# LinkedIn Article Template

Use this template when creating LinkedIn Articles (long-form content, 1,500-2,500 words).

## Article Metadata

```yaml
title: "[60-80 characters, keyword-rich]"
target_length: 1500-2500 words
reading_time: 8-12 minutes
primary_keyword: "[main search term]"
secondary_keywords: ["keyword2", "keyword3"]
target_audience: "[specific reader profile]"
article_goal: "[what should reader do/feel/know after reading]"
```

## Article Structure

### Title (60-80 characters)

**Format options:**
- How to [achieve outcome] (Without [common obstacle])
- The [Number] [Things] That [Outcome]
- Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong (And What to Do Instead)
- What [Time Period] Taught Me About [Topic]
- [Topic]: The Complete Guide for [Audience]

**Your title:**
```
[WRITE TITLE HERE]
```

**Checklist:**
- [ ] Contains primary keyword
- [ ] Promises clear value
- [ ] Under 80 characters
- [ ] Not clickbait

---

### Opening Hook (First 2-3 paragraphs, 150-250 words)

**Purpose:** Grab attention, establish why this matters NOW, preview value

**Template:**
```
[Opening hook - surprising stat, bold claim, or compelling question]

[Why this matters to the reader - what problem does it solve?]

[What the reader will learn/gain from this article]

[Brief credibility statement - why you can speak on this]
```

**Your opening:**
```
[WRITE OPENING HERE]
```

---

### Context Section (200-400 words)

**Purpose:** Provide background needed to understand the main content

**Template:**
```
## The Background You Need

[Brief history or context of the topic]

[Current state of affairs]

[Why now is the right time to address this]

[Any key definitions or concepts needed]
```

**Your context section:**
```
[WRITE CONTEXT HERE]
```

---

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

**Purpose:** Deliver the core value - insights, framework, how-to

**Structure options:**

**Option A: Numbered sections**
```
## 1. [First Main Point]

[Explanation of point]

[Example or evidence]

[How to apply this]

## 2. [Second Main Point]

[Repeat structure]

## 3. [Third Main Point]

[Repeat structure]
```

**Option B: Problem-Solution**
```
## The Problem

[Detailed problem description]

## Why Traditional Approaches Fail

[Analysis of common approaches]

## A Better Approach

[Your solution/framework]

## How to Implement

[Step-by-step guidance]
```

**Option C: Narrative**
```
## The Beginning

[Story setup]

## The Challenge

[What happened]

## The Turning Point

[Key realization]

## The Result

[Outcome and lessons]

## The Broader Application

[How readers can apply this]
```

**Your main content:**
```
[WRITE MAIN CONTENT HERE]
```

---

### Conclusion (150-250 words)

**Purpose:** Summarize, synthesize, and call to action

**Template:**
```
## What This Means for You

[Brief recap of key points - 2-3 sentences max]

[The bigger picture / why this matters]

[Specific next steps the reader can take]

[Call to action - discussion question or invitation to connect]
```

**Your conclusion:**
```
[WRITE CONCLUSION HERE]
```

---

### Article Footer

```
---

[Optional: About the author section - 2-3 sentences]

[Optional: Related articles or resources]

[Tags/hashtags: 3-5 relevant]
```

---

## Pre-Publication Checklist

### Content Quality
- [ ] Title is compelling and keyword-optimized
- [ ] Opening hooks the reader immediately
- [ ] Main content delivers on the title's promise
- [ ] Examples are specific and relevant
- [ ] Conclusion has clear takeaways
- [ ] Word count is 1,500-2,500

### SEO Optimization
- [ ] Primary keyword in title
- [ ] Primary keyword in first 100 words
- [ ] Keywords naturally distributed throughout
- [ ] Subheadings are descriptive
- [ ] Images have alt text

### Formatting
- [ ] Short paragraphs (3-4 sentences max)
- [ ] Clear section headings
- [ ] Bullet points for lists
- [ ] Tables for comparisons
- [ ] White space for readability
- [ ] Mobile-friendly formatting

### Attribution
- [ ] All sources credited
- [ ] External links working
- [ ] Quotes properly attributed
- [ ] No plagiarism

---

## Promotion Timeline

### Pre-Publication (1 week before)

**Day -7:**
- [ ] Tease the topic in a post (generate interest)

**Day -3:**
- [ ] Second tease post (share one insight from article)

**Day -1:**
- [ ] Engage actively with your network (5x5x5 method)

### Publication Day

**Morning (publication):**
- [ ] Publish article
- [ ] Create promotional post (not just a link)
- [ ] Share key insight with article link in comments

**Throughout the day:**
- [ ] Respond to all comments on article
- [ ] Respond to all comments on promotional post
- [ ] Thank people who share

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

**Week 1:**
- [ ] Create 2-3 derivative posts from article content
- [ ] Each post links back to full article in comments

**Week 2:**
- [ ] Create carousel version of key points (if applicable)
- [ ] Reference article in relevant conversations

**Week 3-4:**
- [ ] Continue derivative content
- [ ] Update article if new information emerges

### Ongoing

- [ ] Add to Featured section on profile
- [ ] Reference in future relevant posts
- [ ] Update quarterly if evergreen topic

---

## Promotional Post Template

Use this to promote your article (don't just share the link):

```
[Hook - the most valuable insight from the article]

[Why this matters - 2-3 sentences]

[What the reader will learn - bullet points]
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3

[Tease - hint at something unexpected in the article]

[CTA - read the full article, link in comments]

---
Comment #1: Full article here: [Link]
```

---

## Article Ideas Starter

Generate article ideas by combining:

| Your Expertise | + | Format |
|----------------|---|--------|
| AI implementation | | Complete guide |
| Low-code automation | | Step-by-step tutorial |
| Public sector AI | | Lessons learned |
| Microsoft ecosystem | | Comparison/analysis |
| RAG architecture | | Framework/methodology |

**Example combinations:**
- "AI Implementation: The Complete Guide for Public Sector Leaders"
- "5 RAG Architecture Patterns I've Used Across 20+ Projects"
- "Why Public Sector AI Projects Fail (And How to Fix Them)"
- "Copilot Studio vs Power Automate: A Practical Comparison"
- "Building Your First RAG System: A Step-by-Step Tutorial"

---

## Notes

- Articles get less initial reach but longer lifespan
- Optimize for search (keywords in title, headings)
- Link internally to your other articles
- Update evergreen content quarterly
- Feature best articles on profile
