The power of strategic LinkedIn commenting

LinkedIn, the stage for professional showtime, knows how to throw the spotlight on comments and posts.

When users engage through comments, these become visible not only to the person they are directly responding to, but also to others who are following the conversation. Unlike other social media hotspots, LinkedIn’s algorithm is all about championing meaningful interactions. So when you drop a gem of insight or witty banter, you get to reach a wider audience, enhance your visibility, and improve your credibility.

Comments are more relevant NOW

In the past few months, LinkedIn has been giving the limelight to comments (on your news feed), posts with good interactions, and profiles that post and engage regularly.

When you place a “rich” comment (i.e. a comment with more than five words), it affects your profile and your posts’ visibility to your direct and 1st level connections. This is a ‘reward’ that LinkedIn gives its members, along with:

1. Pushing your profile and expertise to relevant users
2. Curating your news feed with similar content and profiles

Be strategic with your commenting

Choosing the right posts is the first thing you need to do before you start engaging on LinkedIn. Is this post to users you want to connect with? Does it have a good audience size? How acquainted are you (on LinkedIn) with the publisher?

Commenting on posts that align with your expertise and interests allows you to showcase your knowledge and establish yourself as a subject matter expert. And when you choose popular posts, you also increase the likelihood of your comment being noticed by both the original poster and fellow commenters, expanding your reach and potential for networking opportunities.

Consider the timing of your comment if you aim to get maximum visibility. Choose a post that’s been circulating for a few hours (versus something that’s been out there for a while, such as those posted 48 to 72 hours ago). When you engage early, your comment will stay attached to the post longer. This means it’s more likely to catch people’s attention, spark engagement, and even get pinned at the top of the comments.

But there’s an exception to this rule, and that’s when you can bring your own post “back to life.” You can comment 24 to 48 hours after it was posted to let it regain some visibility, and (hopefully) invite conversations again.

Writing the perfect LinkedIn comment

When it comes to commenting on LinkedIn, it’s not just about leaving any comment — it’s about leaving the right comment. Crafting the perfect comment can make all the difference in how you are perceived by others on the platform.

Here’s how to write the perfect comment:

First, summarise the post or the author’s insight. It’s important to show that you’ve read and understood the context before you share your own thoughts. You could begin with phrase such as, “I agree that…”, “Your insight on…”, “This post is so insightful, especially the part…”

Second, add value. Don’t just agree with the author, instead, offer your own thoughts or an explanation as to why you appreciate the post. Strive to engage sincerely with the content and demonstrate your expertise and interest in the topic at hand. Taking the time to understand the post and tailor your comment accordingly will show others that you are invested in meaningful discussions and are a credible contributor.

Third, foster further conversation. Instead of making a one-off comment and moving on, end your comment by encouraging others to act—whether it’s to reply to your comment, click on an article link, mention other users. The comments that really make a mark are the ones that get people talking.

A comment is a first step

Mastering the art of commenting on LinkedIn can truly enhance your professional presence and help you build valuable relationships within the platform. By focusing on leaving the right kind of comment, one that adds value and sparks engagement, you can establish yourself as a trusted and knowledgeable contributor.

But don’t let the conversation end with just one comment! Take it a step further by making a follow-up. Extend the discussion by sending a LinkedIn invite request to the author or fellow commenters. You can also reach out through private messages on LinkedIn or even via email. This will give you the opportunity to continue the conversation, forge stronger connections, and potentially explore collaborative opportunities.

Remember, comments are not just fleeting interactions, but opportunities to build lasting relationships.

So, use your comments as a springboard to connect with others, establish meaningful connections, and expand your professional network. With each comment, you have the power to elevate your profile, attract like-minded professionals, and unlock a world of possibilities on LinkedIn.

Why not start now? Go ahead, leave your comment and let the relationship-building begin!