when I was started back in 2018.

Hashtags aren't just for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They have their place on LinkedIn, too.

But here's the catch — they're not a sprinkle-on-top kind of deal. You've got to be strategic, not spammy.

Think of hashtags as markers on a roadmap. They guide your content to the right neighborhoods on LinkedIn, ensuring your insights land in front of folks genuinely interested in your topic. Slapping on a bunch of popular hashtags willy-nilly is like sending your post on a wild goose chase.

My rule of thumb? Quality over quantity. Choose 3 (at most), ultra-relevant hashtags. They should reflect your content's core message and not be added simply because they're trending.

Don't just shout into a void. Engage the right people — your target audience.

Step #7: Post frequently

Consistency is a must if you want to skyrocket your LinkedIn impressions.

Just as a brick-and-mortar store benefits from regular business hours, your LinkedIn presence thrives on a dependable posting rhythm. It signals to your audience, "I'm here, engaged, and offering value."

And remember, playing the LinkedIn game isn't about hitting a home run every time. Not every post is going to perform as well as you'd like, and that's okay. But what counts is showing up again and again. I liken it to Powerball — the more tickets (or posts) you have, the better your odds.

Remember: There's a fine line between being consistent and being overwhelming. Don't fall into the trap of posting just for the sake of it.

Each post should have a purpose, a core message, and, most importantly, value for your reader. If you have genuine insights to share only 2X a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, do that. Don't push for 5 low-quality posts.

Step #8: Engage with others in your niche

Building a memorable brand doesn't end with pushing out great LinkedIn content. It's equally about participating in conversations other people start, too.

When you engage with others, you get more eyeballs on your LinkedIn profile and posts (and therefore increased impressions and click-through rates). Every interaction puts you front and center on someone's feed, signaling to their audience that you're an active player in your field.

Actively commenting, sharing, and collaborating exposes you to new audiences, builds trust, and can spur new meaningful relationships. More importantly, it shows you're not just there to talk but also to listen and learn.

Start increasing your LinkedIn impressions today

Every day, millions of posts vie for attention — and the drive for greater visibility has never been higher.

That's why publishing and praying it gains traction isn't a viable strategy.

The top content creators that go viral on LinkedIn? They've got a solid plan. No one successful is taking shots in the dark.

To increase your LinkedIn impressions and make your mark:

1. Deliver high-quality industry insights

2. Design a content strategy that works for you

3. Offer value-packed resources for free

4. Engage immediately on your posts for traction

5. Tag relevant individuals and companies judiciously

6. Use relevant hashtags at the end of your posts

7. Maintain a predictable posting schedule

8. Engage genuinely with others in your niche

Also, consider LinkedIn courses that can help you level up your presence faster.

If you want to leverage LinkedIn as a channel for audience or business growth, check out my product, The LinkedIn Operating System: Grow & Monetize Your LinkedIn. I offer 25+ other lessons just like this in a 90-minute video course. Join 20,000+ students and 40 LinkedIn Top Voices who have rated the course 4.98 stars.

Thanks for reading.

Here's to your next breakthrough on LinkedIn.