LinkedIn remains to be one of the best platforms to grow your personal brand as a researcher. Here are 10 tips for sharing your research paper findings on LinkedIn.
In today’s digital world, social media platforms provide researchers with valuable opportunities to share their work, engage with professionals in their field, and expand the reach of their research. Among these platforms, LinkedIn stands out as a leading network for professionals, academics, and industry leaders to connect, exchange knowledge, and discuss new developments. Whether you’re aiming to engage fellow researchers, potential collaborators, or even the broader public, LinkedIn offers an excellent platform to share your research paper findings.
But how can you effectively communicate your research on LinkedIn?
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn
Here are some key tips to help you craft posts that engage your network and make your findings stand out.
1. Craft a Clear and Engaging Headline
Your LinkedIn post’s headline is crucial, as it’s the first thing people will see in their feed. A well-crafted headline should immediately capture attention and clearly communicate the significance of your research.
Instead of simply stating the title of your paper, consider focusing on a key takeaway or insight that will draw people in. Ask yourself, “What is the most important thing my research reveals?”
For example:
- “New Research Reveals How Urban Green Spaces Can Improve Mental Health”
- “Understanding the Economic Impact of Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: Key Findings from Our Latest Study”
These examples offer a glimpse into what readers can expect, making them more likely to stop and read further.
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn #2. Write a Compelling Summary of Your Findings
Unlike Twitter or Instagram, LinkedIn allows for longer posts. Take advantage of this by providing a concise yet informative summary of your paper’s key findings. Your summary should aim to make your research accessible to both experts and non-experts in your field.
Focus on the why and how of your research:
- Why is this study important?
- How does it contribute to solving a problem or advancing knowledge in your field?
Example:
“Our latest research explores the impact of climate change on agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. By examining weather patterns over the past 30 years, we found that unpredictable rainfall is reducing crop yields in regions that are already vulnerable to food insecurity. Our findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive agricultural practices to help farmers cope with changing conditions.”
This summary strikes a balance between technical insights and broader implications, making the research both informative and engaging.
We also have a similar blog on how to share your research paper findings on twitter now X and can access it by clicking on the highlighted text.
3. Incorporate Visuals to Enhance Your Message
Incorporating visuals into your LinkedIn posts can significantly boost engagement. Research suggests that posts with images or graphics generate more interaction than text-only posts. If your research paper contains relevant figures, charts, or infographics, consider including them in your post.
When sharing data or visuals, be sure to include a caption or brief explanation so readers can easily understand the context. If your study has a compelling graphic (e.g., a chart showing your main results), this can be the highlight of your post.
For example:
- “This graph shows the correlation between rising temperatures and crop yields over the past 50 years in Africa. These findings suggest that urgent action is needed to protect food security in the region. [Link to full paper]”
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn #4. Provide a Link to the Full Paper
While your LinkedIn post should summarize your findings, it’s important to include a link to the full research paper for those who want to dive deeper. This could be a link to an open-access journal, a preprint server, or your institution’s website.
If your paper is behind a paywall, you can still share a brief summary and let your audience know where they can access it, or even offer to provide the paper via email. Including a direct link makes it easier for your audience to access your work, which can lead to more citations and collaboration opportunities.
5. Use Hashtags to Expand Your Reach
Hashtags are a great way to make your post discoverable to people beyond your immediate LinkedIn network. Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your post and help people interested in your research topic find your work.
Here’s how to use hashtags effectively:
- Field-specific hashtags: For instance, #ClimateChange, #PublicHealth, #DataScience, #Agriculture.
- General research hashtags: Use popular research-related hashtags like #AcademicTwitter (even though it’s more for Twitter, it often extends to LinkedIn) or #ResearchGate.
- Trending hashtags: If your research ties into current events or popular topics, use trending hashtags to engage in larger conversations (e.g., #COP28 if your research relates to climate policy).
Don’t overload your post with too many hashtags; typically, 3-5 relevant hashtags work well.
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn #6. Tag Relevant Collaborators and Institutions
LinkedIn allows you to tag people and institutions in your posts, making it easier for your collaborators or institutions to see and share your content. If you co-authored the paper or received funding from an institution, tag your co-authors and any organizations or universities that were involved in the research.
Tagging relevant people and institutions helps amplify your reach, as it encourages your collaborators to engage with and share your post with their networks, increasing your paper’s visibility.
Example:
- “Excited to share our research on sustainable energy in Africa, co-authored with @DrJaneSmith and funded by @GreenEnergyResearch. [Link to full paper]”
7. Write a LinkedIn Article for More In-Depth Discussion
For more detailed content, consider writing a LinkedIn article rather than just a post. LinkedIn articles allow for a longer, more in-depth discussion of your research, offering an opportunity to engage readers in a more thoughtful exploration of your findings.
A LinkedIn article can be a great way to expand on your post by:
- Explaining your research methodology in greater detail.
- Providing additional context or background for your research.
- Discussing the implications of your findings in real-world applications.
Articles are also more likely to remain visible over time than a standard LinkedIn post, making them a great resource for those who want a deeper understanding of your work.
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn #8. Engage with Your Network
After sharing your research on LinkedIn, don’t just wait for the likes and shares to roll in—actively engage with your audience. Respond to comments, thank people for their feedback, and answer any questions that arise. Engaging with your audience helps build relationships and shows that you’re open to discussions, making your research feel more approachable and relatable.
If someone shares or comments on your post, take the opportunity to follow up with a thoughtful reply. This not only encourages more interaction but can also lead to potential collaborations, feedback, or even media inquiries.
9. Time Your Posts Strategically
When posting on LinkedIn, timing matters. Aim to post during peak hours when your audience is most likely to be active—typically early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. Studies suggest that LinkedIn activity peaks around 7-9 AM and 5-6 PM local time, as professionals tend to engage with the platform during work hours or just after finishing their day.
If you have a global audience, consider adjusting your posting schedule to account for different time zones or using a scheduling tool like Buffer or Hootsuite to ensure your content goes live at the optimal time.
Tips for Sharing Your Research Paper Findings on LinkedIn #10. Follow Up with Updates
Once your paper is published and your initial post gains traction, keep the momentum going. Share updates about any subsequent discussions, presentations, or media coverage your research receives. If your research leads to new findings or opens up new avenues for further investigation, share these insights with your LinkedIn network to continue the conversation.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for researchers looking to share their findings with a professional audience. By crafting compelling posts, using visuals, and engaging with your network, you can maximize the visibility of your research and connect with colleagues, potential collaborators, and those interested in your work. By following these tips, you can effectively use LinkedIn to communicate your research paper findings, build your professional reputation, and make a lasting impact in your field.
