If you’re posting on LinkedIn and getting views but no leads, likes but no authority, or connections but no business, you’re probably doing it wrong.
The problem isn’t consistency.
It’s a content imbalance.
That’s where the 5-3-2 Rule on LinkedIn comes in — a simple but powerful framework that top recruiters, consultants, founders, and sales leaders use to grow visibility, trust, and conversions without sounding salesy.
Let’s break it down.
What Is the 5-3-2 Rule on LinkedIn?
The 5-3-2 Rule is a content strategy that structures what you post on LinkedIn over a 10-post cycle:
- 5 Value-Driven Posts
- 3 Authority / Credibility Posts
- 2 Promotional Posts
This balance keeps your audience engaged, educated, and trusting you — before you ever sell to them.
Most people fail on LinkedIn because they only do one of these three.
The 5: Value Posts (Educate, Help, Teach)
These posts exist purely to serve your audience.
They answer:
- “How do I do this?”
- “Why does this keep happening?”
- “What mistakes am I making?”
Examples:
- “3 mistakes employers make when terminating staff in Kenya.”
- “What HR consultants don’t tell SMEs about compliance.”
- “If you’re not getting interviews, read this”
Why this works:
Value posts train the algorithm and your audience to see you as useful.
Useful content gets saved, shared, and revisited — which boosts reach.
On LinkedIn, helpfulness = visibility.
The 3: Authority Posts (Proof You Know Your Stuff)
This is where you subtly show why people should listen to you.
You’re not bragging — you’re documenting reality.
Examples:
- Case studies
- Lessons from real client work
- Mistakes you’ve seen companies make
- Wins, failures, insights from experience
Example:
“We audited 17 companies this year. 11 were exposed to legal risk. Here’s why.”
Why this works:
People don’t buy from loud people.
They buy from credible people.
Authority posts turn:
- Followers → believers
- Believers → clients
The 2: Promotional Posts (Sell Without Killing Your Reach)
Only 2 out of 10 posts should be direct promotions.
This includes:
- Job ads
- Service offers
- Calls to book a consultation
- Product launches
Example:
- “We’re recruiting for 5 roles this week — here’s how to apply.”
- “Need an HR audit before year-end? Here’s how we help.”
Why this works:
By the time you sell, your audience has already:
- Learned from you
- Trusted you
- Seen your credibility
So selling feels natural, not desperate.
Why the 5-3-2 Rule Works So Well on LinkedIn
1. It Matches Human Psychology
People trust before they buy.
The rule mirrors how trust is built in real life.
2. It Feeds the LinkedIn Algorithm
The algorithm favors:
- Saves
- Comments
- Shares
Value + authority posts drive engagement, which boosts even your promotional posts later.
3. It Prevents “Sales Fatigue.”
Constant selling kills reach.
This rule keeps your feed interesting, not annoying.
4. It Positions You as a Thought Leader
Thought leaders don’t sell all the time.
They educate, influence,and then convert.
Why Most People Fail Even After Knowing the Rule
They:
- Skip value posts
- Over-promote
- Copy viral content instead of sharing insight
- Talk at people, not to them
The rule only works if your content is:
- Clear
- Specific
- Honest
- Experience-based
How to Use the 5-3-2 Rule Starting This Week
Here’s a simple weekly plan:
Monday: Value post
Tuesday: Value post
Wednesday: Authority post
Thursday: Value post
Friday: Promotional post
Repeat the cycle.
Consistency + balance = results.
Final Thought
LinkedIn is not a billboard.
It’s a trust machine.
The 5-3-2 Rule works because it respects how people think, buy, and engage — while quietly hacking the algorithm in your favor.
If your LinkedIn isn’t working for you yet, it’s not because you lack followers.
It’s because you lack strategy.
And now, you have one.
Been thinking of taking your LinkedIn profile to the next level? Talk to Us 0742249927
