---
platform: linkedin
format: post
constraints:
  max_chars: 3000
  image_ratio: "1.91:1"
  max_hashtags: 5
---

# Best Practices: LinkedIn — Feed Post

## Format Rules

- Character limit: 3000 characters
- Preview cutoff: ~210 characters before "...see more" on desktop; ~140 on mobile
- Images: 1200x627px (1.91:1) for single images; 1080x1080px also works well
- Hashtags: 3–5 is the LinkedIn-recommended range; more dilutes reach
- No external links in the post body — they suppress reach. Use first comment for links.
- Polls, documents (carousels), and native video get boosted distribution

## Structure

```
[HOOK — 1–2 lines, no period, make them click "see more"]

[BLANK LINE]

[SETUP — 2–3 lines establishing context or problem]

[BLANK LINE]

[BODY — 3–7 short paragraphs or a numbered/bulleted list]
- Each point on its own line
- White space is critical for readability

[BLANK LINE]

[PERSONAL INSIGHT or LESSON]

[BLANK LINE]

[CTA — one direct question to invite comments]

[HASHTAGS — 3–5 at the end]
```

## Guidelines

- **Lead with the hook, not with context.** "I was wrong about X" beats "Let me share some thoughts about X."
- Write conversationally. LinkedIn users skim; short paragraphs hold attention.
- Personal stories outperform general advice by 3–5x engagement. "I" > "You" > "One."
- End with an open question that is easy to answer in one sentence — lowers the comment friction.
- Engage within the first 60 minutes after posting to signal activity to the algorithm.
- Tag people sparingly and only when directly relevant — avoid tag-baiting.
- Native documents (uploaded PDFs formatted as carousels) have the highest dwell time.
- Post 3–5 times per week for consistent reach growth.

## Examples

**Hook variants:**
- "I turned down a $500K offer. Here's why."
- "3 things every senior engineer knows that junior engineers don't"
- "My biggest career mistake — and what it taught me"

**Full post (condensed):**
```
I spent 2 years building the wrong product.

We had 100+ users. Revenue was growing. The team was motivated.

But I ignored every signal that told me to pivot.

Here's what I learned:

1. Revenue isn't validation — it's a lagging indicator
2. Churn rate tells the real story
3. Your best users are not your average users

The hardest decision isn't to quit. It's to redirect.

What's a hard pivot you've made that you don't regret?

#startups #productmanagement #entrepreneurship
```
