Why Your LinkedIn Posts Aren’t Getting Engagement and What to Do About It
You hit ‘post’ or "publish" and wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Nothing happens.
Maybe a couple of pity likes from colleagues or a generic comment from someone who clearly didn’t read it. But the people you actually want to reach? Nowhere to be found. Posting on LinkedIn can feel like screaming into the void—your content vanishes into the algorithm, unseen and unappreciated. And it’s frustrating as hell.
You know LinkedIn is where the decision-makers are. You know your competitors are getting traction. You see others racking up engagement, starting conversations, and even landing business from their presence. But for some reason, when you post, it’s like whispering into a hurricane—nothing sticks.
So, what’s going on?
The Problem: Posting Alone Isn’t Enough
Most people treat LinkedIn like a megaphone—broadcasting their thoughts and waiting for the world to respond. But here’s the reality: LinkedIn is not a broadcast platform. It’s a conversation.
The biggest mistake professionals make is thinking that simply showing up with a post is enough. But if no one knows who you are, why would they engage? The LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes content from people who are already active in discussions. If you’re just posting but not engaging, you’re essentially speaking into a room that no one is in.
What happens when you post without engaging?
Your content gets little to no reach because LinkedIn doesn’t recognize you as an active contributor.
Your audience sees you as just another person selling something, rather than someone worth having a conversation with.
You miss out on valuable relationships and business opportunities because your content is invisible to the very people who need to see it.
So how do you fix this? You stop treating LinkedIn like a soapbox and start treating it like a networking event. And that means learning how to comment like a pro.
The Solution: Be a Comment King
Want to build visibility, authority, and trust? It doesn’t start with posting—it starts with commenting.
Comments are where the real engagement happens. The LinkedIn algorithm loves conversation, and when you consistently show up in the right places, your name (and your expertise) gets in front of the right people.
Here’s how to be a great commenter and a true LinkedIn conversationalist:
1. Find the Right Conversations
Stop throwing posts into the void and start showing up where your audience already is.
Follow:
- Industry influencers in your space
- Potential clients or key decision-makers
- Engaged professionals who are actively discussing your niche
Set a goal to spend 10-15 minutes each day engaging with their content before you post anything yourself
2. Don’t Just Agree—Add Something Meaningful
A weak comment is just a thumbs-up in text form: “Great post!” or “Love this!” These don’t start conversations.
A strong comment extends the discussion:
- Ask a thoughtful question related to the post
- Share a quick personal insight that adds depth
- Challenge an idea (respectfully) to spark debate
For example, instead of commenting, “This is so true!” try:
“This makes me think about how CXOs approach LinkedIn engagement. Have you seen a shift in how executives are using the platform to connect?”
See the difference? The second one invites a conversation, making you more visible.
3. Engage Consistently
Commenting isn’t a one-and-done strategy—it’s an ongoing habit. The more frequently you engage, the more LinkedIn will recognize you as an active participant. That means:
- Prioritizing high-value conversations over low-effort posting
- Engaging with the same people over time to build familiarity
- Making sure your own posts are part of a larger dialogue—not just standalone thoughts.
When you consistently show up in people’s comments, they start noticing your name. They visit your profile. They engage with your content. And eventually? They reach out to work with you because they see you as someone who gets it.
Final Thought: Conversations Create Opportunities
If posting feels like speaking into the void, it’s time to shift your approach. Thought leadership isn’t just about what you post—it’s about how you engage. Comments are your ticket to visibility, trust, and real connections that drive business.
Want to start seeing real engagement? Stop waiting for people to come to you—go start the conversation.
Need some help? We offer training that helps you connect directly with your target audience.
Schedule a call to learn more!