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Does Scheduling Posts on LinkedIn Negatively Affect Reach? Not Necessarily

Does Scheduling Posts on LinkedIn Negatively Affect Reach? Not Necessarily

There is a persistent belief among professionals and content creators that scheduling posts on LinkedIn — whether using LinkedIn’s built-in scheduling feature or a third-party platform — can reduce a post’s reach. However, this assumption is largely a misconception.

In reality, scheduling a post does not inherently harm your reach. The issue lies not with the act of scheduling, but with what happens before and after the post is published.

Presence Matters More Than Timing

If your post goes live while you are unavailable — whether attending a meeting, on holiday, or simply not online — you may miss a critical opportunity to engage. In such cases, reach may decrease by as much as 20%. This drop is not due to the scheduling itself, but rather the absence of timely interaction from the content creator.

LinkedIn’s algorithm favours reciprocal engagement. In other words, the more meaningful interaction you give, the more likely it is that your content will receive engagement in return.

Recommended Engagement Strategy

To maximise the effectiveness of your scheduled posts, consider implementing the following strategy:

  • Engage with a minimum of five posts prior to and following your post’s publication.
  • Engage within a specific timeframe — ideally, 45 minutes before and 60 minutes after your post goes live.
  • Ensure interactions are substantive — avoid generic comments. Instead, provide thoughtful responses, ask insightful questions, or offer value through your commentary.

This proactive approach increases your visibility within your network and signals to the algorithm that you are an active participant in the platform’s ecosystem.

Scheduled Posts Are Effective — If Managed Properly

LinkedIn schedulingUsing scheduling tools, whether native or external, is a smart way to maintain consistency and streamline your content strategy. They allow you to plan in advance and maintain a professional presence without the need for constant manual posting.

However, scheduling alone is not sufficient. Without being present to engage and respond, your post’s impact may diminish. It is analogous to hosting an event and not attending — the message may be sent, but the connection is lost.

Content Quality Remains Paramount

It is important to note that no amount of scheduling or strategic engagement can compensate for poor-quality content. If your post lacks clarity, relevance, or value, it will not perform well regardless of your timing or participation.

Therefore, before considering scheduling tactics, ensure your content is well-crafted, insightful, and aligned with the interests of your audience.

In summary:

Scheduling posts on LinkedIn does not reduce reach — disengagement does. By remaining active and participating meaningfully before and after your content goes live, you can significantly enhance your visibility and engagement. Focus on quality content, consistent presence, and genuine interaction to make the most of your LinkedIn strategy.

If you’re struggling with writing or scheduling content, or building your LinkedIn presence, Red Desk can help. Please get in touch at mel@reddesk.co.uk to find out how we can support you.

BlueSky: The New Frontier in Social Media

BlueSky: The New Frontier in Social Media

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, social media platforms are constantly striving to capture the attention of users while offering innovative features. One such platform gaining traction is BlueSky, a decentralised social media app that has quickly captured the tech world’s interest. But what exactly sets BlueSky apart, and why should businesses and users take notice?

A Decentralised Approach to Social Media

BlueSky was created by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, with the vision of building a decentralised alternative to traditional social media platforms. At its core, BlueSky aims to give users more control over their data and the content they interact with. Unlike centralised platforms where a single company holds control over user data, BlueSky uses blockchain technology to decentralise the platform, allowing various independent networks (or “clients”) to interact with each other. This approach promises greater transparency, less censorship, and a more open web.

The Shift from X to BlueSky

Recently, we’ve noticed an interesting trend in the business world. Many businesses that had previously invested heavily in building their presence on X (formerly Twitter) are now shifting their focus to BlueSky. The appeal is clear: X has become a more unpredictable environment under new ownership, with significant changes to its policies, user experience, and platform priorities. This has led some businesses to reconsider the long-term viability of X as a key platform for engagement.

In contrast, BlueSky’s decentralised nature provides businesses with a fresh opportunity to connect with users in a more open and transparent way. The platform’s lack of algorithmic interference allows businesses to engage more authentically with their audience, without the pressure of paid promotions or shifting algorithmic trends. Many businesses are opting to close their X accounts and explore BlueSky as a new space for growth and meaningful connections.

Benefits for Users and Businesses

For users, BlueSky offers a refreshing change from the traditional social media experience. With a focus on privacy and transparency, it offers greater control over personal data and how it is shared. Additionally, the platform promotes an algorithm-free experience, empowering users to make their own choices on what content to engage with.

For businesses, BlueSky presents a new opportunity to engage with an early-adopting audience that values transparency and autonomy. While still in its growth phase, BlueSky’s decentralised model may appeal to businesses looking to align themselves with cutting-edge technology and privacy-conscious users. Furthermore, businesses can experiment with content strategies that emphasise organic engagement, free from the confines of traditional platform algorithms that often prioritise paid advertisements.

Potential Challenges

Despite its promise, BlueSky is not without its challenges. As a relatively new platform, it faces the hurdle of building a user base large enough to attract meaningful engagement. Additionally, because it operates on a decentralised model, businesses may face difficulties in targeting specific demographics or measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. The platform’s open-source nature may also present challenges in terms of content moderation, as the decentralised system could lead to inconsistent enforcement of policies.

Conclusion

As BlueSky continues to develop, its decentralised approach to social media offers a unique alternative to the status quo. The recent shift by many businesses from X to BlueSky signals a growing interest in the platform’s potential to provide a more transparent, user-centric experience. While BlueSky may still be in its infancy, it’s a platform worth keeping an eye on for both users and businesses alike. By embracing the future of social media, BlueSky could well redefine the way we connect, share, and engage online.

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