7 LinkedIn Myths Holding You Back: Debunking Common Misconceptions
When I first started taking LinkedIn seriously in October 2023, I believed all sorts of things about how to succeed on the platform. Over time, I realized that many of these beliefs were holding me back. Today, I’m here to share the seven most common myths I’ve encountered and how to overcome them.
1. Myth: Commenting Is Less Valuable Than Posting
Many LinkedIn users focus solely on creating their own posts, believing that comments don’t contribute much to their visibility or engagement. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Reality: Comments Are Content
Engaging comments can significantly increase your visibility on LinkedIn. They allow you to showcase your expertise, build relationships, and attract attention from both the post creator and other commenters. During my journey from 2,115 to over 6,000 followers in less than a year, I found that thoughtful comments often led to meaningful connections and opportunities.
2. Myth: Only Content Related to Your Job Matters
There’s a common misconception that LinkedIn is strictly for professional, job-related content. This belief can lead to dry, uninspiring profiles that fail to capture attention.
The Reality: Share Your Story
Your personal experiences and insights are what make your content unique and engaging. For instance, I often share stories about my experiences living in Ecuador, facing 9-hour daily power outages while maintaining my posting schedule. These personal anecdotes help humanize your profile and create deeper connections with your audience.
3. Myth: Frequent Posting Annoys Your Audience
Some people worry that posting too often will overwhelm or irritate their connections.
The Reality: Consistency Is Key
If your content provides value, your audience will appreciate consistent posting. In my experience, maintaining a daily posting schedule for over 200 days straight was crucial to my growth on the platform. Remember, LinkedIn’s algorithm favors consistent engagement.
4. Myth: Only Original Content Is Worth Sharing
Many users feel pressured to create entirely original content for every post, which can be overwhelming and unsustainable.
The Reality: Curated Content Adds Value
Sharing valuable content from others, along with your own insights, can be just as effective as creating original posts. During my time as a Social Media Director, I learned that a mix of original and curated content often leads to a more diverse and engaging feed.
5. Myth: Professional Content Must Be Formal
There’s a tendency to adopt an overly formal tone on LinkedIn, assuming it’s necessary to appear professional.
The Reality: Diverse Formats Work
LinkedIn has evolved beyond just formal business communication. In my experience managing multiple client accounts, I’ve found that a conversational tone and diverse content formats often perform better. Don’t be afraid to use humor, share personal stories, or experiment with different post styles.
6. Myth: Longer Posts Always Perform Better
Many believe that in-depth, lengthy posts are the key to success on LinkedIn.
The Reality: Brevity Can Be Powerful
While I personally struggle with writing short posts, I’ve observed that concise, punchy content often performs exceptionally well. The key is to deliver value quickly and effectively, regardless of length.
7. Myth: People Aren’t Active on Weekends
There’s a common belief that posting on weekends is pointless because professionals aren’t engaging with LinkedIn during their time off.
The Reality: Test Different Posting Times
Surprisingly, I’ve found that weekends are often my best-performing days on LinkedIn. This might not be true for everyone, which is why it’s crucial to test different posting times and analyze your own engagement data.
Overcoming These Myths
To truly succeed on LinkedIn, your strategy should be varied and adaptable. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Value both posting and commenting equally
- Incorporate personal stories into your professional content
- Maintain consistency in your posting schedule
- Mix original content with thoughtful curation
- Experiment with different content formats and tones
- Don’t shy away from concise posts when appropriate
- Test posting times, including weekends, to find what works for your audience
By challenging these myths and adapting your approach, you can create a more engaging and effective LinkedIn presence. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to continuously experiment, analyze your results, and refine your strategy.
What LinkedIn myth were you surprised to find out wasn’t true? For me, it was the belief that longer posts always perform better and that weekends were a dead zone for engagement. Share your experiences in the comments — I’d love to hear your insights!
P.S. Are there any other LinkedIn myths you’ve encountered and debunked? Let’s continue this conversation and help each other grow on the platform.
💡 Hey, my name is Frank Velasquez. I’m a social media strategist and consultant.
→ Find me on LinkedIn.
→ If you’re an executive who believes in the power of building an audience but doesn’t know where to start, let’s connect. https://yoursocialstrategy.co/
