LinkedIn algorithm advice for coaches and therapists: what the latest updates mean for you

Have you noticed your visibility on LinkedIn has changed recently? That’s because of a new algorithm update designed to reward human engagement in the age of AI. All very well, but what does this mean for you as a coach, therapist or healer? 

I’ve waded through the latest advice (and worked it into a quick-fire guide) so you don’t have to.

Here are seven strategies you can put into play today.

1. Define and elevate the stories only you can know. The algorithm rewards focus and depth, so what expertise do you have in your niche? I always say the knowledge you gain at the rockface is gold dust. You mine it in your conversations with your clients through deep listening and caring about their answers. What are they worried about? Do you trust your gut enough, and are you sensitive enough to notice trends? What works and what doesn’t anymore? All gold dust.

2. What are you going to do to make your audience linger? Dwell time is important, so clickbait is out of the window and about time too; it was a cheap shot at getting attention with no real reward for the reader. (This has always seemed a bit one-sided to me and not something someone in the compassionate industries wants to dally with.) The best way to get them to stay? There are a few suggestions below but the first and main tactic is showing up with your energy front and centre because it's attractive. Do not mould yourself to what you think you should be.

3. That said, your hook should be strong – the difference is, it shouldn’t be empty. Stir desire to click ‘read more’ with nostalgia, intrigue or genuinely bright and compassionate ideas. You want your reader to stick around for all the right reasons.

4. Foster quality engagement because these days, a comment is worth more than a like. Encourage more than a ‘yes’ or a ‘great post’. What you’re aiming for is reaching out to people on a human level. Ever notice that when you’re reading a book and someone in the narrative touches their face or picks up a cup, you do the same thing? It’s a natural and human response that works on a subconscious level. You’re aiming to make your reader feel something in such a way that they take action (even if this is to read to the bottom of your post). Note: I appreciate that sometimes, coaches and therapists are writing about sensitive subjects that render a response in the heart rather than words on a public platform - in which case, your aim is to let your ideas moulder silently.

5. Stay in your niche. The guidance is to stick to two or three topics, but I’d add a rider to this: stick to your lens as well. It may take a little soul-searching as you work out (or rework) what it is you want to be known for. Remember, your overall core message is heavily influenced by your mission, vision and values. Dropping down the hierarchy, your content pillars give you the flexibility and structure you need to reach your audience and keep your content fresh, relevant and seasonal. But it’s all dependent on the big questions and answers around who you are, what you do, why you’re different and the unique mode of healing you bring to the world.

6. At last, being polished isn't as important as expressing yourself. A remarkable and unexpected opportunity, as AI-written content remains under scrutiny. (I bet when you were sitting in Year 9 English, you didn’t think we’d arrive here.) So write in your own voice: be clear, be tidy, be concise, but above all, be you. AI is great for research but remember to scrub your links, practice due diligence by reading the sources yourself and don’t forget to check how up-to-date your information is.

7. Stay on the platform – nothing new here. I know there are times when it’s necessary to redirect your audience to your podcast, website or other location but links that keep the reader on LinkedIn are rewarded with visibility. Consider repurposing your blog posts into LinkedIn articles, for example. Carousel posts are a useful middle-ground between a quick post and a full-blown article, and easily crammed with your own personal take on life, empathy for a common problem or helpful steps that showcase your offering, expertise and approach.

At the end of the day, it’s about what it’s always been about until someone comes along, tries to hijack the platform, finds the loopholes and forces the hand of the gods to tinker with the algo again. The whole shebang is meant to be about genuine conversations, connections and sharing value.

In my expereince, LinkedIn algorithm advice for coaches, coaches and healers is never rocket science. We operate in a corner of the industry that will always call for soul voice.

If this seems overwhelming to navigate, don’t worry. Make a cuppa, grab a couple of your favourite biscuits and drop me a message. I’m here for those who want to write for themselves but need a gentle nudge, a little confidence or someone to tease apart their tangle of ideas. And for those who want to hand the writing malarky off to someone else while they get on with their clients. It’s all good.

If you've enjoyed this and you want to know more, read my practical tips on how to sell with love rather than fear and if you'd like a chat about anything from mission, vision and values, through to content strategy and posting your words for the world to see, book a free virtual coffee.

Found this helpful? Please save it for later, so you can review it on a content-writing day - or share it with someone else, so they can get their voice out there too. It's all about making sure the healing and hurting people of the world get to work with the right person for them - and this will only happen if you're visible.