Why Chasing Likes Is a Waste of Time

Why Chasing Likes Is a Waste of Time

You ever post something, get a ton of likes, and then... nothing? No follow-ups, no conversations, no action. It’s a harsh reality: likes don’t pay the bills. I learned this the hard way when I realized my content was great for boosting egos but terrible for generating leads. That’s when I flipped the script. Now, every post I create is designed to move the needle, not just the thumbs. Here’s how I do it.

1. Talk to the Problem, Not the Person

When I write, I’m not thinking about stroking someone’s ego—I’m thinking about addressing their pain. The truth is, people aren’t scrolling through social media looking for compliments; they’re looking for solutions. My approach? I dive straight into the problems they’re facing and frame my content around that.

Instead of posting, “We’re experts in efficiency,” I’ll write, “Are your projects constantly derailed by delays? Here’s what might be causing it—and how to fix it.” It’s not about me; it’s about their problem and how I can help solve it.

2. Don’t Sell—Teach

No one likes a hard sell. When people feel like they’re being pitched, they tune out. Instead, I make my content educational. I share ideas, strategies, or quick wins that someone can use right away. The goal is to give value upfront so they see me as a resource, not just another salesperson.

For instance, I’ll share something like, “One of the fastest ways to streamline your workflow? Cut out the unnecessary meetings. Here’s how I reduced meeting time by 50% while increasing productivity.” See what I did there? I gave a useful tip without asking for anything in return, which keeps the door open for a deeper conversation later.

3. Write Like You’re Talking to One Person

Big, generic statements are the quickest way to lose someone’s interest. I always imagine I’m speaking directly to one person. It keeps the tone conversational and makes the content feel more personal. The secret? Use “you” more than “we” or “I.”

Here’s a tip: Instead of saying, “Our clients see amazing results with our strategies,” say, “Here’s how you can see amazing results using strategies we’ve tested.” It’s a small shift, but it changes the focus entirely. It’s not about what I’ve done—it’s about what they can do.

4. Engage Beyond the Post

Posting is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the comments and direct messages. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and create a relationship. That’s where the leads come from—not from the post itself, but from the conversations it sparks.

For example, when someone comments on my post, I don’t just say, “Thanks!” I ask a follow-up question or share a quick insight to keep the dialogue going. It’s amazing how often those casual exchanges turn into business opportunities.

5. Consistency Beats Perfection

Perfection is a trap. If you wait for every post to be flawless, you’ll never hit publish. I’ve learned that consistency is what keeps you top of mind. It’s better to show up regularly with good content than to post sporadically with great content.

One way I stay consistent is by batching my work. I’ll set aside a couple of hours to draft multiple posts so I always have something ready to go. It takes the pressure off and ensures I never miss a chance to connect with my audience.

Conclusion

Content should do more than look good; it should work hard. To me, posting is about creating conversations and building relationships. The numbers that matter aren’t the likes or shares—it’s the leads and opportunities that come from showing up authentically and consistently.

If you’re ready to stop chasing likes and start generating leads, send me a message. Let’s chat about how you can flip the script on your content strategy and start seeing real results.