diff --git a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/linkedin.md b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/linkedin.md
index f0cecf4..7985571 100644
--- a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/linkedin.md
+++ b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/linkedin.md
@@ -27,6 +27,23 @@ The follower segment only appears if `follower_count > 0` in the state file.
 
 If the state file doesn't exist, show: "No LinkedIn state tracked yet. State tracking starts when you create your first post."
 
+## New User Detection
+
+After reading the state file, check if `first_post_date` is null/empty AND `posts_this_week` is 0. If so, this is a new user. Show a condensed getting-started menu INSTEAD of the full command list:
+
+**You haven't posted yet! Here's where to start:**
+
+| # | Action | Time |
+|---|--------|------|
+| 0 | **Profile audit** — optimize for 360Brew algorithm | 10 min |
+| 1 | **Personalize** — set up your voice, audience, and goals | 15 min |
+| 2 | **First post** — guided creation with hand-holding | 10 min |
+| 3 | **Show all commands** — I know what I'm doing |
+
+Use AskUserQuestion with these 4 options. Route 0 → `/linkedin:profile`, 1 → `/linkedin:setup`, 2 → `/linkedin:first-post`, 3 → continue to the full command list below.
+
+**Skip this section entirely if `first_post_date` is set or `posts_this_week` > 0.** Proceed to Upcoming Posts and the full command list.
+
 ## Upcoming Posts
 
 After the status line, show upcoming scheduled posts from the queue:
diff --git a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/post.md b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/post.md
index 786dbc9..52c12f3 100644
--- a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/post.md
+++ b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/post.md
@@ -23,6 +23,16 @@ You are a LinkedIn thought leadership content creator. Guide the user through cr
 First, load persistent state and personalization:
 - Read `~/.claude/linkedin-thought-leadership.local.md` for posting state (streak, weekly progress, recent topics)
 - Read `skills/linkedin-thought-leadership/SKILL.md` for user profile, voice settings, and preferences
+- Read `config/user-profile.local.md` (if it exists) for expertise areas and audience
+
+### Readiness Check
+
+If `config/user-profile.local.md` doesn't exist OR `assets/voice-samples/authentic-voice-samples.md` contains `[Your Name]` in the title line, show this non-blocking notice:
+
+> This plugin isn't personalized yet. Content will use generic best practices.
+> Run `/linkedin:setup` after this session to unlock voice-matched content.
+
+Then proceed normally — do not block content creation.
 
 Check state for topic planning:
 - Compare intended topic against "Recent Posts" in state file
diff --git a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/quick.md b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/quick.md
index 897d5b8..3da472e 100644
--- a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/quick.md
+++ b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/commands/quick.md
@@ -27,6 +27,17 @@ Read `skills/linkedin-thought-leadership/SKILL.md` for:
 - Core expertise areas (for topical alignment)
 - Phrases they commonly use
 
+Read `config/user-profile.local.md` (if it exists) for expertise areas and audience.
+
+### Readiness Check
+
+If `config/user-profile.local.md` doesn't exist OR `assets/voice-samples/authentic-voice-samples.md` contains `[Your Name]` in the title line, show this non-blocking notice:
+
+> This plugin isn't personalized yet. Content will use generic best practices.
+> Run `/linkedin:setup` after this session to unlock voice-matched content.
+
+Then proceed normally — do not block content creation.
+
 Read `assets/quick-post-resources.md` for:
 - Hooks bank
 - CTAs bank
diff --git a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/prompts/post-creation-automation.md b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/prompts/post-creation-automation.md
index d736c03..5137bce 100644
--- a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/prompts/post-creation-automation.md
+++ b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/prompts/post-creation-automation.md
@@ -16,7 +16,14 @@ Based on the day of the week, suggest the next optimal posting window:
 - Weekend: 10-11 AM CET (lower reach but less competition)
 
 **3. 5x5x5 Engagement Reminder**
-Remind: 'Before posting, spend 15-20 minutes on 5x5x5 pre-engagement: find 5 people with overlapping audiences, comment thoughtfully on their recent posts.'
+Remind the user about the 5x5x5 engagement ritual:
+
+> **5x5x5 Engagement Ritual** (15-20 min before AND in the first hour after posting):
+> - **5 comments** — find 5 people with overlapping audiences and leave thoughtful comments on their recent posts
+> - **5 connection requests** — send personalized requests to people who engaged with your niche today
+> - **5 replies** — reply to every comment on YOUR post within the first hour
+>
+> This signals active participation to LinkedIn's algorithm and boosts your post's initial distribution.
 
 **4. Content Logging**
 Note: The post topic and hook should be logged to the state file when the session ends (handled by Stop hook).
diff --git a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/scripts/session-start.mjs b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/scripts/session-start.mjs
index 3974e89..bd61878 100644
--- a/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/scripts/session-start.mjs
+++ b/plugins/linkedin-thought-leadership/hooks/scripts/session-start.mjs
@@ -253,7 +253,9 @@ if (existsSync(STATE_FILE)) {
   }
 
   // Personalization score check
-  if (pScore !== null && pScore < 50) {
+  if (pScore !== null && pScore === 0) {
+    context += '## Quick Win\\nPersonalization: 0%. Run /linkedin:setup (15 min) to unlock voice-matched, audience-specific content.\\n\\n';
+  } else if (pScore !== null && pScore < 50) {
     reminders += `- Personalization score is ${pScore}%. Run /linkedin:setup to improve content quality with your real voice, case studies, and audience data.\\n`;
   }
 
@@ -367,8 +369,13 @@ if (existsSync(STATE_FILE)) {
     content = content.replace(/^current_week: .*/m, `current_week: "${actualWeek}"`);
     writeFileSync(STATE_FILE, content);
     context = `LinkedIn state file auto-initialized from template at ${STATE_FILE}.\\n`;
-    context += `Current ISO week set to ${actualWeek}.\\n`;
-    context += 'Edit the file to set your expertise_areas and weekly_goal.\\n';
+    context += `Current ISO week set to ${actualWeek}.\\n\\n`;
+    context += '## Welcome to LinkedIn Thought Leadership\\n\\n';
+    context += 'Your state file has been initialized. Here is how to get started:\\n\\n';
+    context += '1. Run /linkedin:profile — Optimize your LinkedIn profile for 360Brew (critical before first post)\\n';
+    context += '2. Run /linkedin:setup — Personalize with your voice, case studies, and audience data\\n';
+    context += '3. Run /linkedin:first-post — Create your first post in under 10 minutes\\n\\n';
+    context += 'Your personalization score is 0%. Content quality improves as you fill in your profile.\\n';
   } else {
     context = `No LinkedIn state file found at ${STATE_FILE} and template missing.\\n`;
     context += `Expected template at: ${templateFile}\\n`;