LinkedIn Content That Resonates: How to Stay Relevant in a Professional Context
If you've ever wondered what kind of content actually performs well on LinkedIn, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I get from founders, creators, and consultants is:
"What does the LinkedIn audience really want to see?"
Well, after years of experimenting and growing my audience, here's what I've found:
There are five core themes that consistently generate traction:
5 Types of Content LinkedIn Loves:
Burnout
Good bosses
Bad bosses
Leaving corporate to start a business
Navigating promotions, layoffs, negotiations, or raises
These topics work exceptionally well — if they’re true to your story. Here's why:
LinkedIn Is a Professional Platform — Treat It That Way
Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is fundamentally a B2B job-seeking and networking platform. It was built to be a place where people:
Search for jobs
Hire employees
Network professionally
Build credibility in their industry
So even though personal storytelling performs well here, your post should still be rooted in the context of your professional experiences, especially those that:
Reveal insights about the workplace
Explore human behavior in career transitions
Teach lessons about leadership or resilience
Why These 5 Themes Work So Well
Think about it: who hasn’t had an experience with burnout, toxic leadership, or being passed over for a promotion?
They’re deeply human experiences that transcend industry, level, and location. They:
Create connection and relatability
Spark emotion and conversation
Offer valuable lessons from lived experience
These stories work because they’re familiar yet specific — a sweet spot for storytelling.
How to Share These Stories Without Oversharing
That said, just because these topics are powerful doesn’t mean you should post them without intention.
Here’s how to stay aligned with LinkedIn’s professional context:
Make it about the lesson, not the rant
Don’t just vent. Focus on what you learned, how you’ve grown, or what advice you’d give someone in that same situation.Tie it back to your business, role, or industry
Make it relevant to your work today. Share how that tough boss shaped your own leadership style — or how a burnout moment led to a shift in your business model.Stay respectful and grounded
No name-calling, vague subtweets, or mudslinging. You can be honest without being unprofessional.
Your "Boring" Story Might Be the Most Impactful
Some of the most powerful posts I’ve seen come from stories that feel ordinary:
The time a manager advocated for you
The moment you decided to walk away from a toxic job
A small win that led to a much bigger breakthrough
The key is in the framing — focus on what it meant, what it taught you, and what others can take away from it.
Final Thoughts:
If you're trying to grow on LinkedIn as a founder, consultant, or coach, remember: you don’t need a viral-worthy story every time.
You need real, reflective, professionally relevant experiences that show your values and point of view.
Those are the posts that build trust — and that’s what drives business.
P.S. Ready to refine your LinkedIn strategy and grow your presence without sacrificing your professionalism? Let’s chat. I help business owners use content to build their reputation and attract aligned clients. Reach out to schedule a strategy call.
