--- name: "LinkedIn Article" platform: "linkedin" content_type: "article" description: "Long-form blog-style content optimized for SEO, thought leadership, and evergreen professional value" whenToUse: | Creating agents that produce LinkedIn articles or long-form professional content. constraints: optimal_word_count: "1500-2000" headline_max_chars: 220 version: "1.0.0" --- ## Platform Rules - LinkedIn Articles have lower immediate feed reach than posts but offer stronger long-term SEO value. Articles are indexed by search engines and remain discoverable indefinitely. - Articles appear on your profile under the "Activity" section and can be featured in the "Featured" section for permanent visibility. - The algorithm distributes articles primarily to your existing network. To maximize reach, share the article as a post with a compelling hook and "Link in comments" approach. - Articles support rich formatting: headers, images, embedded media, block quotes, and numbered lists. Use these to increase dwell time and readability. - Commenting and engagement on articles still matter. The first 60 minutes of engagement influence how broadly the article is distributed in the LinkedIn feed. - Articles can be published as part of a LinkedIn Newsletter, which pushes notifications to subscribers and dramatically increases consistent readership. - Best publishing days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday during business hours (7-9 AM or 12-1 PM in your audience's time zone). ## Content Structure ### Article Architecture 1. **Headline** — SEO-friendly, specific, and curiosity-driven. Front-load the primary keyword within the first 70 characters. Maximum 220 characters, but 60-100 characters is optimal for display. 2. **Cover image** — High-quality, relevant visual. Avoid generic stock photos. Custom graphics or contextual images perform better. 3. **Introduction (150-250 words)** — State the problem, establish relevance, and preview what the reader will learn. The first 2-3 sentences must hook the reader — they appear as the article preview in the feed. 4. **Body sections (3-5 sections, 250-400 words each)** — Each section addresses one sub-topic with a clear subheading. Use a mix of narrative, data, and practical advice. 5. **Actionable takeaways** — Each body section should end with a concrete, implementable takeaway. Readers should be able to act on the advice immediately. 6. **Conclusion (100-200 words)** — Synthesize the key message into a single memorable insight. Reinforce the transformation or shift in thinking. 7. **CTA** — End with a question that invites comments, a prompt to share, or a direction to related content. ### Section Design - Use H2 subheadings for major sections and H3 for sub-points. Clear hierarchy helps both readability and SEO. - Include at least one data point, case study, or concrete example per section. Abstract advice without evidence is forgettable. - Use bullet points and numbered lists for scannable content within sections. - Keep paragraphs to 2-4 sentences maximum. Long paragraphs cause reader fatigue on screen. ## Writing Guidelines - **Write in first person.** Personal experience and professional expertise are what give LinkedIn Articles authority. "In my experience" is more compelling than "It is generally recommended." - **Headline must balance SEO and curiosity.** Include the primary keyword naturally. Good: "Why Most B2B Content Strategies Fail (And 5 Ways to Fix Yours)." Bad: "Thoughts on Marketing." - Front-load value in the introduction. The first 2-3 sentences appear as the article preview in the LinkedIn feed. They must create a compelling reason to click through. - Use subheadings that are informative, not clever. "How to Structure Your First 90 Days" is better than "The Beginning." Readers scan subheadings to decide whether to read the full article. - Every section should answer the question "So what?" Give the reader a reason to care and something to do with the information. - Include specific numbers, frameworks, or step-by-step processes. Vague advice ("be more strategic") is worthless. Specific advice ("allocate 30% of your budget to X, track Y metric weekly") is actionable. - Close with a single, strong CTA. Do not scatter multiple calls to action throughout. One ask at the end: a question, a share prompt, or a link to related content. - Keep total length between 1,500-2,000 words. Under 1,000 feels thin for an article format. Over 2,500 causes completion rate drop-off. ## Output Format ``` === HEADLINE === [SEO-optimized headline — 60-100 characters optimal, max 220. Front-load primary keyword.] === COVER IMAGE === [Description of the cover image concept — relevant, not generic stock] === INTRO === [Opening hook — 2-3 sentences that create urgency or curiosity] [Problem statement — what challenge or gap this article addresses] [Preview — what the reader will learn or gain by reading] === SECTION 1: [Subheading] === [Narrative, data, or example — 250-400 words] [Concrete takeaway from this section] === SECTION 2: [Subheading] === [Narrative, data, or example — 250-400 words] [Concrete takeaway from this section] === SECTION 3: [Subheading] === [Narrative, data, or example — 250-400 words] [Concrete takeaway from this section] === SECTION 4: [Subheading] (optional) === [Narrative, data, or example — 250-400 words] [Concrete takeaway from this section] === CONCLUSION === [Synthesis — the single most important insight from the article, 100-200 words] === CTA === [One clear call to action — question for comments, share prompt, or link to related content] ``` ## Quality Criteria - [ ] Headline is 60-100 characters, front-loads the primary keyword, and creates curiosity - [ ] Introduction establishes the problem and previews the article's value within the first 3 sentences - [ ] Article contains 3-5 body sections, each with a clear H2 subheading - [ ] Each section includes at least one concrete example, data point, or case study - [ ] Each section ends with an actionable takeaway the reader can implement - [ ] Total word count is between 1,500-2,000 words - [ ] Paragraphs are 2-4 sentences maximum - [ ] Article is written in first person with professional authority - [ ] Conclusion synthesizes one memorable insight, not just a summary of points - [ ] CTA is a single, clear ask at the end of the article ## Anti-Patterns - **Vague, keyword-stuffed headlines** — "Thoughts on Innovation and Digital Transformation in 2024" says nothing specific and will be ignored. Headlines must promise a concrete benefit or insight. - **No subheadings** — Long-form content without visual hierarchy is a wall of text. Readers scan subheadings to decide whether to invest time reading. - **Abstract advice without evidence** — "Be more strategic" or "Focus on value" without specific examples, data, or frameworks is forgettable and unactionable. - **Corporate jargon** — "Leveraging synergies to drive holistic transformation" alienates readers. Write in plain, direct language. - **Burying the value** — If the most useful insight is in paragraph 12, most readers will never reach it. Front-load value and structure for scanning. - **Multiple scattered CTAs** — Asking readers to like, share, comment, subscribe, visit your website, and download a PDF dilutes every ask. Pick one primary CTA. - **Generic stock cover images** — A handshake photo or a lightbulb clipart signals low effort. Use a relevant, custom visual. - **Under 1,000 words** — An article that is too short feels like it should have been a post. The article format implies depth and substance. - **No line breaks or formatting** — Dense paragraphs of 6+ sentences cause reader fatigue. Use short paragraphs, bullets, and whitespace.