There are several options for posting on LinkedIn: updates (sometimes called posts), articles, and images. You share all these from your homepage. Lately I’ve noticed that I get a bigger reach with the updates I post than with the articles I’ve published. My suggestion is to mix it up posting both updates and articles, as they serve different purposes.

Articles and updates appear in your feed and in the Articles and Activities section of your profile. Updates are typically visible for about 14 days. One of the benefits of posting articles is that they remain visible on your profile indefinitely, though you have the option to delete a published article.

Updates (also called posts)

• Can be up to 1,300 characters in length
• Images can be attached to them
• URLs can be embedded into them by pasting them into the share box. Be sure to allow a few seconds for a preview image to display. If LinkedIn can’t retrieve the preview image, you can still include the link in your update.

Use this option for such things as:

• Announcements of upcoming events or to talk about events you’ve spoken at or attended
• Tips related to your industry
• Showing appreciation for someone, as you can “tag” someone in an update by typing the @ sign, followed by their first and last name. Then click on the box with their photo, name, and headline. This not only mentions them in your update but creates a hyperlink to their profile.

Articles

• Have no limit in terms of number of characters or number of words
• Require a cover photo and a headline
• Photos, videos, and URLs can be embedded into them
• Can be linked to other articles you publish on LinkedIn

Also, you can help people find the article by associating search terms with them.

Use this option for such things as:

• Thought pieces
• How to tips
• Industry trends
• Showing appreciation for someone by writing a tribute or feature

Images

o Click on the image icon and select which file you want to upload.
o Add a caption in the text box
o The size limit for an upload is 5MB, and uploaded images can’t be resized. The image frame is 3:2 ratio.
o LinkedIn recommends the image be at least 552 (w) x 368 (h) pixels.

 

Visibility

• You can select the audience for an update, article, or image.
• Public  – means anyone on LinkedIn can see it.
•  Connections – means only your first-degree connections can see it
• Public and Twitter – means it will be visible on your LinkedIn and Twitter accounts – of course, only the first 140 characters will display on Twitter.
• Articles and updates appear in your feed and in the Articles and Activities section of your profile
• Updates are typically visible for about 14 days
• Articles remain visible indefinitely, though you have the option to delete a published article

 

How About You?

Do you share information on LinkedIn in the form of updates, articles, and/or images? Have you noticed changes over time in terms of the reach of each type? Do you prefer certain types for certain kinds of information?

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those ages 45 and older, to become more comfortable using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter.
She works with business owners, business development professionals, leaders of nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.