linkedin-article

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.

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Core Principle

LINKEDIN ARTICLES SUCCEED WHEN THEY DELIVER PROFESSIONAL VALUE THE READER CAN APPLY IMMEDIATELY — NOT WHEN THEY LECTURE OR SELF-PROMOTE.

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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.

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Phase 2: Outline

LinkedIn Article Structure

1. Headline — clear, specific, benefit-driven (no clickbait)
2. Hook paragraph — personal story, surprising data, or bold claim
3. 3-5 body sections with actionable subheadings
4. Conclusion — key takeaway + CTA
5. 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.