Let me show you something. Here are real comments from LinkedIn posts this week:
"Great post!" "Love this!" "So true! đź‘Ź" "Needed to hear this today!" "Thanks for sharing!"
Now, be honest: when you see these comments, do you think "I want to know more about this person"?
Of course not. They're invisible. They blend into the wallpaper. The algorithm counts them, but humans don't (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
Why we default to generic:
- It's easy. No thinking required.
- We want to engage but don't have time for substance.
- We think something is better than nothing.
- We don't know what else to say.
The problem:
Generic comments are actually worse than nothing. They:
- Take up your time without building relationships
- Signal that you don't have anything interesting to add
- Make you forgettable in the worst way
The fix: Add one specific thing.
Instead of "Great post!" try:
"Great post! The point about [specific thing] made me rethink how I approach [specific situation]."
Instead of "Love this!" try:
"Love this! I tried [specific thing they mentioned] last month and saw [specific result]."
Instead of "So true!" try:
"So true! I learned this the hard way when [brief story]."
See the difference? You're adding something. You're making it personal. You're being memorable.
The specificity test:
Before you hit post, ask: Could this comment apply to literally any post on LinkedIn?
If yes, it's too generic. Rewrite.
Quick value-adds when you're short on time:
- Share a relevant stat or example
- Ask a follow-up question
- Mention how you'll apply their advice
- Add one nuance or consideration
- Disagree respectfully on one point
The "3 sentence minimum" rule:
If you're going to comment, write at least 3 meaningful sentences. If you can't muster that, either save it for later or skip it entirely.
Quality over quantity:
5 thoughtful comments > 50 generic ones
The algorithm might not agree. But people—the ones who hire, refer, collaborate, and build relationships—definitely do.
"The LinkedIn algorithm rewards conversation, not broadcasting. The more genuine replies your post generates, the wider it travels." - Richard van der Blom, LinkedIn Algorithm Researcher, Author of the annual LinkedIn Algorithm Report
The final check:
Before submitting, read your comment and ask: "Would I click this person's profile after reading this?"
If not, don't post it. You're better than generic.
Related resources:
- Master commenting: How to Write Valuable LinkedIn Comments That Get Noticed
- See real examples: LinkedIn Comment Examples: What to Write to Get Noticed
- Visibility tactics: Best LinkedIn Comment Strategies for Visibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Are emojis okay in LinkedIn comments?
Yes, emojis help convey tone and make your comment more scannable. However, don't let them replace your words. An emoji-only comment is just as "generic" as a "Great post!" comment. Use 1-2 relevant emojis to complement your text (Sprout Social Index, 2025).
What if I genuinely just want to say "Great post"?
If you're short on time but want to support a friend, go ahead. But don't expect it to build your brand or attract new connections. Think of generic comments as "support" and specific comments as "growth." Balance accordingly (Justin Welsh, LinkedIn creator).
How long should my comments be?
The sweet spot is 2 to 4 sentences. This is long enough to show you actually read the post and have a unique perspective, but short enough to be easily readable on a mobile screen. Avoid writing "mini-essays" in the comments, as they can be overwhelming (Richard van der Blom, 2025).