The ONLY Guide to LinkedIn Post Formatting That Gets Noticed

The ONLY Guide to LinkedIn Post Formatting That Gets Noticed

As a professional, you know the power LinkedIn has to transform your career. Whether you’re seeking a new job, looking to build connections or strengthen your professional relationships, or even learn a few new skills to help you succeed, LinkedIn has it all.

Knowing how to get the most out of this valuable resource can make all the difference and help ensure your posts get noticed. While writing an eye-catching LinkedIn post isn’t hard, it’s important to know the best way to create rich text formatting. 

That way, you can be sure that your posts stand out from the crowd!

Why should you format your LinkedIn posts?

Is LinkedIn post formatting really that big of a deal? I mean, if what you’re saying is well-written and thought out, what does it matter if the text looks plain? The simple answer is “Yes,” 

When it comes to LinkedIn, formatting matters…a lot.

There’s a ton of benefits for formatting your LinkedIn posts that are sure to help you get ahead. Let’s take a closer look at the top ones so you can see why formatting is one of the top tools professionals use to get ahead.

  1. Make your post stand out → Every day there’s over 2 million posts, videos, and articles published on LinkedIn.With more than 3 million users who regularly use the platform for communication, learning how to make your posts stand out is crucial. Formatting is an easy way to grab the reader’s attention so your content gets noticed.
  2. Improve its readability → There’s nothing worse than a post that’s hard to read and understand. Poorly formatted content can be confusing and frustrating, pushing readers away and limiting your opportunity to connect with them. Well-formated LinkedIn posts are easy to read, boosting engagement and interest. 
  3. Increase your content’s accessibility → One thing to consider that many LinkedIn users may not think about is how accessible your posts are to everyone. If it’s formatted well, even those with screen readers can easily access the information.
  4. Showcase important information → Do you have a point you really want to get across? Is there a key piece of information that other users should know? Using some popular formatting tools like italics, underlining, or bold can help emphasize these points, making them more impactful for the reader (and yes, we will go over how to make text bold in LinkedIn post.)
  5. Improve your storytelling abilities → A well-formatted post guides the reader along the narrative you’re trying to convey, helping you get your point across more succinctly. 
  6. Highlight your professionalism → One of LinkedIn’s key jobs is to help its users build their careers, which is why highlighting your professionalism is so important. Consistent formatting throughout your posts shows care about how readers experience your content and shows great attention to detail.
  7. Build a brand identity → A personal brand identity is a powerful way to grab attention and stand out. Using similar formatting throughout all of your posts creates a cohesive look and feel, making you easily identifiable to others.

As you can see, LinkedIn post formatting can help you get the most out of this incredible platform, allowing you to further your career and reach your professional goals.

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What are the 8 types of LinkedIn posts?

Before we discuss how to format your texts on LinkedIn, let’s quickly discuss the 8 different types of posts available to users. Understanding the different ways you can post content lets you get the most out of the site!

  • Personal – Personal posts let other users get to know you better, which is great when you’re trying to showcase your personality. They’re great when building your brand or personal identity and make connecting with your audience easier. 
  • Text – Text posts are used when you’re trying to give insight into a specific topic or when you want to provide an update on a specific subject. 
  • Articles – You can use a LinkedIn post to share stories, highlight creative writing, promote an article written about you, or even speculate on a certain topic.
  • Images – Not all LinkedIn posts have to be written; You can also use them to convey messages through images. 
  • Polls – Posting a poll is an excellent way to increase engagement and have a bit of fun. These posts can give you deeper insight into the opinions of others and are a great jumping-off point for conversations.
  • Documentation – Use your LinkedIn posts to offer other users resources and information they may find helpful. 
  • Live videos – Did you know LinkedIn allows you to go live with videos? It’s a fun and easy way to connect with other users, build connections, and build your personal and professional identity.
  • Traditional videos – Along with live videos, you can also post native videos, which provide value through tutorials, interviews, and more.

While these are the main 8 types of LinkedIn posts, you can also add audio, newsletters, comments, collaborative articles, and even participate in group posts. Of course, like all social media platforms, LinkedIn is constantly changing and evolving its algorithm.

Users can no longer perform some of the same functions as they used to, including making profile introduction videos, linking posts, and using carousels. 

That said, there’s still so many exciting ways you can use LinkedIn; It’s no wonder it’s one of the top social media platforms in the world! 

How to format text in LinkedIn post (+how to bold on LinkedIn)

Although LinkedIn doesn’t support native text formatting, learning how to use this helpful tool is easy. All you need is the LinkedIn Text Formatter

linkedin post formatting with the specific tool

Follow these easy steps to start making your LinkedIn posts stand out.

  1. Open the LinkedIn Text Formatter.
  2. Write your post or copy and paste the content into the provided input field.
  3. Choose from the wide selection of formatting options, including underline, italic, bold, emojis, and more. 
  4. Highlight the words you want to format, select an emoji, or insert an image.
  5. Edit the content to your liking.
  6. Copy the newly formatted text by simply clicking the Copy Text button.
  7. Paste the content into your LinkedIn message, post, or headline.

LinkedIn has numerous formats for its users to take advantage of, including:

  • 𝓢𝓬𝓻𝓲𝓹𝓽 – Give your content a personal touch with text that looks handwritten.
  • Bold – Grab the reader’s attention and make your text more assertive. 
  • 𝚂̶𝚝̶𝚛̶𝚒̶𝚔̶𝚎̶𝚝̶𝚑̶𝚛̶𝚘̶𝚞̶𝚐̶𝚑̶ – Easily make revised or outdated text.
  • 𝐁̶𝐨̶𝐥̶𝐝̶ ̶𝐒̶𝐭̶𝐫̶𝐢̶𝐤̶𝐞̶𝐭̶𝐡̶𝐫̶𝐨̶𝐮̶𝐠̶𝐡̶ – Perfect when you want to show a strong revision.
  • 𝐼𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑐 – Show emphasis on different words and phrases.
  • 𝑩𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝑰𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒄 – A great way to show dual emphasis on a word or point.
  • 𝚄̲𝚗̲𝚍̲𝚎̲𝚛̲𝚕̲𝚒̲𝚗̲𝚎̲ – Another excellent option for emphasization.
  • 𝐁̲𝐨̲𝐥̲𝐝̲ ̲𝐔̲𝐧̲𝐝̲𝐞̲𝐫̲𝐥̲𝐢̲𝐧̲𝐞̲ – Make your statements stand out with a mixture of emphasis and boldness.

Now that you know the type of formatting you can use on LinkedIn, we can explore more deeply how and when you should use them.

How to bold text on LinkedIn

One of the top questions we’re asked is, “Can you bold in LinkedIn post?” and the answer is “Yes!” Because it’s one of the most common and useful LinkedIn formats, let’s quickly discuss how to bold your content in your posts. 

It’s very easy and quick since the introduction of the LinkedIn Bold Text Formatter. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Open the LinkedIn Bold Text Formatter.
  2. Write or copy and paste the text you’d like to make bold.
  3. The formatter will automatically automatically transform it into bold.
  4. Copy the newly bold text and paste it into your headline, summary, or post. 

There’s numerous places within your LinkedIn profile where you can use bold text to grab attention or make a point. They include:

  • Summaries – In your summary, use bold text to highlight different aspects of your professional career and journey.
  • Posts – Emphasize main points in your posts using bold text.
  • Recommendations – Make your written recognitions stand out when you use bold text in your recommendation of others.
  • Headlines – Grab the reader’s attention and make a bold statement by adding bold text to your headlines.

There’s no doubt that bold text is one of the most popular LinkedIn post formatting options, thanks to its ease of use and impact on the reader.

How can you use rich text formatting on LinkedIn (and when should you use them)?

Just like when you’re composing an email, the formatting you use on LinkedIn can make all the difference in how your post is perceived. 

Using the LinkedIn Formatter and the steps above, you can easily adjust your formatting to fit your desired message. You can change the tone simply by using specific formatting within the text. 

The good news is that it’s easy to create customized content in your own voice that shows humor, emphasizes a point, highlights ideas, and promotes your accomplishments. The key is knowing the right time to use rich text so your readers interpret the text correctly.

How to use emojis on LinkedIn

Emojis aren’t just for texting your friends – they can add personality and tone to your professional posts on LinkedIn. They’re a great way to break up text and convey emotions, but you have to use them thoughtfully. Here’s how to do it:

  • Vary skin tones: If you’re using emojis like 👍 or 🙌, select diverse skin tones to connect with a broader audience. For example, if you’re celebrating a team win, try something like, “Teamwork made the dream work this quarter! 🙌🏽🚀 #SuccessStory”.
  • Consider the audience: In formal industries like finance, limit emoji use to avoid coming across as unprofessional. For instance, a thumbs-up 👍 can convey a positive sentiment in a subtle way.
  • Use emojis at the beginning or end of sentences: This keeps your post clean and accessible for people using screen readers. For example: “We just hit 10,000 followers! 🎉 Thank you for being part of our journey.”
  • Highlight main points: Use emojis to draw attention to key ideas. If you’re discussing multiple aspects of a project, you could say: “Key project wins this week: 🚀 Fast execution, 💡 Innovative solutions, 🔒 Strong security protocols.”

Pro tip: Keep emojis relevant and professional. Emojis are fun, but avoid spamming them – you want them to enhance your post, not clutter it.

How to use bullet points on LinkedIn

Bullet points are a fantastic tool to keep your post concise, clear, and easy to scan. Instead of writing big blocks of text, break things down with bullets so your readers can quickly digest the info.

how to bold on linkedin and use bullet points

Here’s an example:

Instead of writing: “I’ve developed skills in project management, team leadership, content creation, and client communication over the last five years.”

Try this: “Over the last five years, I’ve developed expertise in:

  • Project management
  • Team leadership
  • Content creation
  • Client communication

See how much cleaner and easier to read that is?

Pro tips for bullet points:

  • Keep it simple: Short and snappy points work best. If you find yourself writing more than one line per bullet, try to split it into two.
  • Use active language: Start each bullet with an action verb. Instead of “responsible for marketing,” try “Led marketing initiatives.” It’s more dynamic and shows your impact.

How to use special characters on LinkedIn

Special characters can give your posts a little flair and make your text pop. 

how to bold on linkedin and use special symbols

Use them sparingly to:

  • Make headlines stand out: Try using asterisks or arrows like this: “→ Ready for a new career opportunity? Let’s connect!”
  • Create separators: Use symbols like “|” or “•” to break up sections of your text for easier reading. For example: “Skills: Project Management | Content Strategy | SEO”.
  • Highlight CTAs (calls to action): Use arrows or checkmarks to emphasize a CTA: “Download our latest guide here! ☑”.

Pro tip: Don’t overdo it. A few special characters can help your content stand out, but too many can feel cluttered.

How to use bold text on LinkedIn

Bold text is perfect for drawing attention to your main points or making certain phrases stand out. LinkedIn itself doesn’t have built-in bolding options, but you can use external tools like the LinkedIn Formatter to create bold text.

Here’s how:

  • Emphasize important phrases: Instead of “Our sales increased 30%,” try: “Our sales increased 30% this quarter!”
  • Highlight key takeaways: After writing your post, you can bold the key takeaway like this: Bottom line: Consistent effort leads to exponential growth.”

Pro tip: Use bold sparingly. If everything’s bold, nothing stands out!

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How to use italic text on LinkedIn

Italics are great for adding emphasis, citing sources, or giving extra context. Like bold, LinkedIn doesn’t have an italic option in the native editor, but you can use online text formatting tools.

  • Use italics for quotes or insights: For example: As Steve Jobs said, ‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.’”
  • Add context or emphasis: You can use italics to insert an aside: This strategy—if executed well—will increase your conversion rate.

Pro tip: As with bold text, don’t overuse italics. Keep it for key phrases or quotes.

How to use underline text on LinkedIn

Underlining text is another way to emphasize important points, but be careful not to overdo it since underlines can sometimes confuse people into thinking the text is a clickable link. Also, underlining doesn’t work well with LinkedIn’s ATS (applicant tracking systems) for profiles, so avoid it in your headline or experience sections.

  • Emphasize key points: Use underlines to make certain phrases pop in your post. For example: “Don’t forget to underline important action items in your project plan.”

Pro tip: Be mindful of readability, especially on mobile.

How to use uppercase text on LinkedIn

Uppercase text can be tricky. While it can highlight important things like acronyms or official names, too much all-caps can feel like shouting, which is a no-no on LinkedIn. Use it only when it’s necessary to convey emphasis without sounding unprofessional.

For example:

  • Good usage: “We are certified in ISO 9001 and GDPR compliance.”
  • Bad usage: “HIRE ME RIGHT NOW!!!” 😬

Pro tip: If you need emphasis, stick to bold or italics instead of all caps.

How to use line breaks on LinkedIn

Line breaks are your friend! They make your posts so much easier to read by creating space between ideas. Don’t lump everything together in one big chunk of text. Break up your content, especially when you’re introducing new points.

Example:

  • Without line breaks: “Our team achieved incredible results this quarter. Sales grew by 25%, customer satisfaction increased by 15%, and we launched two major new initiatives.”
  • With line breaks:
    “Our team achieved incredible results this quarter:
  • Sales grew by 25%
  • Customer satisfaction increased by 15%
  • We launched two major new initiatives”

Pro tip: On LinkedIn, line breaks are your secret weapon for readability. If in doubt, space it out!

What are the best practices for formatting LinkedIn posts?

To make the most of LinkedIn post formatting, you’ll want to create content that excites and engages the reader, but how do you do that? 

The secret is understanding LinkedIn-specific best practices and using them throughout your posts.

Writing to your audience 

When crafting a LinkedIn post, always keep in mind who you’re writing for. 

Are you speaking to industry peers? Potential clients? Job seekers? Tailor your tone and content to their needs and interests. Instead of posting just to fill your content calendar, ask yourself: What will my audience get out of this? 

A good rule of thumb: write like you’re having a conversation with a colleague over coffee. Keep it real, relatable, and relevant.

Pro tip: Visualize one person from your network who fits your target audience. Write as if you’re talking directly to them!

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Adding the hook

The first sentence of your post is make-or-break (you know how to make text bold in LinkedIn post, right? Use it, for sure). 

how to format text in linkedin post and add a hook

It needs to grab attention right away—think of it as your “wow” moment! Instead of falling into the trap of clickbait, focus on creating a strong, genuine hook. 

A great way to do this is by starting with a question, an unexpected fact, or a short, bold statement that makes the reader pause. Think along the lines of: “Ever wondered why most job posts miss the mark?” or “Here’s what nobody tells you about growing your network…

Pro tip: The first three lines are crucial because LinkedIn truncates your post. If you don’t hook them here, they won’t click “See more.”

Keeping it simple

The golden rule for LinkedIn? Less is more. 

Keep your posts short, punchy, and to the point. People scroll quickly, so you want to avoid lengthy paragraphs and excess fluff. Break down your message into bite-sized pieces of information, and avoid jargon that could confuse or alienate your audience.

Pro tip: If you can say it in fewer words, do it! Aim for brevity, and don’t be afraid of white space – it makes your content easier to digest.

Structuring your post

No one wants to read a wall of text. Format your post in a way that’s easy on the eyes. Use short paragraphs, line breaks, and even bullet points or numbered lists if it helps organize your thoughts. A clear structure makes it easier for readers to follow along and stay engaged.

Pro tip: Preview your post on both desktop and mobile before publishing. Sometimes what looks good on one screen becomes a jumble on another!

Using emojis

As we discussed earlier, emojis are a great LinkedIn post formatting tool, but you’ll want to be careful not to use them too often. 

They’re not appropriate for every post, especially within formal industries. However, if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to convey an emotion, celebrate an accomplishment, or add a bit of humor to your post, emojis are the perfect choice.

Tagging people and pages

Tagging is an awesome way to bring others into the conversation and give your post more reach. 

Tag people when it’s relevant—like giving someone credit, celebrating a collaboration, or opening up a discussion. Tagging companies or pages can also increase visibility, especially when you want to highlight a product or service.

Pro tip: Don’t tag people or pages randomly – make sure it’s meaningful. Too many unnecessary tags can come off as spammy and hurt your credibility.

Balancing text and media

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? On LinkedIn, it’s also worth extra engagement! Whether you use images, videos, or documents, pairing text with media is a great way to keep your post visually appealing. Graphics, infographics, or short videos add context and can make your post stand out in the feed.

Pro tip: Think about what you stop to look at when scrolling through LinkedIn. If a visual element makes your post more engaging, use it!

Adding CTA’s (you know how to bold text on LinkedIn – use it!)

You’ve written a great post – now what? 

Add a clear call to action (well-known as a CTA) to encourage your audience to take the next step. Whether it’s “comment below,” “share your thoughts,” or “check out my latest blog,” a good CTA gives your post purpose beyond just sharing info.

Pro tip: Be clear about what you want your audience to do. Instead of saying “What do you think?” try something like “Comment with your top takeaway!” It directs your audience more clearly.

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Hashtags

Hashtags help categorize your post and make it easier to discover. Don’t go overboard with a ton of hashtags—3-5 relevant ones are usually perfect. 

You want your hashtags to be specific enough to reach the right audience, but broad enough that people are actually searching for them. Use hashtags that align with your content, like #LeadershipTips or #CareerGrowth.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure which hashtags to use, see what your industry peers are tagging in their posts for inspiration.

Wrapping it up

LinkedIn post formatting is a fun and easy way to improve your post’s visibility and increase audience engagement. There’s numerous options to choose from to help make your posts stand out, build your credibility, and promote your personal brand.

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