Writing Posts That Inspire Action

Most people think a “good” LinkedIn post is about hooks, storytelling, and a call to action. But if you’re trying to generate leads, those basics won’t cut it. Here’s what truly separates elite posts from the rest: 1. Solve the unspoken problem. Most posts solve the obvious problem. Elite posts tackle the problem your audience hasn’t fully articulated. Instead of: “Here’s how to get more engagement on LinkedIn," Try: “Why your LinkedIn posts aren’t converting (even with 1,000 likes)." This positions you as someone who truly understands their pain points. 2. Hook with insight, not curiosity. Hooks like “The secret to LinkedIn success” are overplayed. Start with a counterintuitive insight: - "Likes don’t matter. Conversations do." - "If your posts aren’t generating leads, it’s because you’re writing to impress, not to connect." A strong insight hooks the reader and reframes how they think. 3. Write in layers for different readers. Not every reader is ready to engage the same way. Speak to three levels: - Skimmers: Use bold or bullets so they get value fast. - Deep Readers: Provide detailed insights for those who want depth. - Action-Takers: Include a clear next step to convert them into leads. Write like an inverted pyramid: biggest insights up top, details as they scroll. 4. Use emotional specificity. Instead of: “Does your LinkedIn profile need work?” Say: “Is your LinkedIn profile so vague even your mom wouldn’t know what you do?” The more specific and relatable your language, the stronger your connection. 5. Be intentional about the action you want. Not every post needs a classic “DM me” or “What’s your biggest challenge?” CTA. Instead, decide on the specific needle you want to move: Do you want your audience to engage? - Frame your content to spark a conversation. Do you want them to take a next step? - Direct them to your funnel. Or do you want them to think deeply? - Focus on delivering clarity or a breakthrough insight. Every post should have a purpose…even if that purpose is simply to leave them saying, “I’ve never thought about it that way.” Lead-generating posts aren’t just about algorithms, but also about creating moments of clarity for your audience. When was the last time a post made you stop and think?

The art of storytelling in LinkedIn posts. Storytelling isn't just for novelists or filmmakers—it's a powerful tool for professionals on LinkedIn. Why? Because stories resonate. They engage, inspire, and convert. Stories convey values, build connections, and make your message memorable. On LinkedIn, this translates to posts that catch attention and drive action. Examples of Compelling Stories ➡️ The Problem-Solver: Share a challenge you faced with a client or a common pain point for your audience and how you overcame it. Detail the problem, the steps you took, and the outcome. This showcases your problem-solving skills and builds trust with your audience. ➡️ The Customer Success Story: Highlight a client’s journey from struggle to success with your help. Focus on their initial problem, your solution, and their success. This positions you as a reliable expert who delivers results. ➡️ The Personal Anecdote: Relate a personal story that ties into a professional lesson. For example, how your experience in the army taught you resilience that now benefits your project management. This humanizes you and makes your profile more relatable. Tips for Effective Storytelling ~ Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share real stories and genuine experiences. ~ Engage Emotions: Emotions drive decisions. Tap into your audience’s feelings. ~ Keep it Relevant: Ensure your story aligns with your professional brand and message. ~ Conclude with a Call to Action: Guide your audience on what to do next—whether it’s engaging with your content, connecting with you, or sharing their own stories. In the sea of content on LinkedIn, a compelling story stands out. It cuts through the noise, creating a lasting impression and fostering deeper connections. How are you using storytelling in your content? #storytelling #contentmarketing #linkedinposts

No one will listen if you can't tell a story on LinkedIn. 🚫 👂 Most LinkedIn posts? They read like a corporate press release—stiff, forgettable, and uninspiring. Or even AI-generated. Ugh. But the posts that get attention spark conversations and build trust? They tell a story and back it up with stats. Here's my story. We were stuck in a rut when I was hired to run SAP's North American social media. On our 20+ social media channels, there was low engagement and no real connection with our audience. So, I launched 100 Days of Digital, a campaign featuring short, engaging stories paired with powerful data points. It was the perfect combination of graphics, stats, and storytelling. 💡 One post highlighted how 73% of B2B buyers prefer digital self-service over talking to sales reps. We paired that stat with a real-life scenario of a hesitant buyer navigating an online purchase. It resonated—and drove 5x the engagement of our previous content. Do you know why this worked? 1️⃣ STORIES MAKE DATA MEMORABLE A raw statistic is forgettable. A stat wrapped in a relatable story sticks. 2️⃣ PEOPLE CONNECT WITH PEOPLE Corporate jargon gets ignored, but human-driven narratives spark interest. 3️⃣ TRUST IS BUILT WITH INSIGHTS When you combine storytelling with real insights, your audience sees you as a credible expert. How can you start doing this today? ✅ START WITH A STRONG HOOK. Instead of "Our new report shows…" try, "Most buyers don't want to talk to sales reps. Here's why." ✅ ADD A RELATABLE SCENARIO. Think of a real-world moment that brings your point to life. Like the one I used for my 100 Days of Digital campaign at SAP. ✅ DROP A STAT THAT SUPPORTS YOUR STORY. Numbers validate your message and build authority. ✅ END WITH A QUESTION. Drive engagement by inviting others to share their thoughts. So, always write a compelling call-to-action line. Your LinkedIn content isn't just a post—it's an opportunity to build your brand, gain visibility, and influence decisions. The right story + the right stat = content that gets noticed. What's one data-backed insight you could share today? Drop it below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #marketingthink #personalbranding #leadership #socialselling #sales #contentmarketing

Not getting engagement on LinkedIn? Give this a try. If your posts aren’t getting the traction you want, it’s not because people don’t care—it’s because they don’t feel compelled to engage. Try one of these 7 content ideas this week to change that: 1. Share a success spotlight. Feature a client, partner, or leader who is making an impact. → What’s a creative solution they implemented? → How is their work shifting the industry forward? → What can others learn from them? 💡 Example: “How [Org/Person] is tackling [Industry Challenge] in a way we should all be paying attention to.” 2. Speak to a pain point. Your ideal audience should read your post and think: “Wow, they really get me.” → What’s a challenge your clients or partners struggle with? → What’s a small but meaningful shift they could make? 💡 Example: “Struggling to secure new corporate partnerships? Here’s what actually works.” 3. Tell a story with a lesson. People remember stories more than facts. Bring us into a moment that shaped you. → What’s a mistake you made that others can learn from? → What was a turning point in your career? 💡 Example: “The mistake that almost cost me [Lesson]—so you don’t have to make it.” 4. Share a bold take on an industry norm. Engagement thrives on fresh perspectives. Challenge conventional wisdom. → What’s something you believe about social impact, fundraising, or LinkedIn that others might push back on? → Where do most people get it wrong? 💡 Example: “We need to stop saying [Common Phrase]—here’s why.” 5. Offer an industry insight. Break down a common misconception or complex topic in your space. → What’s a strategy or approach that’s often misunderstood? → What’s an easier, more effective way to tackle it? 💡 Example: “Most people think the biggest challenge in solving the global water crisis is access to clean water. But the real issue is _____." 6. Show behind the scenes. People connect with people. Share something personal or vulnerable. → What’s a struggle you’ve faced in running your business? → What’s a challenge you’ve helped a client overcome? 💡 Example: “I used to believe [Old Belief]—until this moment changed everything.” 7. Give a quick, actionable tip. People love practical takeaways they can apply today. → What’s a simple, effective tip that can make a difference? → What’s the #1 thing you wish more people in your industry understood? 💡 Example: “If you want to [Achieve Goal], try this one simple shift.” If your LinkedIn content isn’t landing, try one of these ideas this week. And if you do—tag me! I’d love to see what you create. 🔖 Save this post so you never have to stare at a blank page again.