Putting links in your LinkedIn posts can be a great way to provide value to your connections, build authority, and drive traffic to your website or other content. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of including links in LinkedIn posts so you can decide if it’s the right strategy for you.
The Benefits of Linking in LinkedIn Posts
Here are some of the main advantages of including links in your LinkedIn content:
Builds your authority and thought leadership
By linking to high-quality external resources like reports, articles, and data, you demonstrate your knowledge and establish yourself as an expert in your field. This helps position you as an authoritative thought leader.
Provides value to your connections
Sharing links allows you to provide relevant and useful information to your LinkedIn connections. It shows you are willing to share insights, not just promote yourself.
Drives traffic to your website or content
Links enable you to drive interested readers from LinkedIn back to your own website, blog, or other content. This incoming traffic can help boost engagement.
Improves SEO
Quality backlinks from authoritative sites like LinkedIn can improve your overall domain authority and SEO. LinkedIn posts with links tend to rank well in Google.
Starts conversations
Posting a link can spark discussion in the comments section and engage your connections. The shared content gives them something specific to respond to.
Potential Downsides of Putting Links in LinkedIn Posts
While there are lots of benefits, there are also a few potential negatives you should be aware of:
Can seem self-promotional
If all your LinkedIn posts contain links back to your own content, it may come across as spammy. Be sure to balance self-promotion with value-added content.
Decreased engagement
Posts with links tend to get less likes and comments than regular text- or image-based updates. Some connections may not click through.
Risk being labeled spam
LinkedIn’s algorithm may flag your account if you over-optimize links. Too many could get your posts removed.
Reduced organic reach
LinkedIn’s feed prioritizes content without links, so posts with links may not show up for all your connections.
Shares focus away from LinkedIn
By driving traffic elsewhere, you reduce time spent on the LinkedIn platform itself. This goes against their user engagement goals.
Tips for Using Links Effectively
To maximize the benefits while avoiding potential downsides, here are some best practices for linking in your LinkedIn posts:
Focus on quality over quantity
A few relevant high-authority links will go further than bombarding with excessive links from low-quality sites.
Diversify link locations
Put some links in the main text, others in comments, some in your profile. Don’t just stick them all in the post content.
Link to related resources
Choose links that are directly relevant to the topic of your post and provide added info. Don’t force it.
Use text links
Text links tend to look and perform better than long messy URLs.
Contextualize links
Briefly explain what readers will get from the link. Don’t just paste bare URLs.
Include non-promotional links
Balance links back to your content with links to authority sites and resources not associated with you.
Follow LinkedIn’s rules
Stay within their guidelines, like not using shortened or affiliate links. Avoid anything that seems spammy.
Track link performance
Use URL tracking tools to see which links get the most clicks so you can optimize.
Best Practices Summary
Here is a quick summary of the best practices for optimizing use of links in LinkedIn posts:
Do | Don’t |
---|---|
Include a moderate amount of relevant links per post | Overload posts with too many links |
Diversify link placement for natural feel | Only place links in main text |
Link to authoritative external resources | Only link to your own content |
Briefly contextualize links | Paste bare URLs without explanation |
Use text links for clickability | Use messy long URLs that are cut off |
Analyze link performance | Post links without tracking results |
Conclusion
Ultimately, incorporating quality links into your LinkedIn posts in moderation can provide benefits like improved authority, lead generation, SEO, and engagement. But be wary of over-optimizing or coming across as spammy.
Focus on sharing only directly relevant links in a natural way that provides value for your connections. Avoid anything that seems self-serving or not additive to the discussion. Test different posting strategies and analyze the results.
Used correctly, links are a powerful way to boost your LinkedIn presence and achieve your goals. But keep the potential risks in mind and always put your audience first with the content you provide.
What has your experience been with adding links to LinkedIn posts? Feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
References
Here are some references I used in researching this article:
Official LinkedIn Guidelines
Articles on Linking Best Practices
- Smart Insights – LinkedIn Best Practices
- Social Media Examiner – LinkedIn Updates
- Singly – Power of LinkedIn Posts