How to Learn the Language of LinkedIn (Without Overthinking It)
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova Hire on Unsplash
If you’ve ever stared at a blank cursor trying to write a LinkedIn post and thought…
“I think this sounds right, but I’m not sure if it really fits the LinkedIn vibe…”
You’re not alone.
Writing for LinkedIn can feel strangely high-stakes — especially if you’re used to other platforms like Instagram or Twitter. The tone is professional but personal. Insightful but not preachy. Informative but still human.
So how do you learn the unspoken language of LinkedIn content?
Well, I found a surprising shortcut.
And it started with a little procrastination.
How I Accidentally Discovered a LinkedIn Content Cheat Code
Back in June, I had just moved into a new apartment and was putting off the inevitable task of unpacking boxes.
Instead of being productive, I did what most of us do: I opened Instagram.
And like magic (or perhaps highly targeted algorithmic persuasion), I got hit with this pop-up:
“All your friends are on Threads. Join them!”
Curiosity + procrastination = I made a Threads account.
Once inside, the scroll began… and then I had a thought:
“Wait… I wonder what LinkedIn is posting on Threads?”
That’s when the real content goldmine revealed itself.
LinkedIn’s Threads Account = Unexpected Content Strategy Gold
Turns out, LinkedIn is very active on Threads — and they’re really good at creating short, punchy posts that get tons of engagement.
But more than that?
Their Threads posts are like a peek behind the curtain of what performs well back on LinkedIn.
Because naturally, they’re threading about the most LinkedIn-y topics ever:
Work culture
Career transitions
Mental health
Leadership
Burnout
Job searching
Sales and soft skills
And these aren’t generic corporate posts. They’re human, relatable, and surprisingly conversational.
Here are three viral examples I found — and how you can translate them into LinkedIn content ideas of your own.
1. Career Transitions
“Changing careers is normal. Don’t let anyone say you can only be one thing for the rest of your life.”
(1.4k likes, 272 re-threads)
-> How to turn this into a LinkedIn post:
Tell your own pivot story — whether you switched industries, left a job you outgrew, or made a leap you were scared of. Reflect on what you learned, how you made the decision, or what you’d tell someone considering a similar shift.
2. Work-Life Balance
“Your job doesn’t define you. Try to find time for the things that do.”
(1.1k likes, 161 re-threads)
-> How to turn this into a LinkedIn post:
Share a personal story about burnout, work identity, or rediscovering what matters most outside of work. These posts often strike a chord and spark great conversations in the comments.
3. Mental Health at Work
“Hi, hello, good morning. Mental health is not a luxury—it’s essential.”
(1.7k likes, 221 re-threads)
-> How to turn this into a LinkedIn post:
Talk about what it’s looked like for you to prioritize your mental health as a founder, leader, parent, or employee. You can share what boundaries you’ve set, what you’ve learned, or what you’d do differently next time.
Why This Works (And How to Use It for Your LinkedIn Content Strategy)
If you’re trying to better understand LinkedIn’s tone, vibe, or what kind of content will actually resonate with your audience, take a look at how LinkedIn is showing up on other platforms.
On Threads, they’re:
Skipping the corporate speak
Leaning into humanity
Speaking to emotions and lived experiences
Addressing real challenges people face at work
That’s the same energy that performs well on LinkedIn itself.
So if you’ve ever asked:
“How do I write for LinkedIn without sounding robotic?”
“What kind of posts do well here?”
“How do I sound like myself and still be professional?”
Start here.
Scroll LinkedIn’s Threads account and let it inspire how you speak on LinkedIn too.
TL;DR: Want to Learn LinkedIn’s Language? Watch What They’re Saying Elsewhere
Look for what’s working on other platforms
Pay attention to tone, topic, and structure
Translate those ideas into stories, reflections, or observations from your own experience
Stay human — that’s what builds trust
You don’t need to mimic anyone else’s style.
But studying the source (LinkedIn itself!) can help you unlock your own voice with more clarity and confidence.
P.S. If you want support developing your own LinkedIn content strategy — one that actually sounds like you and brings in the right leads — I help founders, consultants, and coaches do exactly that.
→ Click here to learn more or book a 1:1 content strategy session.