Toward the end of 2018, LinkedIn retooled its update feeds algorithm to help generate more engagement for average users’ posts. Take advantage of that: Start posting more updates on LinkedIn. There’s a better chance people will see them and potentially engage. That could help build relationships – and sales. Here are eight tips for crafting engaging updates.

1. Be Visual & Share a Little Inspiration. Posts featuring rich imagery or embedded videos that are interesting and entertaining to the audiences you’re trying to reach can resonate. For instance, posting a brief video about unique swag you created for a client and explaining how it helped the customer can garner positive attention. Updates that contain an inspirational message or quote over an eye-catching image can get lots of looks, too.

2. Ask Questions That Generate Conversation. Solicit feedback on a topic important to your target audiences. Maybe you have a sales niche with small, private colleges. A question to post could be, “How can smaller colleges build stronger brands that attract students?” Offer an insight or two yourself to get the ball rolling. Respond promptly to comments.

3. Use the @Mentions Feature. When you want to engage particular people, use the “@” feature with their name to tag them in the update. This helps get their eyes on it, and increases the chances that they’ll comment and share the post.

4. Try No-Link Article Updates. Some research shows that LinkedIn’s algorithm can bump down updates that have links to external sites, decreasing the chances your post will be seen. Rather than linking to an external blog or article, write a piece in the body of the update box. The text can be a standalone work or a shorter version of a longer article, or even a sum-up of takeaways from a podcast or video. Again, tailor the content to bring value. If you’d like to include a link to longer content, put it in the comments section.

5. Consider LinkedIn Hashtags. Create updates with content of significance to the audience you’re trying to reach based on a LinkedIn-suggested hashtag. For example, take “#smallbusinessmarketing” as a jumping-off point and riff an in-post article from there, focusing the broad topic into your particular area of expertise in a manner that benefits clients/prospects. Include hashtags on key words and phrases throughout the piece.

6. Share Consistently. Frequent, consistent posting can enhance view counts and engagement.

7. Take the ‘Quick Tips’ Approach. What challenges do prospects and clients face? What insights can you provide to help them overcome those hurdles? Come up with answers, then write updates that provide three to five quick-hit tips for besting a specific challenge. These posts can include an image or related video.

8. Be Human. Write a succinct update describing a difficult personal or professional challenge you worked through. Offer broad takeaways people can apply to their own lives. Executed with humility, honesty and humor, these relatable posts can gain traction.