Going viral on LinkedIn or any social media platform doesn’t happen often, but it can. Navigating social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, with the challenge of making an impact amidst the noise.

When I went viral on LinkedIn, my post garnered over a million views and 12,000 likes. This wasn’t just a fluke—it was a combination of strategy and authenticity.

This post was personal, chronicling my journey of overcoming obstacles. I wasn’t selling anything or offering hard-core marketing advice. Instead, I shared a slice of my life, attached a relatable photo and presented genuine insights. The result? It resonated deeply with my audience.

Achieving a viral post on LinkedIn or any platform is not about chasing virality for its own sake. It’s about authentic engagement and reaching the right people who find genuine value in your content. Here’s how to do it.

Here’s the reality of going viral on LinkedIn

1. Authenticity Trumps All: Storytelling is powerful and personal narratives often perform better than generic advice posts. By being genuine, you can forge real connections with others and build your network and supporters.
2. Timing is Key: Posting during peak engagement times, like weekday mornings (specifically Tuesday through Thursday), can increase visibility. But there are always exceptions.
3. Build Your Network: While quality of connections matters, a larger network also increases the likelihood of your content being seen and shared. Actively build your network each week.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Responding to comments, especially shortly after posting, can enhance visibility and engagement.
5. Optimize Your Content: The first three lines of your post are crucial—they act as your hook. Use visuals, especially personal photos and ensure your post is easily skimmable with lots of white spaces.
6. Strategic Use of Hashtags: Well-researched hashtags can extend the reach of your post. Place them at the end of the post and don’t use more than five hashtags per post.
7. Be Human: Always remember to infuse personality and relatability into your content. Share challenges and victories, and showcase your career path and what you’ve learned along the way.
8. Connect with Influencers: Networking with individuals who have robust LinkedIn followings can be beneficial, especially if they align with and advocate for your content. Even better is to comment on their posts in a meaningful way so you can tap into their valuable networks.
9. Avoid External Links: LinkedIn favors content that keeps users on their platform, so avoid including external links in your posts.
10. Sometimes, It’s Just Luck: Understand that sometimes, the most unexpected posts gain traction while others don’t. The key is to observe, learn and adjust your content strategy.

At the heart of it all is the understanding that virality is not just about numbers. It’s about creating meaningful, lasting impacts and fostering a sense of community. By focusing on genuine connections, you can amplify your message, foster engagement and perhaps even go viral.