#PublishingReinvented 281 LinkedIn Errors & A Plan for Non Fiction Authors + Our June Challenge Reminder
Below is a list of things we can all do to improve our LinkedIn, but especially nonfiction authors (I am one too) who may have a book that could appeal to people on LinkedIn.
I know, it’s impossible to do everything on social media, but if you are a non fiction author these things are worth considering.
6 Common Mistakes LinkedIn Creators Make (and How to Avoid Them)
LinkedIn can be a powerful platform for growing our personal brand, building authority, and connecting with like-minded people. But many of us—new and seasoned—make avoidable mistakes that limit reach and credibility.
Let’s walk through six of the most common pitfalls and how we can sidestep them to maximize our impact.
1. Liking Random Posts
“The algorithm notices who you interact with.”
When you like a post on LinkedIn, you're training the algorithm to show you more content like it—and showing your network what you endorse. If you're randomly liking posts that aren't aligned with your niche or values, you're creating a scattered impression and reducing your content's relevance.
What to do instead:
Like posts intentionally—focus on thought leaders, peers, and topics related to your field.
Curate your feed by engaging with content that educates, inspires, or aligns with your voice.
Think of likes as endorsements.
2. Underestimating Your Expertise
Many professionals hesitate to share insights, assuming their knowledge is “too basic” or “already known.” This often stems from impostor syndrome or the Dunning-Kruger effect, where capable individuals underestimate their knowledge while less experienced ones overshare with confidence.
Remember:
What feels basic to you may be new and valuable to others.
Your experience is unique and worth sharing.
Even seasoned professionals appreciate fresh perspectives on “obvious” topics.
Action Tip:
Make a list of 10 things you’ve learned related to your book. Post about one each week. Add a story or mistake you learned from—it adds authenticity.
3. Using a Poor-Quality Profile Picture
“Even if it doesn’t matter to you, it does to your followers.”
Your profile photo is your first impression. Blurry selfies, distracting backgrounds, or casual pics (e.g., at a party or beach) can undermine your professionalism.
What to do instead:
Invest in a professional headshot. If your budget is limited, collaborate with a photography student or use portrait mode on a smartphone in good lighting.
Get feedback from trusted contacts before finalizing.
Consider enhancing it on your phone. For brightness at least.
4. Commenting or Reposting Without Adding Value
“Cool!” is not a strategy.
Engagement is key, but lazy comments or reposts without context can hurt our credibility. Comments like “Nice!” or “Agreed” add little. Reposting without commentary also fails to showcase our voice.
Better approach:
Comment with a unique perspective, relevant question, or a thoughtful disagreement.
When reposting, add 1-2 sentences on why the content matters to your audience.
Engage meaningfully with 3–5 creators you admire regularly.
Quality > Quantity.
5. Posting on a Whim Without a Strategy
Posting when inspiration strikes may work occasionally, but consistency and clarity are crucial for growth.
“To grow on LinkedIn, you’ve got to act strategically.”
Create a content plan:
Choose 3–5 content pillars (e.g., leadership tips, industry trends, personal journey).
Use a scheduling tool or content calendar to stay consistent.
Batch-create content weekly or bi-weekly to reduce pressure.
Example Post Types:
“Lessons from a recent failure”
“One mindset shift that helped me grow”
“Industry prediction no one’s talking about”
Consistency builds trust—and traction.
6. Assuming Everyone Knows What You Know
“Once you know something, it feels like everyone else must too.”
This is called the Curse of Knowledge—the bias that makes experts forget what it's like not to know something. It stops people from sharing content they think is “too obvious.”
But obvious = opportunity.
Real-world example:
A health coach hesitated to post about the dangers of prolonged sitting, thinking it was common knowledge. The post exploded in engagement and sparked thoughtful conversation.
Takeaway:
Don’t gatekeep your knowledge. Assume nothing. Even if people know the facts, they may need reminding—or your voice may resonate in a way others don’t.
Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t require a major overhaul—just thoughtful tweaks to how we show up.
Be intentional, share generously, and engage strategically.
Your voice matters. Let LinkedIn hear it.
CLOSING SOON:
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