If you’ve spent any time scrolling through LinkedIn lately, you’ve probably noticed that the lines between personal and professional content are getting blurry. Sharing your authentic self can be a key part of your personal branding, helping you stand out in a sea of polished profiles. On the other hand, oversharing might raise a few eyebrows—or at minimum, cause you to second-guess hitting “Post” in the first place.
There are important nuances when it comes to how to post on LinkedIn. To shed light on this topic, we spoke to career experts who shared their thoughts on balancing authenticity and professionalism, the subtleties of addressing personal topics like diversity and inclusion, and the best ways to build your personal brand on LinkedIn.
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The key to LinkedIn personal branding lies in balance
LinkedIn has evolved from a straightforward job-seeking platform into a dynamic space where professionals share insights, celebrate achievements, and even dive into deeply personal stories. But does that mean you should bare your soul on the platform?
According to career consultant Yolanda M. Owens, founder of CareerSensei Consulting, the key to nailing LinkedIn posts is to leave a little to the imagination. “Your LinkedIn profile should provide enough high-level professional information and subtle personal details to pique a reader’s interest—and leave enough out to make the reader want to learn more,” Owens says.
This means highlighting your accomplishments and values while weaving in touches of personality to stand out from the crowd. Mentioning that you're an avid reader or lover of nature, for example, can build character beyond the technical information on your resume.
However, consider erring on the side of caution. “It’s great to show your personality and unique experiences, but LinkedIn is still a public, professional platform,” says professional coach Kaila Kea-Lewis from CoachedByKaila. “Humanizing the job search is important, but oversharing can compromise your privacy and boundaries.” The takeaway? Share the parts of your story that enhance your professional identity, but remember—less is often more.
The pressure to become a diversity and inclusion creator
These days, folks who belong to underrepresented groups can feel pressured to use their voice to address diversity and inclusion on their LinkedIn posts. While it's great if you want to discuss these topics on LinkedIn, you should never feel pressured to do so.
As women of color, both Owens and Kea-Lewis agree that sharing your perspective can open doors and build community—but only if it aligns with your goals and comfort level.
“You can opt to sing the solo or hum quietly in the background, but you're still part of the song,” Owens says. “Likes, reposts, and comments all amplify voices.” This means that not every contribution has to come in the form of a post.
“It’s OK to be selective about what you discuss,” Kea-Lewis says. “If you believe you have something substantial to add to the conversation, go for it. But don’t feel pressured to be the spokesperson for your group.”
How to use LinkedIn for personal branding
A strong personal brand is crucial in today’s job market—and LinkedIn is one of the best places to develop it. “Building a personal brand is everything for career success,” Owens says. “It differentiates you from the competition and helps you maintain your visibility and relevancy in the employment marketplace.”
But where do you start? Here are a few expert-backed tips:
1. Define your professional identity
Before you post, think about what you’re uniquely qualified to do and what value you bring to potential employers, clients, or collaborators. “Your personal brand is a representation of who you are as a professional and what you can offer,” Kea-Lewis says.
2. Engage consistently (but strategically)
Set aside time each week to engage with your network and be part of the conversation. “Post an industry-related article, like and share content from your connections, and interact with thought leaders,” Owens says. Comment on industry news, ask thoughtful questions and share insights that resonate with your network. These small actions keep you visible and relevant without requiring daily posts.
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3. Share thoughtful, relevant content
When you do post, aim for quality over quantity. Draft your thoughts, let them sit for a day, and then decide if they align with your goals. “Pausing before you post can help you strike the right balance,” Kea-Lewis says. So, how do you post on LinkedIn (the right way)? We'll get to it in a few!
What to post on LinkedIn to stay relevant
When it comes to deciding what to post on LinkedIn, think of it as a digital version of your professional persona. Your LinkedIn profile and posts should highlight your accomplishments and personality in a way that sets you apart. Sharing professional milestones, lessons learned from your career, and industry insights is always a safe bet. But what about more personal stories?
For those who want to share personal stories, Owens wisely says: Understand your “why.” “Are you looking to build community, educate, or brand yourself as a subject matter expert?” she says. “If you approach the matter from that angle, the opportunity comes from lessons learned—not bruised egos.” Knowing your purpose will help you decide what to share and what to keep private.
How to post on LinkedIn to be cohesive with your branding
Effective LinkedIn posts combine personal storytelling with actionable insights. At the end of the day, your LinkedIn posts should reflect your professional identity and values. The key is to strike a balance that feels authentic to you.
To make the most of your LinkedIn presence, consider these tips:
- Be strategic. Share stories that highlight your values and expertise while staying relevant to your audience.
- Stay professional. Avoid oversharing personal details that don’t align with your professional goals.
- Engage thoughtfully. Comment on and share content from industry leaders to expand your visibility.
- Stay active. “Make it a practice to go into LinkedIn at least once a week,” Owens says.
Nailing your personal branding on LinkedIn
So, how personal should you get on LinkedIn? The answer depends on your goals, your comfort level, and what feels authentic to you. Sharing personal stories can humanize your professional persona and help you connect with others—but the golden rule is to post with purpose.