Most government officials either avoid LinkedIn or treat it like a digital bulletin board. A job posting here. A ribbon-cutting photo there. Maybe the occasional reshared press release.
It’s not enough.
If you’re in public service — especially in a leadership role — you’re sitting on a massive opportunity. Not just to increase visibility, but to shape narratives, attract talent, and build trust with the people you serve. LinkedIn gives you a platform that most people in the public sector simply aren’t using well.
And because most aren’t, those who do show up — consistently and intentionally — stand out fast.
Here’s why — and how to do it right.
Why Government Officials Should Be Posting on LinkedIn
Let’s start with the obvious question: why bother?
Here’s what good content on LinkedIn can help you do:
- Build trust and transparency. When people hear directly from you, it removes the filter of media narratives and partisan spin. You get to clarify your position and invite others into the process.
- Influence conversations that matter. LinkedIn is where policy folks, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and civic-minded professionals hang out. It’s not just a job board — it’s a living debate stage.
- Attract mission-driven talent. If you want to bring fresh energy into the public sector, you have to meet people where they are. And right now, they’re on LinkedIn.
- Share wins and lessons — not just announcements. People don’t want another photo op. They want context. They want leadership. They want to see what’s working and what’s not.
If you’re not using your voice online, others will shape your story for you.
From experience, below are some content pillars that actually work.
Public Service Storytelling
People connect with people, not institutions or logos.
Share your personal journey:
- Why you chose this work
- What keeps you up at night
- What keeps you going
These posts perform well because they reveal the human behind the role.
Example: “Ten years ago, I almost quit public service. Burnout was real, and I wasn’t sure we were making a difference. Then a community leader pulled me aside and said something I’ll never forget…”
Break Down Policy in Plain Language
Don’t assume people know what a new bill, ordinance, or funding program means.
- Break it down like you’re explaining it to a neighbor.
- Use simple words.
- Stick to one idea per post.
Some examples:
| Policy Name | What It Is | Who It Helps |
| SB23-108 | Streamlines permitting for clean energy | Local businesses, homeowners |
| City Budget 2025 | Sets funding for next year’s city services | Everyone — especially low-income families |
Share Community Impact
This is where many officials default to a photo of them with a shovel in the ground. You can do better.
- Give before-and-after context.
- Share what wasn’t working before.
- Mention who helped make it happen.
Post idea: “Last year, we had 1 working public bathroom in the entire district. Today, we have 11 — all open 24/7 and staffed. Here’s how we made it happen, and what’s next.”
Show How You Lead
The public doesn’t get to see much of what happens behind closed doors. Use that to your advantage.
- Post about how you think through decisions.
- Share a mistake you made — and what you learned.
- Talk about how you balance competing priorities.
This isn’t about performative vulnerability. It’s about transparency and leadership.
Attract Better Talent
Most agencies are fighting to hire and retain good people. A well-run LinkedIn page can help you:
- Highlight team wins
- Share job openings (with a real story behind them)
- Give prospective candidates a feel for your culture and values
Example: “We’re hiring an Assistant City Planner. But this role is more than drawing maps. It’s about shaping the city’s future — especially for communities that have historically been left out. Here’s what I mean.”
Celebrate Partnerships
If you’re collaborating with nonprofits, foundations, or private sector partners — talk about it. Show how collective efforts are making real change.
Post idea: “Thanks to our partnership with XYZ Foundation, over 300 students now have access to free internet at home. Here’s what we learned from launching this pilot — and why we’re scaling it.”
Invite Feedback
Most public engagement is reactive. Flip it.
Use LinkedIn to:
- Proactively gather input
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Share how public input shaped your work
Just be sure to close the loop. If people give feedback, follow up and show how it was considered.
Example: “We’re rewriting our hiring guidelines for equity. If you’ve worked in government or HR, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Comments are open.”
Formats That Work (and Don’t Take Forever)
You don’t need a 900-word think piece every time. Use simple formats like:
- Text posts (200–400 words)
- Carousels to visualize policy updates
- Native video (1–2 minutes, casual tone)
- Commentaries on news or policy developments
- Posts that start with a strong hook — and then teach, reflect, or explain
Just stay consistent. One post a week is enough to build momentum.
Common Concerns (And How to Handle Them)
“What if I say something wrong?”
Stay factual, avoid commenting on ongoing litigation, and if needed, run sensitive posts past comms. But don’t let fear paralyze you.
“I don’t have time.”
If you can talk for five minutes about a program you care about, you can record that as a post. Use voice memos, have a staffer transcribe it, and post it once a week. Batch if you need to.
“It’ll look like self-promotion.”
If you’re being honest, transparent, and sharing real value, people will see the difference. This isn’t about ego. It’s about showing up.
Final Thought on LinkedIn for Government Officials
You don’t need to become a content creator. You’re already doing the hard work — serving the public, making decisions, and building programs.
LinkedIn is just a way to show that work. Invite people in and bring them along.
Because when you share the journey — not just the outcome — you build trust. And in public service, that’s everything.
We can help
If you work in public service and want help using LinkedIn to communicate better, build trust, or attract talent — we’re here. Our team has helped leaders across sectors find their voice, simplify their message, and show up consistently without burning out.
Drop us a message if you want to explore what this could look like for you.
Mo is the founder and CEO of Column Content, a thought leadership content agency that helps leaders get seen. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
