Getting noticed on LinkedIn doesn’t require thousands of followers or a viral post.
Sometimes, a single comment can spark a real conversation – and that’s where the magic happens: replies, connections, and even leads.
So how do you write comments that get replies? After analyzing hundreds of successful comments, we’ve found the 5 most effective types of comments that consistently drive engagement.
Whether you’re replying to a big creator, a potential client, or a peer, you can use these strategies to get attention without being pushy or fake.
Let’s dive in.
First, Timing Still Matters More Than Anything
Before we get into the five comment types, remember this:
A good comment posted on time is better than a great comment posted 8 hours late.
Aim to comment within the first few minutes a post goes live. That gives you:
– A higher chance the author will see your comment
– A better shot at being one of the top visible replies
– Increased visibility to their audience
Now, let’s move to the comment types.
1. The Meaningful Compliment
Goal: Get a reply from the post author
When to use it: When you want to build goodwill or start a connection
This isn’t just “Great post!” – that’s too shallow and forgettable.
Instead, compliment something specific in the post and share how it impacted you.
Examples:
– “This is the best post I’ve seen about commenting on LinkedIn – it changed how I think about timing.”
– “Your take on motivation opened my eyes. I’ve never looked at it that way before.”
This approach makes the author feel heard, and they’ll often reply to acknowledge your thoughtful feedback.
2. The Value-Add Insight
Goal: Add depth and start broader conversations
When to use it: When you want to be helpful and noticed by both the author and their audience
Here, your goal is to add something that wasn’t in the post – a stat, quote, perspective, or angle.
Examples:
– “Totally agree that being on time matters. I’ve also found that when I include original insights, replies shoot up – it’s the combo that works best.”
– “Love this reminder about LinkedIn branding. Fun fact: Only 2% of users post weekly, so the competition is way lower than most people think.”
This type of comment makes the entire thread richer – and helps you stand out as a valuable voice.
3. The Personal Story
Goal: Get replies from others who relate
When to use it: When the topic is personal, emotional, or experience-based
Stories make people stop scrolling. They’re human, relatable, and memorable.
Example:
“This really hit home. I once worked under a manager who demanded unpaid overtime just to prove his authority. It burned me out and took months to recover. Posts like this remind me how common (and wrong) this still is.”
People who’ve had similar experiences will often reply, thank you, or share their own stories. That creates natural conversation.
4. The Thoughtful Question
Goal: Invite dialogue
When to use it: When you want to connect, learn, or be remembered
Asking a great question shows curiosity – and earns replies when done well.
Rules of thumb:
– Avoid yes/no questions
– Make it specific to the topic
– Ask something the author would enjoy answering
Examples:
– “What was the biggest challenge you faced when building your personal brand?”
– “If you had to start from scratch, what would be your first step?”
Bonus tip: Pair your question with a compliment or insight first. You give before you ask.
5. The Respectful Contrarian Take
Goal: Stand out with a unique perspective
When to use it: When you disagree or want to show another angle
This is the hardest – but most powerful type of comment when done right.
Never say: “This is wrong.”
Instead, say: “I see where you’re coming from, but I’ve experienced it a bit differently…”
Example:
“What you’re sharing makes a lot of sense. From my experience as a LinkedIn coach though, I’ve seen a different pattern – sometimes commenting actually gets me more traction. Just goes to show, there’s more than one way to win here.”
Respectful disagreement sparks real conversation without conflict. It makes people think – and earns you replies from thoughtful readers.
Which Style Should You Use?
Each of these 5 comment types serves a different purpose:
| Type | Best For |
| Meaningful Compliment | Building trust with the author |
| Value-Add Insight | Standing out and helping the audience |
| Personal Story | Creating emotional connection |
| Thoughtful Question | Starting conversations and learning |
| Contrarian View | Sparking engagement and demonstrating expertise |
The real power comes when you combine them.
Imagine this:
– Start with a compliment
– Add an insight
– Ask a question
That’s a triple-threat comment that gets replies and builds relationships.
Final Thought: Practice All Five
If you want more replies, more visibility, and more results from your LinkedIn efforts, master all five comment styles.
Use them intentionally. Adapt to the situation.
And don’t forget: be on time.
Have questions or want to learn how to comment faster with AI?
Email us anytime: support@commenter.ai
– Bogomil Stoev
CEO & Co-founder, Commenter AI