23 Major Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Content on LinkedIn

Stop. Read. Learn. Let's cut to the chase—making mistakes is part of the game, but who says you have to fumble through the dark?

Especially when it comes to LinkedIn, where the line between a hit and a miss is thinner than you think.

Guess what?

People are botching it left and right on LinkedIn, tanking their engagement, stunting profile growth, and watching potential leads slip through their fingers—all avoidable with a bit of insider knowledge.

We've been on a mission, scouring LinkedIn's vast landscape to bring you the ultimate no-nos that are doing more harm than good.

And, because we're all about clarity, we've sorted these blunders into categories that'll make you go, "Ah, so that's where I've been going wrong!"

If you're in the LinkedIn game to win it (and let's be honest, why wouldn't you be?), then buckle up.

Ready for the cold hard truth?

Here are the 23 cardinal sins of LinkedIn you should steer clear of.

I Common LinkedIn Content Creation Errors to Avoid

1. Lack of a Defined Content Strategy

Posting content just for the sake of it without any strategy or plan is a recipe for disaster.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make not only on LinkedIn but on all social media platforms.

Creating content without a strategy is like driving without a destination in mind.

You might get somewhere eventually, but it will take you longer, and you'll probably get lost along the way.

💡 Pro Tip

Did you know there are LinkedIn content creation tools that, besides convenient text editor, offer features to help you streamline your content creation process and strategy?

AuthoredUp is a prime example of such a tool, offering a suite of features that cater to the needs of avid content creators aiming for efficiency and impact on LinkedIn.

Here's what AuthoredUp brings to the table:

✅ Realistic Text Editor — Craft your content in an editor that previews exactly how your post will look on LinkedIn, eliminating guesswork and adjustments after publishing.

✅ Templates and Snippets — Access a wide array of predefined templates or create your own custom snippets for quick insertion, ensuring consistency and saving time in your content creation process.

✅ Drafts and Tagging — Easily jot down ideas and save them as drafts. The tagging feature allows for efficient organization, making it simple to categorize and retrieve your content ideas when you're ready to develop them further.

✅ Comprehensive Analytics — Dive into detailed analytics to understand how your LinkedIn content performs. This feature is invaluable for refining your strategy based on data-driven insights.

✅ Calendar and Collaboration — Plan your content schedule with a calendar view and invite team members to collaborate. This is ideal for coordinating efforts, ensuring consistency, and managing content across multiple contributors.

✅ And Much More — Beyond these features, AuthoredUp offers additional functionalities designed to make your LinkedIn content creation as seamless and effective as possible.

For anyone serious about elevating their LinkedIn presence, utilizing a tool like AuthoredUp can be a game-changer, providing the resources and support needed to produce high-quality content consistently.

2. Failing to Establish Objectives and Metrics

Publishing content without any clear goals or a way to measure success? Big mistake.

It's like throwing darts in the dark—how will you know if you've hit the bullseye if you don't even know where it is?

Setting clear targets and figuring out how to check if you're hitting them is key. Otherwise, you might just be wasting your time and effort.

Here's a handy table coming up that breaks down how to set those goals and track your progress, with some straightforward examples to get you started:

For those of you keen on digging into more detailed KPIs, here are the ones I keep an eye on:

💡 Pro Tip

AuthoredUp’s analytics tool is designed not just to inform but to transform your LinkedIn strategy.

It provides you with the insights needed to enhance your presence, engagement, and ultimately, your professional growth on the platform.

The defining feature of AuthoredUp’s analytics is its ability to aggregate all your LinkedIn post data. This holistic view of your content’s performance is invaluable, offering several benefits:

✅ Historical Insights — Access to historical data ensures you're not just planning based on recent performance but can also spot long-term trends and patterns in engagement and growth.

✅ Data-Driven Strategy — The depth of analytics provided supports a more nuanced and informed approach to content strategy, enabling you to make decisions that are backed by solid data.

✅ Comprehensive Overview — By collating all post data, AuthoredUp gives you a macro and micro perspective on your content’s performance, from overall engagement rates to specific metrics like comments, shares, and likes.

3. Neglecting to Experiment with Various Content Formats

Skipping out on experimenting with various types of content on LinkedIn?

You're leaving a ton of engagement and reach on the table.

Everyone has their own preference for consuming content—what clicks with one person might totally miss the mark with another.

Dive into testing a mix of content types and double down on the ones that hit the sweet spot. That way, you'll maximize your content's impact and get an inch closer to your goals.

💡 Pro Tip

AuthoredUp is designed to enhance your LinkedIn content creation and analysis experience, accommodating various content formats and providing tools that streamline the entire content lifecycle.

From ideation to publication and performance review. Here’s how it supports different aspects of content creation:

✅ Use Drafts For:

• Idea Capture — Instantly save ideas as drafts while browsing your feed or whenever inspiration strikes. This ensures you never lose a potential post idea.
• Organized Workflow — Easily toggle between different drafts, make edits, or continue fleshing out your ideas. This flexibility allows for a smooth transition from concept to completion.
• Preparation for Publishing — Drafts can be polished and scheduled for posting, making it easy to maintain a consistent content calendar.

✅ Use Post Highlight Insights For:

• Performance Insights — Dive deep into the performance of individual posts with detailed analytics. This includes views, engagement rates, and the effectiveness of different elements like hashtags and mentions.
• Direct Comparison — Compare two posts side-by-side to see detailed statistics. This feature is invaluable for understanding what differentiates a high-performing post from a less successful one.

✅ Use Post Types Insights For:

• Strategic Alignment — AuthoredUp analyzes your content to determine which types of posts (articles, images, videos, etc.) resonate most with your audience. This insight allows you to tailor your content strategy to emphasize the formats that generate the most engagement.
• Optimized Content Strategy — By understanding which post types perform best, you can more effectively allocate your time and resources to create content that is likely to achieve higher visibility and interaction.

‍

4. Overposting Content Unrelated to Your Business

When whipping up content on LinkedIn, remember to keep most of your posts tied closely to your business.

Your followers are there for the scoop on what you do, the goodies you offer, or the industry buzz.

Stray too far off this path with unrelated posts, and you'll see their interest start to wane fast.

5. Inconsistency in Posting Schedule

One thing that ties all successful content creators together? Consistency.

On platforms like LinkedIn, not sticking to a regular posting schedule can really dampen your content's impact, slow down your growth, and throw off your content marketing objectives.

Keeping up with consistent posts is key to staying on your audience's radar and keeping those engagement levels up.

💡 Pro Tip

Were you aware that AuthoredUp seamlessly integrates with LinkedIn's scheduling feature?

This integration allows you to choose several drafts for future publishing and plan your scheduling via a Calendar view.

After scheduling your posts with AuthoredUp, they're automatically plotted in the calendar. Conveniently, you can also reschedule or delete posts directly from the Calendar, streamlining your content management process.

And the cherry on top?

AuthoredUp offers the capability to manage and overview multiple accounts all from one calendar view.

II Language and Writing Styles Mistakes on LinkedIn

6. Overuse of Adverbs

Crafting content? Go for strong, impactful language.

A solid tip?

Ease up on the adverbs.

Sprinkling a few here and there? Totally fine—it spices up your writing.

But lean too heavily on them, and your prose starts to feel limp, diluted. It might sound minor, but getting adverb usage just right can seriously elevate the punch of your writing.

7. Employing Excessive Jargon

When your audience is broad, steer clear of jargon.

That's the insider lingo specific to your industry or job, and while it's second nature to you, it's probably gibberish to everyone else.

If you catch yourself dropping jargon in your content, take a moment to unpack it.

Even better, find a simpler way to express the same idea.

Relying on jargon is a fast track to losing your readers' focus. Best to sidestep it entirely and keep your message accessible to all.

📌Note

The only exception to this rule is if you're writing for a specific audience of people who are familiar with the jargon.

This is how Patrick Dominik explained his new role in "LinkedIn jargon" and "in human language." Brilliant. 🙂

8. Regularly Sharing Too Long Posts

On LinkedIn, brevity can be your best friend. It's not that shorter is always superior, but people tend to lean towards engaging with more concise posts.

The logic?

We're all swamped, and with attention spans at an all-time low, making your point quickly is key.

If you can drive home your message in just a few lines, you're ahead of the game compared to laying out a lengthy narrative that might lose your audience before they reach the end.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule.

9. Skipping the Review of Your Posts

Always give your post a second glance before setting it free into the wilds of LinkedIn.

This quick review isn’t just about hunting down typos or grammar slip-ups—it’s your chance to ensure everything reads smoothly and makes sense.

Writing’s tricky, and slip-ups are part of the game, so a final check can save you from those little blunders that might ding your credibility.

Plus, steer clear from editing posts after publishing—turns out, tweaking your content can dial down its reach. Better safe and polished from the get-go!

10. Underutilizing the Opening Line

The opening line of your post is like the front door to your content—it's the first thing people encounter and it decides whether they come in or walk away.

That's why nailing your hook is crucial.

It's got to be strong, enticing, and make people want more. Too often, posts kick off with a snooze-worthy opener, losing readers before they've really started.

You definitely don't want to fall into that trap.

Keep in mind, hitting that "See more" link after the initial few lines of your post packs a bigger punch than just a quick "Like."

So, your goal?

Craft those first few sentences so compellingly that readers can't resist clicking to dive deeper. Make them hungry for what comes next!

💡 Pro Tip

Struggling to craft the perfect hook?

AuthoredUp has got you covered with over 200 meticulously designed hook templates, each accompanied by examples to spark your creativity and enhance your content creation process.

11. Failing to Include a Call to Action at the Post's Conclusion

Ending your LinkedIn posts without a CTA (call-to-action) is like leaving money on the table. Whether you're nudging people towards signing up for your newsletter, grabbing your latest eBook, or checking out your newest blog post, that CTA is your golden ticket.

Skipping it means you're missing out on heaps of engagement, potential site traffic, or any other goal you're gunning for.

Make your CTA sharp and straightforward.

It should be a neon sign guiding your readers to the next step, leaving zero room for guesswork.

If your audience has to play detective to figure out what you want them to do, chances are they won't. 

Make it obvious, make it easy, and watch the magic happen.

This is how Ivan Dimitrijevic is inviting people to message him and follow his content:

💡 Pro Tip

Ideas for CTAs?

Gain access to a collection of over 150 customizable Calls to Action (CTAs), which you can further refine based on the type of content you're creating and the specific goals of your post.

Interested in mastering the art of creating compelling Calls to Action (CTAs) for LinkedIn?

Dive into our comprehensive guide, where we explore the ins and outs of crafting effective CTAs, complete with top-notch examples and ready-to-use templates.

12. Repurposing Content Without Attribution

Stealing content is a big no-no.

Unfortunately, the digital world has its share of folks who snatch up someone else’s hard work and slap their name on it. Bad idea.

It’s not just about being unethical—it’s a fast track to getting busted and trashing your credibility.

Once people catch on that you’ve pilfered content, any trust or respect they had for you evaporates.

Worse, they might start bad-mouthing you to others, which is like poison for your reputation and business.

The bottom line?

Always brew your own content.

Getting inspired by others is fine—that’s how creativity works. But take that inspiration and infuse it with your unique perspective and voice.

That’s how you stand out, not by swiping someone else’s spotlight.

And yes, translating LinkedIn content to your native language is stealing as well:

💡 Pro Tip

Here's a tip: recycle your successful posts.

With AuthoredUp, this becomes a breeze! AuthoredUp lets you gather all your previously published posts without the hassle of dealing with cookies or automated LinkedIn activities.

This feature allows you to pinpoint your most impactful posts and discover valuable content that can be repurposed.

Simply take a high-performing post, tweak its structure or content slightly, and republish. It’s a smart way to leverage proven content quickly and effectively.

III Mistakes in Tagging Practices on LinkedIn Posts

13. Tagging Individuals You Haven't Connected With

Tagging folks you don't know in hopes of a reaction— like, comment, or share—is a move that can come off as both annoying and desperate.

Plus, let's be honest, it's usually a shot in the dark that ends with your post getting ignored.

People can sniff out the motive behind a random tag and it doesn't smell good—it feels inauthentic.

Stick to tagging those you actually have a connection with. It keeps things genuine and saves you from wasting your time on strategies that don't really pay off.

This is what Richard van der Blom's analysis found:

So, make sure you tag only people and companies active on Linkedin that you know.

14. Over-tagging Users in Your Posts

Tagging a whole bunch of people you know in a single post might feel like a smart move to boost visibility, but trust us, it's counterproductive.

It screams spam and desperation for eyes on your content, which isn't the vibe you want to give off.

Instead of going overboard and tagging 20+ people, why not keep it to a select few?

It feels more personal, less like you're casting a wide net for engagement, and more like you're genuinely interested in their thoughts.

This approach is way more likely to foster authentic interactions and engagement with your post.

15. Mentioning People Who Aren't Relevant to the Content

One last thing on this matter—tagging folks who don't relate to your post's subject is almost a guaranteed ticket to being overlooked.

Imagine this: why would someone with zero interest in your topic feel compelled to engage with your content?

They wouldn't.

Let's say you're a designer talking about the newest design trends. Tagging a salesperson you just connected with, who has no stake in design, doesn't just miss the mark—it's downright odd.

The golden rule?

Only tag individuals who have a genuine connection to what you're sharing. People who'll find your content relevant and engaging.

That's how you foster meaningful interactions, not by casting too wide and irrelevant net.

IV Common Hashtag Missteps on LinkedIn

16. Overloading Posts with Excessive Hashtags

Going overboard with more than 9 hashtags can seriously tank your reach—slashing it by a whopping 35%, according to insights from Richard van der Blom and Just Connecting HUB.

It's a clear red flag to LinkedIn's algorithm, signaling a no-go in terms of content distribution.

But it's not just about what the algorithm thinks.

From a reader's perspective, stuffing your post with hashtags can come off as trying too hard to hack the system for visibility.

It sends out vibes that you're more about playing the algorithm than providing value, which definitely isn't the impression you want to give as a content creator.

Keep your hashtag game strategic and moderate to maintain both your reach and your credibility.

Besides, doesn’t this example look a little bit too messy?

17. Employing Irrelevant Hashtags

Leveraging hashtags on LinkedIn is a smart move to amplify your content's visibility.

They serve as a beacon, guiding your posts to new audiences and potentially increasing your reach.

However, a common pitfall is resorting to overly broad hashtags like #socialmedia or #marketing.

Sure, these might earn you a handful of iews, but they're not tailored to engage your specific audience.

To really hit the mark, you'll want to drill down into hashtags that resonate with your niche or industry.

This strategy not only targets users with a genuine interest in your content but also faces less competition, boosting your post's chances of standing out.

For content creators, this means picking hashtags that align with the subjects you're covering.

By doing so, you ensure that your content finds its way to the right eyes, those who will value and engage with it the most.

💡 Pro Tip

AuthoredUp is also a game-changer for refining your hashtag strategy.

It features a detailed table that breaks down the performance of each hashtag you've used, including metrics like frequency, comments, reactions, shares, and overall engagement rate.

This invaluable insight helps you pinpoint which hashtags truly resonate with your audience.

Moreover, AuthoredUp enables you to categorize your content by topics using hashtags, making it simpler to identify which topic clusters are hitting the mark with your followers.

V Common Networking Mistakes on LinkedIn

18. Placing Links Under Others' Content

Bombarding people with links to your content in the comments of their posts is another big no-no.

It's more than just a nuisance—it screams desperation and pushiness.

When you're in everyone's face with your links, you're not just being a bother—you're actively pushing people away, making them want nothing to do with you.

And let's talk about etiquette.

It's simply poor form to hijack someone else's post for your own gain. If you decide to drop a comment, it should genuinely contribute to the discussion, not just serve as a billboard for your content.

Failing to respect this can tarnish your reputation.

Remember, commenting is an opportunity to engage meaningfully, not spam your way into visibility.

19. Failing to Comment on Others' Posts

If you're skipping out on commenting on other people's posts, you're overlooking a golden chance to engage with your audience and forge valuable connections.

Dropping a thoughtful comment on someone else's content signals that you're genuinely interested in their perspective and actively participating in the community dialogue.

This not only helps you stand out but can also encourage others to engage with your content down the line.

Plus, since comments are visible to a wide audience (including those who don't follow you), they're an effective tool for boosting your visibility.

However, it's crucial that your comments contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

Generic responses like "Great post!" or "I agree!" might seem like easy engagement, but they fall flat in adding any real substance.

If you're going to take the time to comment, make it count by sharing insights, asking questions, or providing feedback that enriches the discussion.

20. Participation in Engagement Pods

Pods on LinkedIn, where groups of users agree to comment on each other's posts to boost engagement, might seem like a clever hack at first glance.

However, it's a strategy fraught with pitfalls.

For starters, participating in pods violates LinkedIn's terms of service. Getting caught could lead to a ban, cutting you off from a valuable professional network.

Even without the risk of being penalized, relying on pods is a flawed approach.

The engagement garnered from pod members is often superficial, failing to contribute meaningful dialogue to your posts.

We've touched on the importance of substantive comments, and pod-generated responses typically don't meet the mark.

Furthermore, the artificial boost in engagement can be transparent to others, casting a shadow over your authenticity and professionalism.

Instead of resorting to pods, focusing on genuine interaction and providing valuable content is a far better strategy for long-term success on LinkedIn.

If you're looking for ways to increase engagement, there are much better (and legal) ways to do it. This is a first-hand experience:

21. Connecting with Everyone

The impulse to max out your LinkedIn connections can be strong, especially when your network feels a bit on the lean side.

It's easy to fall into the mindset that more is always better.

But here's the catch: not all connections are created equal.

If you're indiscriminately adding people left and right (without considering if they're genuinely aligned with your interests, goals, or industry), you're setting yourself up for a network filled with dead ends.

These folks are unlikely to engage with your content, invest in your products or services, or play any meaningful role in your professional growth.

The key is to focus on cultivating connections that add real value.

This means connecting with individuals who are relevant to your field, interested in your offerings, and able to contribute to your professional journey.

Remember, when it comes to building a network on LinkedIn, it's the quality of your connections that matters, not just the quantity.

Aim for a community of contacts that enriches your professional life, not just a number that looks impressive on your profile. Quality over quantity, every time!

22. Neglecting to Personalize Connection Requests

Skipping the chance to personalize your LinkedIn connection requests?

That's a missed opportunity to kickstart a meaningful relationship right from the get-go.

LinkedIn gives you the option to add a custom message for a reason—it's your first step toward making a memorable impression.

Sending a connection request without a personalized note might come off as just another generic attempt to bulk up one’s network.

But taking a moment to write something tailored shows you're genuinely interested in connecting for a specific reason.

It demonstrates effort, sets you apart, and significantly boosts the likelihood of your request being accepted.

Remember, crafting a custom message doesn’t have to be a lengthy process.

Even a sentence or two that mentions why you're reaching out can make a world of difference. It’s about quality, not quantity.

So, always take that extra few seconds to personalize your connection requests—it’s a small effort that can lead to big opportunities.

23. Lack of Engagement in Direct Messages

Engaging in one-on-one conversations isn't just networking—it's relationship building.

And in the world of LinkedIn, strong relationships are the currency that can propel your career forward, whether by growing your business or landing your dream job.

Yet, many shy away from diving into DMs, either daunted by the time investment or at a loss for words.

Worse still, those who do venture into direct messaging often miss the mark—coming off as pushy salespeople rather than genuine professionals interested in mutual growth.

The golden rule for DMs?

Focus on forging connections and adding value.

This approach sets the stage for authentic interactions, paving the way for opportunities that go beyond a mere transaction.

If you can master the art of meaningful conversation without immediately pitching your services, you're setting yourself up for long-term success on LinkedIn.

Wrapping Up

You've just navigated through the 23 most common pitfalls in LinkedIn content creation.

Taking stock of these could be your first step towards refining your strategy, enhancing engagement, and generating more leads.

Remember, success on LinkedIn doesn't happen overnight. It's about consistent effort, patience, and strategic planning over time.

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly aid in your journey.

And speaking of journeys, let's talk about turbocharging your LinkedIn strategy with a tool designed to elevate your content game: AuthoredUp.

This innovative all-in-one content creation tool is tailored for those eager to boost their LinkedIn presence.

With AuthoredUp, you gain access to features that allow you to:

👉 Preview your posts as they would appear on LinkedIn before going live.

👉 Enhance your posts with formatting options like bold, italic, emojis, and bullet points.

👉 Utilize hook templates to grab your audience's attention.

👉 Organize all your content ideas and drafts in one convenient location.

👉 Analyze your post performance with comprehensive analytics.

Interested in taking your LinkedIn content to the next level?

Discover how AuthoredUp can transform your LinkedIn strategy.

Try AuthoredUp