---
name: linkedin-article
description: "Writes long-form LinkedIn articles optimized for the platform's algorithm with professional tone, engagement hooks, and CTA. Use when you need thought leadership content published directly on LinkedIn."
allowed-tools: Read Write Glob
metadata:
  author: matthewhitcham
  version: "1.0"
---

# LinkedIn Article

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:
- Write a long-form article published directly on LinkedIn (not a short post)
- Create thought leadership content that builds professional authority
- Produce a LinkedIn article optimized for the platform's distribution algorithm
- Write professional content between 800-2,500 words for a business audience

**DO NOT** use this skill for short LinkedIn posts (under 500 words), LinkedIn ad copy, or LinkedIn company page updates. This is for LinkedIn's native article publishing feature.

---

## Core Principle

LINKEDIN ARTICLES SUCCEED WHEN THEY DELIVER PROFESSIONAL VALUE THE READER CAN APPLY IMMEDIATELY — NOT WHEN THEY LECTURE OR SELF-PROMOTE.

---

## Phase 1: Brief

### Required Inputs

| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|-------|------------|---------|
| **Topic** | "What professional topic or insight are you sharing?" | No default — must be provided |
| **Target reader** | "Who should read this? Job titles, industries, seniority level." | Professionals and business owners in your industry |
| **Author positioning** | "What is your role/expertise that makes you credible on this topic?" | Experienced practitioner |
| **Key takeaway** | "What is the ONE thing readers should remember?" | No default — must be provided |
| **CTA** | "What should readers do after reading? Follow you, visit a link, comment?" | Follow author for more insights |
| **Word count** | "How long?" | 1,200-1,500 words |

### Brief Template

```
## LinkedIn Article Brief

**Topic:** Why remote-first companies outperform hybrid ones in retention
**Target reader:** HR leaders and startup founders
**Author positioning:** CEO who scaled a 50-person remote team with 94% retention
**Key takeaway:** Remote-first wins on retention because it eliminates proximity bias
**CTA:** Comment with their remote work challenge
**Word count:** 1,500 words
```

**GATE: Confirm brief before proceeding.**

---

## Phase 2: Outline

### LinkedIn Article Structure

1. **Headline** — clear, specific, benefit-driven (no clickbait)
2. **Hook paragraph** — personal story, surprising data, or bold claim
3. **3-5 body sections** with actionable subheadings
4. **Conclusion** — key takeaway + CTA
5. **Hashtags** — 3-5 relevant hashtags

### Outline Format

```
**Headline:** [Benefit-driven title]

**Hook** (~100 words)
- [Opening approach: story / stat / bold claim]

**Section 1: [Subheading]** (~300 words)
- [Key point]
- [Example or data]

**Section 2: [Subheading]** (~300 words)
- [Key point]

**Conclusion + CTA** (~150 words)
- [Key takeaway]
- [Specific CTA]

**Hashtags:** #RemoteWork #Leadership #Retention
```

**GATE: Wait for outline approval.**

---

## Phase 3: Write

### LinkedIn Algorithm Optimization

| Element | Rule |
|---------|------|
| **Headline** | 40-70 characters, no ALL CAPS, include a number or specific benefit |
| **First 2 lines** | Must hook — these show in the preview before "see more" |
| **Formatting** | Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences), bold key phrases, use bullet lists |
| **Length sweet spot** | 1,000-1,800 words performs best for articles |
| **Images** | Include a cover image suggestion and 1-2 in-article image ideas |
| **Engagement drivers** | Ask a question mid-article, reference shared experiences |
| **Hashtags** | 3-5 at the bottom, mix of broad (#Leadership) and niche (#RemoteHiring) |

### Writing Rules

- **Open with a story or specific moment** — not a definition or broad statement
- **Write in first person** — LinkedIn rewards authentic, personal content
- **One idea per paragraph** — scan-friendly above all
- **Bold the key sentence** in each section so skimmers catch the argument
- **Include at least one "I was wrong about..." or "Here's what surprised me..."** — vulnerability drives engagement
- **End every article with a question** to prompt comments

### Cover Image Brief

```
## Cover Image

**Concept:** [Visual tied to the article theme]
**Dimensions:** 1920x1080px (LinkedIn article cover)
**Text overlay:** [Article title or key stat]
**Style:** Professional, clean, brand-aligned
```

---

## Phase 4: Polish

### 1. Engagement Optimization Check

```
## Engagement Checklist

- [ ] Headline is specific and under 70 characters
- [ ] First 2 lines would make someone click "see more"
- [ ] At least one personal story or admission
- [ ] Bold text highlights key points for skimmers
- [ ] A question is asked to prompt comments
- [ ] CTA is clear and single-focused
- [ ] 3-5 hashtags included (mix of broad and niche)
- [ ] Cover image brief provided
- [ ] No more than 2 external links (algorithm penalizes link-heavy articles)
- [ ] Article reads well on mobile (short paragraphs, no wide tables)
```

### 2. Publishing Notes

Provide optimal publishing recommendations:
- Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Best times: 7-8 AM or 12 PM in the target audience's timezone
- Suggest a companion short post to share the article with a personal hook

---

## Example: "Why I Stopped Hiring for Culture Fit (And What I Do Instead)" (1,400 words)

**Outline excerpt:**
```
Headline: Why I Stopped Hiring for Culture Fit (And What I Do Instead)
Hook: Story of a "perfect culture fit" hire who underperformed
Section 1: The Culture Fit Trap (~300 words)
Section 2: What "Values Alignment" Looks Like in Practice (~400 words)
Section 3: The 3 Questions I Ask Instead (~400 words)
Conclusion: Reframe + ask readers what hiring mistakes they have made
Hashtags: #Hiring #Leadership #StartupLife #HR
```

---

## Anti-Patterns

- **Corporate speak** — "Leveraging synergies to drive stakeholder value" kills engagement. Write like a human.
- **No personal angle** — LinkedIn articles without a personal perspective read like Wikipedia entries.
- **Link dumping** — more than 2 external links signals spam to the algorithm.
- **Hashtag overload** — more than 5 hashtags looks desperate. Pick 3-5 relevant ones.
- **Burying the value** — if the actionable insight is in paragraph 12, most readers will never see it. Lead with value.
- **Self-promotion in the body** — save product mentions for the CTA. The article body is for insights.

---

## Recovery

- **No personal angle:** Ask for a specific moment, mistake, or surprise related to the topic. Everyone has one — help them find it.
- **Too generic:** Push for a contrarian take or a specific number. "5 Things I Learned" beats "Thoughts on Leadership."
- **Outline rejected:** Ask whether the issue is angle, depth, or tone. Suggest 3 alternative hooks.
- **Author uncomfortable with first person:** Offer a hybrid approach — use "we" or frame as "what our team learned."
- **No clear CTA:** Default to "Follow me for more on [topic]" + a question in the comments.
