why your stories fall flat on linkedin

If you’ve ever struggled to create an engaging LinkedIn post, it might be because your story feels too flat or overly polished.

• “Here’s what I achieved, here’s how you can do it too.”

• “Here’s a step-by-step guide to success.”

While those posts have value, they often lack depth. What’s missing is the context—the why behind your advice and the messy journey that got you there.

Even when you’re sharing expertise or insights, your audience needs to understand:

• Why this topic matters to you.

• How your unique experiences inform your perspective.

• What lessons have you learned along the way.

This is where layered storytelling comes in.

Layered storytelling is about weaving together your past, present, and future (aka, your lore, ifykyk) to add depth to your posts—whether you’re sharing a personal journey, advice, or expertise.

So, here’s how to structure layered posts for any type of content

1. Expertise posts: sharing advice with context.

Instead of just listing tips, layer in the personal experiences that shaped your advice.

Example Structure:

• Past: A mistake or challenge you faced that taught you something.

• Present: How you’ve applied that lesson in your work.

• Future: How others can benefit or evolve by using this advice.

Post Example:
“When I started managing a team, I struggled with giving constructive feedback. I avoided tough conversations, which hurt trust and productivity.

Now, I’ve developed a system for giving actionable, supportive feedback that motivates my team. One tip: Focus on behaviors, not personalities.

In the future, I want to mentor more managers on how to build trust through communication. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about leadership?”

2. Industry insights: Share trends with personal relevance.

When commenting on trends, add a layer of personal connection—how this trend has impacted your work or perspective.

Example Structure:

• Past: When you first noticed or were impacted by the trend.

• Present: How you’re adapting to it now.

• Future: Your predictions or advice for others navigating it.

Post Example:
“I remember when remote work was dismissed as ‘not serious.’ At my first job, we had one remote colleague, and they were often left out of team decisions.

Today, I’m building a team where remote-first is the norm. We prioritize async communication and regular check-ins to ensure everyone feels connected.

Looking ahead, I think companies that embrace flexible work will attract the best talent. How has remote work shifted your perspective?”

3. Call-to-action post: Spark engagement with a relatable story.

Frame your question or prompt around a layered experience to make it more engaging.

Example Structure:

• Past: A defining moment or realization.

• Present: A challenge or question you’re grappling with.

• Future: What you’re curious about or looking to learn.

Post Example:
“In 2018, I felt stuck in my career. I wanted to pivot into tech but wasn’t sure where to start. I spent months learning new skills and connecting with people in the industry.

Right now, I’m mentoring others who want to make similar career pivots. It’s a challenge to balance mentorship with my full-time role, but it’s so rewarding.

If you’ve successfully pivoted careers, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone just starting out?”

I hope these show how adding layers to your posts help you go beyond surface-level advice or achievements.

So, here’s my challenge to you this week.

Choose one post type—personal journey, expertise, or insight—and try layering in your past, present, and future.

Ask yourself:

• What experience shaped this perspective?

• How am I applying it today?

• What’s my vision for where it could lead?

When you’ve written it, share it on LinkedIn—and don’t forget to tag me so I can cheer you on!

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