Time to ditch vanity metrics on LinkedIn
What I've gained from posting daily on LinkedIn since last year
Forget vanity metrics. Here's what I gained from posting daily on LinkedIn since last year - including the deals closed.
Over a period of 15 years, I wrote thousands of articles and collaterals for publications and clients. In April last year, I wondered: Why not write for myself?
So, I did exactly that. Some 550 posts later, here’s what I've gained.
More knowledge
I enjoy explaining things and showing others the ropes. Yet as any good teacher will tell you, we learn even as we teach.
Well, my understanding deepened as:
- I sought to explain things clearly.
- Responded to queries or challenges.
- Searched within to form my own opinions.
Turns out it's true - the best way to learn is to teach.
Industry connections
Of course, I also had the chance to make new industry connections. And many were very willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
It’s a humbling experience; while I always try to help those who reach out directly, those who shared freely with me did so for nothing in return.
I don't post selfies of meetups but suffice to say it's been highly enriching.
The most unforgettable? There was this industry convention where I met over 20 individuals on the same day - in 20 separately arranged meetings.
New deals
While I've never actually optimised my profile to sell anything, I do take on gigs when approached and the fit is good. And it has been an incredible journey.
In the last 3 months of 2023, I gained over SG$30,000 of new content work that I could directly attribute to my LinkedIn posts.
I'll just say this to solopreneurs or business leaders out there: Half of those who converted never engaged. At all. And the other half? Only a handful of times.
It's the content that converts. Not your impressions or likes.
What are you here for?
To be truthful, the above benefits could probably be achieved with shorter, easier posts written in half the time.
But I also write to practice the craft of writing, push my writing speed, and compel myself to constantly come up with fresh ideas.
I do plan to shake things up in terms of platforms I write on in the new year, so stay tuned.
What about yourself? Do you look at vanity metrics and what do you hope to achieve here?
