# LinkedIn Articles Strategy Guide

LinkedIn Articles are the platform's native long-form content format - distinct from posts and newsletters. They're underutilized by most creators, which creates opportunity for differentiation.

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## When to Use Articles vs Posts

| Content Type | Use Article | Use Post |
|--------------|-------------|----------|
| Deep analysis (2,000+ words) | Yes | No |
| Original research with data | Yes | No |
| Step-by-step tutorials | Yes | No |
| Quick insights | No | Yes |
| Personal stories | No | Yes |
| Time-sensitive commentary | No | Yes |
| Framework introductions | Yes | Teaser post |
| Repurposed external content | Yes | Summary post |

**Key insight:** Articles are evergreen SEO assets. Posts are engagement drivers. Use both strategically.

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## Article Performance Reality

### The Trade-off

- Articles get 2-3x LESS initial reach than posts
- BUT they have 10x longer lifespan (found via search for months/years)
- Articles build authority profile; posts build engagement metrics

### When Articles Make Sense

- You have substantial content (1,500-3,000 words)
- The topic has search potential
- You want to establish expertise on a specific subject
- You're converting external content to LinkedIn-native format

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## Optimal Article Structure

**Target length:** 1,500-2,500 words (8-12 minute read)

### Structure Template

#### 1. Title (60-80 characters)

- Include primary keyword
- Promise clear value
- Avoid clickbait

#### 2. Opening Hook (first 2 paragraphs)

- State the problem or opportunity
- Establish why this matters NOW
- Preview the value reader will get

#### 3. Context Section (200-400 words)

- Background needed to understand the topic
- Establish credibility (why you can speak on this)
- Statistics or trends that frame the discussion

#### 4. Main Content (1,000-1,800 words)

- Clear sections with descriptive headings
- Practical examples and illustrations
- Actionable insights, not just theory
- Use lists, tables, and formatting for scanability

#### 5. Conclusion (150-250 words)

- Summarize key takeaways
- Provide clear next steps
- Include CTA (comment, follow, share)

#### 6. Call to Action

- Invite discussion in comments
- Suggest related articles
- Offer to connect

**See `assets/templates/linkedin-article-template.md` for full template with placeholders.**

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## URL-to-Article Conversion

When you have external content (blog post, research paper, news article) worth expanding:

### Step 1: Extract Core Value

- What's the key insight?
- What data/examples support it?
- What's missing that you can add?

### Step 2: Add Your Perspective

- How does this apply to your expertise area?
- What have you seen in practice?
- What does your audience need to know?

### Step 3: Restructure for LinkedIn

- Open with the most valuable insight
- Use LinkedIn-friendly formatting
- Add context LinkedIn's audience needs
- Include proper attribution

### Step 4: Extend, Don't Just Summarize

- Add 30-50% original content
- Include your frameworks/experience
- Connect to your expertise areas

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## Article Promotion Strategy

Articles need active promotion - they don't get algorithmic boost like posts.

### Pre-Publication (1 week before)

- Tease the topic in 2-3 posts
- Gather questions from audience
- Build anticipation

### Publication Day

1. Publish article early morning
2. Create promotional post (not just link)
3. Share key insight with link in comments
4. Engage actively with all responses

### Post-Publication (1-4 weeks after)

- Create 3-5 derivative posts from article content
- Each post focuses on one insight
- Link back to full article in comments
- Respond to comments on article itself

### Long-term

- Reference article in relevant conversations
- Update with new insights quarterly
- Create carousel summarizing key points
- Feature in profile's "Featured" section

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## Article SEO Optimization

LinkedIn articles are indexed by Google and LinkedIn search.

### Optimize for Discovery

- Include keywords in title and first paragraph
- Use descriptive subheadings
- Add alt text to images
- Internal links to your other articles
- Include 3-5 relevant hashtags at bottom

### What to Avoid

- Keyword stuffing
- Thin content (under 1,000 words)
- Duplicate content from your blog (rewrite substantially)
- Clickbait titles that don't deliver

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## When NOT to Use Articles

- You're new to LinkedIn (build post momentum first)
- The content works better as a carousel or document
- It's time-sensitive news (use posts)
- You can't commit to 1,500+ words of quality content
- Your audience prefers bite-sized content

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## Recommendation

Start articles after 3+ months of consistent posting and 2,000+ followers. One article per month is sufficient; quality over quantity.
