# Linkedin Article > 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. - Skill: `reaperinvest/linkedin-article` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add reaperinvest/linkedin-article` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/reaperinvest/linkedin-article/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Author: reaperinvest (https://skillmd.com/u/reaperinvest) - Updated: 2026-09-22 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/reaperinvest/linkedin-article --- # 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.