Why most people give up on LinkedIn & What to do instead

LinkedIn is full of smart-sounding nonsense right?

But the truth is, if your audience doesn’t feel something immediately, they’ll scroll past you. You don’t need to sound like Harvard, you need to sound human and catchy. Many founders who have found traction on LinkedIn spend more time on the first line than the rest of the post. Many say “ the hook doesn’t spark interest and stop the scroll, then, the rest doesn’t matter”.

Lead with the facts and the story

Whether it’s curiosity, controversy or emotion, make it punchy, make it short and make it scroll-stopping. That’s something that not only works in LinkedIn, but other social networks such as Instagram or TikTok. Having strong brand storytelling will lead you to more leads and sales than other sales techniques.

The difference between good content and great content? Storytelling. Adam Robinson doesn’t just post tips. He tells stories about himself, his clients or his thoughts. And that’s what makes people care.

Adam uses a simple structure:

• Hook: emotional, surprising or straight-up bold.
• Problem: something people relate to now.
• Story: real-life – see my post on building a brand story.
• Shift: how he reframed the issue.
• Call to reflection: sometimes a question, sometimes just a mic drop.

This works because people remember stories more than strategies. They connect with you, not your framework.

Start with your hook first

Your product doesn’t stop the scroll. Your presence does. And it starts with the first five words.

Even average posts can land above-average reach if the hook earns attention. Think of it like a headline: short, punchy, clear and loaded with curiosity or value. So how do you write better hooks? Here’s what we’ve seen work time and time again:

1. Use numbers
   Metrics, money, results. People trust numbers more than opinions. “How we grew MRR by 52% in 90 days” beats “How we scaled our business” every single time.
2. Post like no one knows you
   Because they probably don’t. Assume zero context and zero interest. 
3. Borrow credibility
   You don’t have to be Oprah, but you can share Oprah-level insights. Aggregate what industry leaders are saying. Summarise what the top 10 operators are doing differently. 

The content hack on LinkedIn isn’t just about being good, it’s about being seen. Therefore, for anyone hoping to be seen, you’ve got to nail your hook.

Text vs Video? Choose your weapon

There’s no “right” format, just the one that matches your energy and skill set. Start with what’s natural, then experiment. But don’t pick video just because someone said it converts better.

Truth to be told, videos add a deeper, more personal connection through voice and presence, which can enhance engagement beyond what text alone can achieve. Hearing a voice regularly builds a stronger emotional connection than just reading text, making the person feel like a close companion.

Nevertheless, if you don’t feel comfortable speaking in front of a camera, people will notice it. When you’re talking directly to the lens and to your audience, your voice needs to carry confidence. That’s how you build connection through a screen. That’s how your message lands.
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Because here’s the truth: showing up nervous, scattered or unsure of your words, you’re more likely to create distance than trust. No matter how valuable your insight is, the delivery matters. But here’s the good news: confidence on camera is a skill, not a talent. And like any skill, it gets better with practice.

Record test takes. Watch them back. Repeat.

Don’t post until you feel that click, that moment where your tone, energy, and words align. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. It’s progression. Authority. Clarity. And those only come with reps.

Text:

• Great for thinkers and writers.
• Easier to structure and schedule.
• Feels more editorial.
• Perfect for bold ideas, short reflections or long-form breakdowns.

Video:

• Builds trust faster: they see your face, hear your tone.
• Harder to fake.
• More engaging, but also more exposing.

Read my article Content Marketing Success Happens If You Do This.

How do you actually start building a personal brand in 2025 in LinkedIn?

Let’s be real: posting on LinkedIn can feel… weird. You’re told to “build your personal brand,” “show up with value” and “be authentic”. Although, no one gives you the manual for doing that without sounding like a walking Pinterest quote.

So here’s your straight-up cheat sheet to making LinkedIn actually work for you and still feel like you.

1. Post like you talk

Not like a marketer, nor like your boss nor like ChatGPT on a sugar high. Like you. Why? Because people connect with humans, not headlines as such. If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a friend, don’t post it. But remember, hooks are important.

2. Be consistent, not constant.

Adam recommends posting around 36 times/month and commenting from 2nd and 3rd-degree connections perform best. Although, posting every day doesn’t matter if half your content is filler. Three real, intentional posts a week or five “meh” ones. Every. Time. Consistency builds trust. Frequency with no purpose builds noise. You choose.

3. Don’t copy what works. Understand why it works.

Scrolling through viral posts and tweaking the first line doesn’t build a brand. It builds more noise. Instead:

• Ask why that hook hit.
• Study how the story was structured.
• Notice what tone feels fresh.

Then take those learnings and run them through your voice. That’s where the magic is.

4. Own your niche, but bring your personality.

You can talk about skincare and jiu jitsu in the same post. And if that’s you? Please, do. Your niche gives people a reason to follow you. Your personality gives them a reason to stay.

5. Test. Tweak. Ship. Repeat.

Not every post is going to slap. That’s not the goal. The goal is data. Direction. Getting your reps in. So don’t be precious. Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait until it’s perfect.

Your voice will get clearer. Your confidence will rise. And your brand? It will start to take shape naturally, from the inside out. If your content never repels, it is probably not resonating either. That is not a problem, it’s actually alignment doing its job. See my post about Building a story brand. 

The goal is not visibility for the sake of it. It is connection, with the right people, in the right way. So say the thing. Own your edge. Be a little weird if that is your truth.

Because in 2025, the most magnetic brands do not tone it down. They turn it up with heart.

What would shift if you stopped hiding the parts of your voice that make you unforgettable?

You’re building something that matters. We’ve got tools, truth, and a community to back you. Add your name to the list.