| name | linkedin-article |
| description | Writes long-form LinkedIn articles optimized for the platform's algorithm with professional tone, engagement hooks, and CTA. Use when you need thought leadership content published directly on LinkedIn. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob |
| metadata | {"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"} |
LinkedIn Article
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Write a long-form article published directly on LinkedIn (not a short post)
- Create thought leadership content that builds professional authority
- Produce a LinkedIn article optimized for the platform's distribution algorithm
- Write professional content between 800-2,500 words for a business audience
DO NOT use this skill for short LinkedIn posts (under 500 words), LinkedIn ad copy, or LinkedIn company page updates. This is for LinkedIn's native article publishing feature.
Core Principle
LINKEDIN ARTICLES SUCCEED WHEN THEY DELIVER PROFESSIONAL VALUE THE READER CAN APPLY IMMEDIATELY — NOT WHEN THEY LECTURE OR SELF-PROMOTE.
Phase 1: Brief
Required Inputs
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Topic | "What professional topic or insight are you sharing?" | No default — must be provided |
| Target reader | "Who should read this? Job titles, industries, seniority level." | Professionals and business owners in your industry |
| Author positioning | "What is your role/expertise that makes you credible on this topic?" | Experienced practitioner |
| Key takeaway | "What is the ONE thing readers should remember?" | No default — must be provided |
| CTA | "What should readers do after reading? Follow you, visit a link, comment?" | Follow author for more insights |
| Word count | "How long?" | 1,200-1,500 words |
Brief Template
## LinkedIn Article Brief
**Topic:** Why remote-first companies outperform hybrid ones in retention
**Target reader:** HR leaders and startup founders
**Author positioning:** CEO who scaled a 50-person remote team with 94% retention
**Key takeaway:** Remote-first wins on retention because it eliminates proximity bias
**CTA:** Comment with their remote work challenge
**Word count:** 1,500 words
GATE: Confirm brief before proceeding.
Phase 2: Outline
LinkedIn Article Structure
- Headline — clear, specific, benefit-driven (no clickbait)
- Hook paragraph — personal story, surprising data, or bold claim
- 3-5 body sections with actionable subheadings
- Conclusion — key takeaway + CTA
- Hashtags — 3-5 relevant hashtags
Outline Format
**Headline:** [Benefit-driven title]
**Hook** (~100 words)
- [Opening approach: story / stat / bold claim]
**Section 1: [Subheading]** (~300 words)
- [Key point]
- [Example or data]
**Section 2: [Subheading]** (~300 words)
- [Key point]
**Conclusion + CTA** (~150 words)
- [Key takeaway]
- [Specific CTA]
**Hashtags:** #RemoteWork #Leadership #Retention
GATE: Wait for outline approval.
Phase 3: Write
LinkedIn Algorithm Optimization
| Element | Rule |
|---|
| Headline | 40-70 characters, no ALL CAPS, include a number or specific benefit |
| First 2 lines | Must hook — these show in the preview before "see more" |
| Formatting | Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences), bold key phrases, use bullet lists |
| Length sweet spot | 1,000-1,800 words performs best for articles |
| Images | Include a cover image suggestion and 1-2 in-article image ideas |
| Engagement drivers | Ask a question mid-article, reference shared experiences |
| Hashtags | 3-5 at the bottom, mix of broad (#Leadership) and niche (#RemoteHiring) |
Writing Rules
- Open with a story or specific moment — not a definition or broad statement
- Write in first person — LinkedIn rewards authentic, personal content
- One idea per paragraph — scan-friendly above all
- Bold the key sentence in each section so skimmers catch the argument
- Include at least one "I was wrong about..." or "Here's what surprised me..." — vulnerability drives engagement
- End every article with a question to prompt comments
Cover Image Brief
## Cover Image
**Concept:** [Visual tied to the article theme]
**Dimensions:** 1920x1080px (LinkedIn article cover)
**Text overlay:** [Article title or key stat]
**Style:** Professional, clean, brand-aligned
Phase 4: Polish
1. Engagement Optimization Check
## Engagement Checklist
- [ ] Headline is specific and under 70 characters
- [ ] First 2 lines would make someone click "see more"
- [ ] At least one personal story or admission
- [ ] Bold text highlights key points for skimmers
- [ ] A question is asked to prompt comments
- [ ] CTA is clear and single-focused
- [ ] 3-5 hashtags included (mix of broad and niche)
- [ ] Cover image brief provided
- [ ] No more than 2 external links (algorithm penalizes link-heavy articles)
- [ ] Article reads well on mobile (short paragraphs, no wide tables)
2. Publishing Notes
Provide optimal publishing recommendations:
- Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Best times: 7-8 AM or 12 PM in the target audience's timezone
- Suggest a companion short post to share the article with a personal hook
Example: "Why I Stopped Hiring for Culture Fit (And What I Do Instead)" (1,400 words)
Outline excerpt:
Headline: Why I Stopped Hiring for Culture Fit (And What I Do Instead)
Hook: Story of a "perfect culture fit" hire who underperformed
Section 1: The Culture Fit Trap (~300 words)
Section 2: What "Values Alignment" Looks Like in Practice (~400 words)
Section 3: The 3 Questions I Ask Instead (~400 words)
Conclusion: Reframe + ask readers what hiring mistakes they have made
Hashtags: #Hiring #Leadership #StartupLife #HR
Anti-Patterns
- Corporate speak — "Leveraging synergies to drive stakeholder value" kills engagement. Write like a human.
- No personal angle — LinkedIn articles without a personal perspective read like Wikipedia entries.
- Link dumping — more than 2 external links signals spam to the algorithm.
- Hashtag overload — more than 5 hashtags looks desperate. Pick 3-5 relevant ones.
- Burying the value — if the actionable insight is in paragraph 12, most readers will never see it. Lead with value.
- Self-promotion in the body — save product mentions for the CTA. The article body is for insights.
Recovery
- No personal angle: Ask for a specific moment, mistake, or surprise related to the topic. Everyone has one — help them find it.
- Too generic: Push for a contrarian take or a specific number. "5 Things I Learned" beats "Thoughts on Leadership."
- Outline rejected: Ask whether the issue is angle, depth, or tone. Suggest 3 alternative hooks.
- Author uncomfortable with first person: Offer a hybrid approach — use "we" or frame as "what our team learned."
- No clear CTA: Default to "Follow me for more on [topic]" + a question in the comments.
