Mastering LinkedIn Content Planning and Execution
So far, we’ve built your content strategy and explored content formats. Now it's time to dive into the practical side: planning and executing your LinkedIn presence. In this blog, I draw from the conversation with Stuart Elliott on the Talent Talk podcast to walk you through building a content plan and sticking to it, ensuring consistency and credibility over time.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the full conversation with Stuart Elliott.
Why Planning and Execution Matter
A great strategy without follow-through is just an idea. I emphasise that consistent execution transforms good intentions into lasting influence. Many leaders start strong but fall off due to lack of structure. One guest mentioned they saw a 300% engagement boost within a quarter after implementing a content calendar.
A great strategy without follow-through is just an idea. I emphasise that consistent execution transforms good intentions into lasting influence. Many leaders start strong but fall off due to lack of structure. One guest mentioned they saw a 300% engagement boost within a quarter after implementing a content calendar.
Building a Content Planning Framework
I and Stuart shared a framework that simplifies content creation for busy professionals:
Create a Content Calendar
Use a simple spreadsheet or tools like Asana or Trello to outline your posts over the next month. Plan by week: for example, post a poll on Monday, a story on Wednesday, and an article on Friday.
One guest streamlined 12 posts using a monthly calendar, allowing them to maintain visibility without daily stress.
Define Content Themes
Having themes keeps your messaging focused. I suggest rotating between thought leadership, personal growth, team highlights, and industry trends. A leader in finance focused on fintech updates and team collaboration, which helped attract like-minded professionals.
Batch Your Content
Set aside 1–2 hours weekly to draft posts in bulk. I recommend writing all of next week’s content in one sitting. One guest reduced prep time by 60% using this method, allowing them to focus on engagement.
Stay Flexible
While structure is key, leave room for real-time content. Reserve one post a week for current events or spontaneous insights. A guest who shared a response to industry news saw one of their highest-performing posts as a result.
Executing with Confidence
Execution isn’t just about posting—it’s about doing it well. I share the following best practices:
Maintain a Consistent Cadence
Post one to three times per week. Find a rhythm that fits your schedule. Consistency outweighs volume—a lesson many podcast guests echoed.
Time It Right
Test different times to see when your audience is most active. Generally, weekday mornings (8–10 AM) and lunch hours (12–2 PM) perform best. One guest found their posts performed 40% better in the morning.
Use Scheduling Tools
Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or LinkedIn’s native scheduler can help maintain consistency, especially during travel or busy seasons. A guest who used these tools posted 10 times in a month without missing a beat.
Craft Compelling Posts
Start with a hook, deliver clear value, and end with a call-to-action (e.g., "What’s your take?"). I remind leaders that storytelling boosts relatability and engagement.
Tips to Stay on Track
I offer these podcast-inspired tactics to support planning and execution:
Plan Weekly: Spend 15 minutes each Friday outlining your posts for the next week.
Use Templates: Develop reusable formats, like "Leadership Tip of the Week" or "Monday Motivation."
Track Performance: Review analytics every week to see what’s working.
Repurpose Content: Convert webinar insights, presentation slides, or old posts into new formats.
Stay Organized: Maintain a shared document of content ideas and past posts for easy reference.
One leader said these habits helped increase their post engagement by 45% in just two months.
Avoiding Execution Pitfalls
Execution can falter for many reasons. I flag common traps:
Overplanning: Spending too long perfecting a post often leads to delays or burnout.
Skipping Posts: Missing your own deadlines undermines your visibility.
Forgetting Value: Posts that serve only to promote get far less traction than those that educate, inspire, or provoke thought.
Remember: progress beats perfection. Consistent action, even with imperfect posts, builds momentum.
Looking Ahead
With a planning framework and strong execution habits, your LinkedIn presence becomes more intentional and impactful. In our final blog in this series, we’ll explore how to overcome content creation challenges and sustain your momentum.
Want to dig deeper? Catch the full episode with Stuart Elliott on Talent Talk for more real-world examples and tips.
Series Navigation
Part 1: Building a Winning LinkedIn Content Strategy
Continue to Part 3: Overcoming LinkedIn Content Creation Challenges
Part 4: Engaging Your LinkedIn Audience and Building Your Brand
Part 5: LinkedIn Success for New Leaders