LinkedIn Articles vs. Posts: Which One is Better for Engagement?

I’ve been in the LinkedIn game for years and have seen what works.

Many ask me: “Should I write long articles or keep it short with posts?” My answer has always been, “Both can work!” Each format has its unique strengths.

In this guide, I’ll share my expert insights on LinkedIn articles versus posts. I’ll break down their pros and cons so you can decide which one fits your strategy best. Let’s explore how to use them together to boost your engagement and grow your personal brand.

What Are LinkedIn Posts?

LinkedIn posts are short updates you share on your LinkedIn feed. They can be text, images, videos, or links. People often use them to share quick thoughts, updates, and industry insights.

They help you stay connected with your network and spark conversations. Some common topics you will see people share in LinkedIn posts include:

• Professional achievements and milestones
• Industry news and trends
• Tips and best practices
• Personal experiences and lessons learned
• Event announcements and recaps
• Company updates and behind-the-scenes looks

These posts keep your presence active and help you engage with your audience in real time.

What Are LinkedIn Articles?

LinkedIn articles are long-form content that lets you dive deep into a topic. Unlike short posts, articles give you more space to share detailed insights, analysis, and stories.

I use them to showcase my expertise and provide valuable, in-depth information that can spark meaningful discussions.

Articles allow you to explain complex ideas, share case studies, and offer comprehensive advice. They stay on your profile and can serve as a lasting portfolio of your knowledge.

Not sure about the type of topics people typically cover in LinkedIn articles? Here are some:

• Industry trends and forecasts
• In-depth how-to guides and tutorials
• Personal success stories and lessons learned
• Detailed analyses of market challenges
• Thought leadership pieces on emerging topics

Pros of Writing LinkedIn Posts

LinkedIn posts are a great way to connect quickly and effectively with your network. Here’s why I love using them:

Easy to Create

Crafting a LinkedIn post is simple. You don’t need lengthy research or complex formatting. Just share a quick update, idea, or insight. This ease means you can respond promptly to trends and current events without a lot of hassle.

Great Immediate Visibility

Posts appear right in your network’s feed as soon as you publish them. This instant exposure is fantastic for sparking conversations and catching attention. The real-time nature of posts helps you connect with your audience when it matters most.

You Can Post It Every Day

Because posts are quick and easy to produce, you can share content regularly. Daily posts keep your profile active and top-of-mind for your connections. Consistency is key, and frequent posting builds engagement over time.

Perfect for Promotion

Whether you’re highlighting a new product, sharing a success story, or promoting an event, posts are an ideal format. They’re great for drawing immediate attention and directing your network to take action. Posts can also be boosted with LinkedIn’s advertising tools to reach an even wider audience.

Pros of LinkedIn Articles

LinkedIn articles offer a powerful way to share your expertise in depth. Linked LinkedIn posts, let’s also take a quick look at some of the key benefits LinkedIn articles offer:

Establishing Thought Leadership

Writing in-depth articles positions you as an expert in your field. It lets you dive into complex topics and share insights that set you apart from the crowd.

Great for SEO

Articles on LinkedIn can be indexed by search engines. This means your well-crafted content has the potential to attract organic traffic long after you publish it. That’s a really amazing perk you shouldn’t miss.

Perfect for Creating Evergreen Content

Unlike posts that may fade from view quickly, articles remain on your profile indefinitely. They serve as a lasting resource that continues to add value over time.

More Analytics

LinkedIn provides detailed analytics for articles. You can track views, reads, and engagement metrics, which helps you understand your audience and refine your strategy.

Showcasing Your Brand’s Vision

Articles give you the space to communicate your brand’s values and long-term vision. They allow you to articulate what sets your business apart, building trust and credibility with your audience.

LinkedIn Posts Vs. LinkedIn Articles: A Quick Comparison

Key Differences Between LinkedIn Posts and Articles

Understanding the differences between LinkedIn posts and articles can help you decide when to use each format. Here’s a breakdown based on key factors:

#1: Content Format

• LinkedIn Posts:

Posts are designed for quick updates and are limited to about 3000 characters. This makes them perfect for short insights, announcements, or quick tips that capture attention instantly.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles allow for long-form content with no strict character limit. They enable you to talk about topics in detail, offering detailed analysis, research, and storytelling that positions you as a thought leader.

#2: Purpose

• LinkedIn Posts:

The primary goal of posts is to spark immediate engagement. They’re ideal for sharing news, asking questions, or posting timely updates that encourage quick interactions from your network.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles serve a more strategic purpose. They help you build authority, demonstrate expertise, and provide evergreen content that continues to add value over time. They’re a great way to share in-depth insights and communicate your long-term vision.

#3: Creation Time and Frequency

• LinkedIn Posts:

Posts are quick and easy to create, allowing you to share content on a daily or even multiple-times-per-day basis. Their brevity means they require less time to write, making them perfect for consistent engagement.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Creating an article takes more time and effort since you’re developing comprehensive content. Articles are typically published less frequently, but they offer lasting impact and are a significant investment in your thought leadership.

#4: Audience Engagement

• LinkedIn Posts:

Posts are designed to generate quick interactions, making them ideal for sparking immediate discussions. Their brevity means that your audience can easily engage with them by liking, commenting, or sharing in real time.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles tend to drive deeper, more thoughtful engagement. They invite detailed comments and longer discussions, as readers invest time in reading and reflecting on your content. The conversation around articles is often more substantive and reflective of your expertise.

#5: SEO Benefits

• LinkedIn Posts:

While posts can appear in LinkedIn search results and only a few times on search engines, their short lifespan means they typically generate less enduring SEO value.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles are indexed by search engines and can continue to attract organic traffic over time. Their detailed, evergreen content offers greater SEO benefits, enhancing your online visibility long after publication.

#6: Performance Metrics

• LinkedIn Posts:

Posts provide quick performance feedback. Metrics such as likes, comments, shares, and views are readily available, allowing you to gauge immediate engagement and adjust your strategy on the fly.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles come with comprehensive analytics, including metrics on read time, engagement depth, and even SEO performance. These insights help you understand how your long-form content performs and how it influences your authority over time.

#7: Visibility Over Time

• LinkedIn Posts:

Posts typically enjoy a short burst of visibility, with engagement peaking shortly after publication. While they’re excellent for timely updates, their impact tends to fade as new content takes center stage.

• LinkedIn Articles:

Articles remain on your profile indefinitely, serving as a lasting resource. Their evergreen nature ensures that they continue to attract views and engagement over months or even years, contributing to a sustained presence on the platform.

LinkedIn Articles Vs. LinkedIn Posts: Which Is Better for Engagement?

In my experience, both LinkedIn posts and articles offer unique engagement benefits – so the answer depends on your goals.

If you’re looking for quick interactions and a fast-paced conversation, LinkedIn posts are your best bet. Their short, punchy format makes it easy for your audience to like, comment, and share immediately.

On the other hand, if you want to spark deeper discussions and position yourself as an industry expert, long-form articles are hard to beat. They encourage thoughtful comments and can build a lasting relationship with your audience over time.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to use both. Use posts for immediate, frequent engagement and articles for in-depth insights that continue to drive conversation long after they’re published.

How to Create a LinkedIn Post

Creating a LinkedIn post is simple and quick. Here’s how I do it:

• Start Your Post:
  Log in to LinkedIn and go to your homepage. Click in the “Start a post” text area on your homepage. Begin typing your thoughts or paste text from another source.
• Add Visuals:
  Enhance your post by adding images, videos, or documents. Use the icons below the text area to insert your media.
• Set Comment Preferences:
  Decide who can comment on your post. Click the “Anyone” button on the right side of the menu and adjust the settings as needed.
• Publish Your Post:
  When you’re happy with your content, click the “Post” button. Your update will be shared with your connections immediately.

How to Create a LinkedIn Article

1. Start at Your Homepage:
   Log in to LinkedIn and go to your homepage. Right below the “Start a post” area, you’ll see the “Write Article” button. Click it.
2. Enter the Creation Dashboard:
   This opens a dashboard where you can start crafting your article. It looks like a simple text editor.
3. Add a Featured Image:
   Click on the top banner to upload a featured image. This helps grab your audience’s attention.
4. Write Your Content:
   Use the text editor to type or paste your article. It works just like any other word processor.
5. Enhance with Media:
   Need more visuals? Click the plus icon on the left of the text area to add images, videos, or slides.
6. Publish Your Article:
   Once you’re happy with your content, click the “Publish” button to make it live.

Scheduling LinkedIn Posts for Better Engagement

Scheduling your LinkedIn content – whether daily posts or long-form articles – can significantly boost your engagement.

By planning your posts in advance, you ensure that your updates reach your audience at the best times. This helps you maintain a consistent presence and keeps your network engaged.

Scheduled content allows you to focus on quality while your posts are automatically published when your audience is most active.

While LinkedIn does offer a native scheduling feature, you can enjoy even more flexibility and functionality with OnlySocial. With OnlySocial, scheduling becomes effortless.

You can easily schedule LinkedIn posts, set up bulk scheduling, and even manage content across multiple platforms all in one place. This advanced tool not only saves you time but also ensures your content is posted at optimal times, maximizing your engagement and overall impact.

Here is a detail guide on how to schedule your LinkedIn posts. You should check it out!

Final Note

Remember, there’s a clear difference between LinkedIn posts and articles – each has its own strengths. Instead of choosing one over the other, try to leverage both to boost your presence on the platform.

Use posts for quick, timely updates and articles for deeper insights that establish your expertise. And don’t forget the power of scheduling.

With a solid scheduling strategy, you can ensure your content is shared at the right moments for maximum engagement.

FAQs

What is the difference between LinkedIn Newsletters and Articles?

Newsletters are recurring publications where subscribers get notified every time you release a new edition. They help build an ongoing relationship with your audience.

Articles, on the other hand, are standalone long-form pieces that remain on your profile as a portfolio of your expertise.

How often should I post on LinkedIn?

I recommend posting about 2-5 times per week. This frequency keeps your profile active and engages your network without overwhelming them.

When is the best time to post on LinkedIn?

Generally, mornings and early afternoons on weekdays work best. These are the times when most professionals are online and actively engaging with content.

Does scheduling posts on LinkedIn increase engagement?

Yes, scheduling posts can boost engagement. It allows you to publish content when your audience is most active, maintain consistency, and free up time for creating quality content. Tools like OnlySocial can help you schedule posts across multiple platforms easily.