How to Post a LinkedIn Carousel Post: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to leverage the power of LinkedIn carousels? Excellent choice! Carousel posts are a dynamic way to capture attention, deliver in-depth content, and boost engagement on LinkedIn. Forget static images – we’re about to dive into creating a scrolling experience that your network will love.

The core process is simple: Create a PDF with multiple pages, then upload that PDF as a document when creating a new post on LinkedIn. However, mastering the art of the LinkedIn carousel requires a bit more finesse. Let’s break down the process into actionable steps:

1. Craft Your Compelling Narrative: Before you even think about design, plan your story. What is the central theme of your carousel? How will each slide build upon the previous one? A clear narrative is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and scrolling. Think of it as a mini-presentation, each slide being a vital point.

2. Design Visually Appealing Slides: This is where the magic happens. Use a design tool like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or even PowerPoint to create your individual slides. Keep the following in mind:

   • Consistent Branding: Maintain a unified look and feel across all slides using your brand colors, fonts, and logo.
   • High-Quality Visuals: Use professional images, illustrations, or graphics that are relevant to your content.
   • Concise Text: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much text. Use bullet points, short sentences, and clear headings.
   • Optimal Slide Size: While LinkedIn doesn’t explicitly state a specific size, a 1080 x 1080 pixel (square) or 1080 x 1350 pixel (portrait) ratio generally works well. Experiment to see what looks best on your feed.
   • Call to Action: Include a clear call to action (CTA) on the final slide, directing viewers to a link, encouraging them to comment, or prompting them to follow you.

3. Export as a PDF: Once your slides are perfected, export them as a multi-page PDF document. This is the crucial step that transforms your individual slides into a LinkedIn carousel.

4. Create a New Post on LinkedIn: Navigate to your LinkedIn homepage and click on “Start a post.”

5. Attach the PDF Document: Instead of clicking the image or video icon, select the “Add a document” icon (it looks like a document).

6. Upload Your PDF: Choose the PDF file you created earlier and upload it.

7. Write a Captivating Description: This is your chance to hook your audience. Write a compelling description that summarizes the carousel’s content and entices viewers to click through the slides. Consider including relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Use the first 3 lines to grab attention; this is what people see before clicking “see more.”

8. Review and Post: Double-check everything before hitting the “Post” button. Ensure your slides are in the correct order, your description is accurate, and your call to action is clear.

9. Engage with Comments: After posting, actively engage with comments and questions from your audience. This shows that you value their input and helps to build relationships.

Best Practices for LinkedIn Carousel Posts

• Focus on Value: Create carousels that provide genuine value to your audience, whether it’s educational content, industry insights, or actionable tips.
• Tell a Story: Craft a compelling narrative that keeps your audience engaged from beginning to end.
• Keep it Concise: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much text or information on each slide.
• Use Visuals Effectively: Incorporate high-quality images, graphics, and videos to enhance your message.
• Optimize for Mobile: Remember that most LinkedIn users access the platform on their mobile devices, so ensure your carousels are optimized for mobile viewing.
• Track Your Results: Monitor your carousel’s performance to see what’s working and what’s not. Use LinkedIn’s analytics to track metrics like impressions, clicks, and engagement.

Understanding the Power of LinkedIn Carousels

LinkedIn carousels are more than just a trendy format. They represent a powerful shift towards visual storytelling on a platform historically dominated by text-based content. By using carousels effectively, you can:

• Increase Engagement: Carousels are naturally more engaging than static posts, encouraging viewers to spend more time interacting with your content.
• Boost Brand Awareness: By consistently creating high-quality carousels, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and build brand awareness.
• Generate Leads: Carousels can be used to generate leads by including a clear call to action that directs viewers to your website or landing page.
• Drive Traffic: By linking to relevant articles, blog posts, or resources within your carousel, you can drive traffic to your website or other online platforms.

FAQs About LinkedIn Carousel Posts

Here are some frequently asked questions about LinkedIn carousel posts to further enhance your understanding:

1. What are the benefits of using carousel posts on LinkedIn?

Increased engagement, improved storytelling, higher visibility, and lead generation are key benefits. Carousels allow for a more dynamic and engaging presentation of information than single-image posts, leading to more views and interactions. They are also easily shared.

2. What file format should I use for my carousel slides?

Export your slides as a multi-page PDF document. This is the only format LinkedIn currently supports for carousel posts.

3. Is there a limit to the number of slides I can include in a LinkedIn carousel?

While LinkedIn doesn’t officially specify a hard limit, aim for a maximum of 10-12 slides. Too many slides can overwhelm viewers and decrease engagement. Quality over quantity!

4. What is the recommended image size for LinkedIn carousel slides?

As mentioned earlier, a 1080 x 1080 pixel (square) or 1080 x 1350 pixel (portrait) ratio generally works best. Test different sizes to see what looks best on your audience’s devices.

5. Can I add videos to my LinkedIn carousel?

No, LinkedIn carousels only support static images and text. If you want to include video content, you’ll need to create a separate video post.

6. How do I track the performance of my LinkedIn carousel posts?

LinkedIn provides analytics for your posts, including impressions, clicks, and engagement rate. These metrics can help you understand what’s working and what’s not.

7. Can I edit a LinkedIn carousel post after it has been published?

Unfortunately, you cannot edit a carousel post after it has been published. If you need to make changes, you’ll have to delete the original post and upload a new one. This is why careful proofreading is key before publishing.

8. How can I make my LinkedIn carousel posts more engaging?

Use compelling visuals, tell a story, keep your text concise, ask questions, and include a clear call to action. Experiment with different formats and content types to see what resonates with your audience.

9. Are carousel posts effective for all industries?

Yes, carousel posts can be effective for a wide range of industries. The key is to create content that is relevant and valuable to your target audience. Whether you’re in marketing, finance, or healthcare, there’s a way to use carousels to your advantage.

10. What is the ideal length for the description of a LinkedIn carousel post?

While there’s no strict character limit, aim for a concise and engaging description that summarizes the content of your carousel and entices viewers to click through the slides. Front-load the most important information in the first few lines, as that’s what will be visible before users click “see more.”

11. Should I include hashtags in my LinkedIn carousel post description?

Yes, including relevant hashtags can increase the visibility of your carousel post. Research popular hashtags in your industry and use a mix of broad and niche hashtags.

12. How often should I post carousel posts on LinkedIn?

There’s no magic number, but aim for a consistent posting schedule. Experiment with different frequencies to see what works best for your audience. Consider the quality of your content over sheer quantity. Two compelling carousels a week will likely be more impactful than five mediocre ones.

By following these tips and best practices, you can create compelling LinkedIn carousel posts that capture attention, drive engagement, and help you achieve your professional goals. Now go forth and create some scroll-stopping content!