SMO posts work best when they’re structured right.
This guide shows you a simple 5-step formula to hook, engage, and convert your audience.
Before I start sharing tips to write SMO posts that will actually help you get more reach to the right audience, let’s make sure we know what SMO is.
What is SMO exactly?
SMO stands for Social Media Optimisation, and it’s the art of using social media to improve your website’s search engine ranking.
But don’t let that scare you off!
SMO is actually pretty straightforward, and it can be a lot of fun to learn about.
SMO is like dressing up a mannequin in a store window.
The better the styling and visibility, the more likely people are to walk in. You’re not changing the product; you’re making it more attractive, noticeable, and shareable.
Hook them or lose them: The first few words that will decide your post’s fate.
It’s the first few words or sentences of your writing that have the power to make someone want to read more.
If your hook doesn’t grab the reader, they’re likely to move on to something else.
Hooks are like fishing hooks. They’re designed to catch the reader’s attention and reel them in.
Before diving into the details, let’s first look at the Index.
By “Index,” I simply mean a clear breakdown of the different parts that make up a LinkedIn post.
Think of it as a roadmap — it shows you the flow in which your content should move so that readers stay engaged from the very first line till the end.
Here’s how I have divided a post into the simplest parts:
- Hook: This is the opening line that instantly grabs attention. It should spark curiosity and make the reader stop scrolling.
- Smoothing Lines: These are small transition lines that connect your ideas naturally. They make your post flow smoothly instead of feeling broken.
- Main Content: This is the heart of your post. Share valuable insights here in a clear, structured way so your audience learns something meaningful.
- Conclusion: This part wraps up the post. A simple takeaway, summary, or final thought leaves your readers with something to remember.
- CTA (Call to Action): End your post by guiding readers on what to do next — it could be engaging in comments, sharing the post, or reflecting on the message.
Having this Index in mind makes it so much easier to structure your posts.
Once you know what each part does, writing becomes less overwhelming and more intentional. Now, let’s break down each section in detail and see how you can apply it to your own posts.
Hook
The first line of your post, and it’s the make-or-break factor
If your opening doesn’t grab attention, the reader will likely scroll past without giving your post a second look. That’s why crafting the right hook is so important.
There are many different types of hooks you can use, but here are some of the most effective ones:
➡️ Questions
Asking a thought-provoking question instantly sparks curiosity. It makes the reader pause and think.
Examples:
- How can this simple trick save you both time and money?
- Why is this more important now than ever before?
➡️ Statistics
Starting with a powerful stat adds credibility and makes readers sit up.
Examples:
- Did you know that 80% of people fear public speaking?
- Here are 4 proven ways to gain the trust of your online audience.
➡️ Story
A short personal story builds connection and relatability. People love learning from real experiences.
Example:
- I learned this lesson the hard way — from repeated failures.
No matter which type of hook you choose, keep these essentials in mind:
✅ Be specific: Give readers a clear idea of what your post is about.
✅ Be relevant: Make sure the hook ties directly to your topic.
✅ Be engaging: Choose something that makes people want to keep reading.
✅ Be daring: Don’t be afraid to make bold statements or ask challenging questions.
Think of a hook as the gateway to your content; it decides whether someone walks in or walks away.
A strong hook sets the tone, sparks curiosity, and convinces the reader that what follows is worth their time. If you get this first line right, the rest of your post already has a winning start.
Smoothing Lines
Transition part of your SMO post
Once you’ve grabbed attention with a strong hook, you can’t just leave the reader hanging, you need to guide them into the main content smoothly.
This is where the “smoothing line” comes in.
A smoothing line acts like a gentle bridge between your hook and your main content. It should be short, clear, and to the point. Think of it as a quick “reality check” that tells the reader what’s coming next and why it matters.
Your goal here is to make the transition feel natural so the reader continues without losing interest.
Tips to keep in mind for soothing lines:
🎯 Consider your audience and tone. Your smoothing line should match the style of your post.
🎯 Keep it engaging but relevant.
🎯 Don’t overcomplicate, one or two lines are enough.
Example 1 (Inspired by Akshat Shrivastava’s style):
- Hook: “I went from 0 to roughly 750K community on LinkedIn in 3.5 years.”
- Smoothing Line: “Here is 1 tip from my side to win the LinkedIn game: write on LinkedIn to be more useful. And, don’t worry about likes/comments.”
The hook immediately grabs attention with a striking achievement. The smoothing line naturally bridges into the promise of practical advice, setting the tone for valuable insights to follow.
See how the smoothing line here connects the curiosity-driven stat (hook) to the promise of valuable insights (main content)? It reassures the reader that they’re in the right place and motivates them to keep reading.
A smoothing line might look small, but it’s the glue that holds your introduction together. Without it, your post feels abrupt; with it, your content feels structured and reader-friendly.
Main Content
The heart of your LinkedIn post
This is where you deliver your message, share your insights, and create real impact. Whether it’s a short update or a detailed piece, your main content should always engage your audience and make them want to interact with you.
Here’s how you can make your main content powerful:
➡️ Start with a clear purpose
Before writing, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this post?
- Do you want to inform?
- Do you want to entertain?
- Do you want to persuade?
Once you know your purpose, the structure becomes easier. Jumping into a post without clarifying its purpose can confuse readers. So, spoon-feed them what to expect right from the start; it sets the tone and keeps them hooked.
➡️ Don’t lose your real personality
People connect with authenticity, not perfection. Show your true self, your thoughts, your voice, even your mistakes. The more real your content feels, the stronger your bond with your audience will be.
Remember: relatability beats perfection every single time.
➡️ Always Provide value
Every post should give your audience something in return. It could be:
- Information they didn’t know before
- A tip that makes life easier
- A story that inspires or entertains
If your content doesn’t add value, readers will simply scroll past. Value is the currency of attention on LinkedIn
➡️ Don’t hesitate while experimenting with your Main Content
LinkedIn is a space to test and learn. Try different formats, quotes, statistics, infographics, real-life experiences, frameworks, or even storytelling. See what resonates with your audience. Sometimes the content you least expect ends up performing the best.
Remember, what you love creating may not always be what your audience loves consuming. Experiment, analyse, and adapt. That’s how you grow.
Conclusion
The part of your LinkedIn post that wraps everything up
It’s the final impression you leave on your reader, and often the most memorable one. A weak ending can make your post feel unfinished, while a strong conclusion ensures your message sticks.
Here’s how to craft an effective conclusion:
➡️ Summarise the Key Point:
Don’t assume readers will remember everything you wrote. Briefly restate the core idea of your post in one or two lines. This helps reinforce your message and gives closure.
- Example: “At the end of the day, communication isn’t about speaking more; it’s about being understood.”
➡️ Leave Them With a Takeaway:
A good conclusion gives readers something to think about, a piece of advice, a reminder, or even a challenge.
- Example: “So the next time you’re writing a post, ask yourself, what’s the one thing I want my audience to take away?”
➡️ Make It Memorable:
Don’t fade out quietly. Add a punch line, a quote, or a reflective thought that lingers in your reader’s mind. This increases the chances of them remembering (and even sharing) your post.
➡️ Stay Consistent With Tone:
Your conclusion should match the mood of your post. If you start light and conversational, end the same way. If you started serious and professional, maintain that tone till the last line.
In short: a conclusion isn’t just an ending, it’s your last opportunity to create impact. A clear summary, a strong takeaway, and a memorable closing line can turn a good post into a great one.
CTA
The engine that drives engagement
Without it, even the most well-written post risks being a one-way conversation. Think of likes, comments, and shares as the currency of social media, and your CTA is what prompts people to “spend” that currency on your content.
Here’s how to craft a powerful CTA:
➡️ Use specific language
Generic CTAs like “Like this post” don’t perform as well. Instead, make it targeted and relevant.
- Example: “💡 Like this post if you’ve ever struggled with public speaking.”
This makes the action feel personal and relatable, which increases clicks.
➡️ Highlight the benefit to the reader
People are more likely to engage when they know what they’ll gain. Frame your CTA in terms of the value it offers.
- Example: “Comment ‘Yes’ if you want me to share a free resource list on this topic.”
➡️ Encourage readers to interact
Asking questions sparks conversations in the comments. This not only boosts engagement but also helps build a community around your content.
- Example: “What’s the one career lesson you wish you had learned earlier? Share it in the comments, your advice might just help someone else today.”
➡️ Keep It Conversational, Not Pushy
CTAs should feel like a friendly nudge, not a demand. Write it in a tone that aligns with your personality.
- Example: “If this resonated with you, drop a ❤️ in the comments so I know I’m not alone in this.”
A well-placed CTA can be the difference between a post that gets seen and one that goes viral. So, don’t shy away from adding it. Be intentional, be human, and make it about your audience as much as about you.
Pro tip: The most successful LinkedIn creators experiment with different CTAs. Sometimes they ask for opinions, other times for likes, or even encourage people to tag a friend. The key is, keep it fresh and audience-focused.
So, there you have it! My tips on how to write SMO posts that will blow your mind. By following these tips, you can create content that is engaging, informative, and valuable to your audience.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try it for yourself and see the results.
So, what are you waiting for now?
Start writing today and see how your engagement levels skyrocket!
Points to keep in mind
There might be times when you feel overwhelmed, especially if you are just starting out. Ignore everything else for now, and just make sure to follow these 5 points:
- Be honest with your audience.
- Don’t shy away from experiments.
- Think out of the box.
- Make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
Try not to hurt anyone’s feelings.
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