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Jeff BullasKeymasterHere’s the truth most podcasters learn the hard way: great content alone isn’t enough. In 2025, if you want to grow your podcast audience, you need to treat it like a product launch—every single week.
That means building discoverability into your publishing process—not tacking it on after.
Let’s start with what’s working right now:
1. Don’t just post your podcast—slice it.
One episode can become:2–3 audiograms for TikTok/Instagram
A text quote graphic or carousel for LinkedIn
A short blog post or newsletter summary
A question or insight post that drives back to the episode
The most successful shows are showing up everywhere, consistently. Not by doing more work—but by repurposing smartly.2. Use short-form video to spark curiosity.
Clips from your episodes—even if it’s just you speaking into the mic—perform incredibly well when the hook is strong. Focus on a punchy 15–30 seconds that shares a bold takeaway or question.
Then point viewers to the full episode in your bio or comments.3. Optimize for search, not just streaming.
Most people don’t discover shows in podcast apps—they find them on Google, YouTube, or social media. That’s why your titles, descriptions, and even your show notes matter.
Use tools like ChatGPT or Surfer to help you create keyword-optimized headlines that still sound human.4. Collaborate—strategically.
Guest swaps, newsletter features, or even shout-outs from similar creators can help you tap into audiences that already care about your topic.
Just make sure your CTA is tight: tell people what your show is about and why they should tune in today.5. Make your show shareable.
Listeners won’t share your episode unless there’s something in it for their audience—make sure every episode includes a takeaway, quotable idea, or surprising insight that makes someone look smart for sharing it.And finally, don’t just focus on downloads—focus on depth.
A smaller group of highly engaged listeners who binge your content, respond to your CTAs, and share your episodes is worth far more than passive reach. Build for connection, not just traffic.If you want a simple podcast growth checklist or content repurposing workflow, I’ve got one I’m happy to pass along.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 3:09 pm in reply to: How do I structure an engaging solo vs. interview podcast episode? #108318Jeff BullasKeymasterThis is a great question—because the structure of your episode does affect how long people stick around. And the key is knowing that solo and interview episodes require slightly different energy and planning.
Here’s how I break it down:
Solo Episodes: You’re the Expert + Entertainer
A solo episode needs more rhythm and momentum to keep things moving. Without another voice in the room, you need to guide the listener with clear direction and energy.
Try this structure:
Hook (0:00–0:30)
Open strong. Use a bold statement, quick story, or question that pulls people in.
“If you’re struggling to grow your email list, I’ve got three strategies that actually work—and one that’s a total waste of time.”Intro (0:30–1:00)
Briefly explain what the episode will cover and why it matters. This sets the promise.
Keep it tight—people want momentum.Core Content (1:00–12:00+)
Use 3–5 key points, each framed as a solution, tip, or story.
Speak like you’re having a one-on-one conversation.
Use short sentences, rhetorical questions, and clear transitions to keep attention.Recap + Takeaway (Final 1–2 mins)
Summarize the value. End with a clear action step or insight they can apply today.
“If there’s one thing I want you to try this week, it’s…”Interview Episodes: You’re the Conductor
With interviews, your job is to make the guest shine while also steering the conversation toward value for the listener. The most engaging interviews feel like guided conversations, not rigid Q&As.Use this flow:
Teaser + Guest Intro (0:00–1:30)
Highlight one great takeaway early—before introducing your guest.
Then introduce them with energy and credibility. Set up why this conversation matters.Start Personal, Not Professional (1:30–5:00)
Open with a story or human moment—not “tell us what you do.”
This builds connection fast and sets a relaxed tone.Core Conversation (5:00–25:00+)
Anchor the episode around a core theme or takeaway.
Ask open-ended questions. Avoid info-dumping. Keep circling back to stories, lessons, and real-world examples.
Audience Relevance Check
Ask questions like, “How would someone just starting out apply this?” or “What mistakes do you see people make here?”
This keeps the listener in the loop.Wrap + Call-to-Action
End with a powerful takeaway from the guest. Then point listeners to the next step—subscribe, follow, check the guest’s offer, etc.No matter the format, the goal is the same: hold attention through clarity, connection, and momentum. Map your episode before you record, stay focused during, and edit with the listener’s experience in mind.
Want a solo vs. interview planning template? I’ve got a few I can share that streamline the whole prep process.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 3:07 pm in reply to: How do I get more viewers during my TikTok Live streams? #108317Jeff BullasKeymasterYou’re not alone—getting traction on TikTok Live can feel like shouting into the void at first. But the creators who are consistently pulling in viewers aren’t just “getting lucky.” They’re using a few repeatable tactics that drive both visibility and retention.
Let’s start with discoverability. TikTok’s algorithm actually pushes Lives, but only if a few boxes are ticked. First, make sure your Live title is specific and searchable—think “3 copywriting tips I wish I knew sooner” instead of “going live!” Generic titles get skipped. Specific titles get curiosity clicks.
Next, go Live when your audience is already active. You can check your TikTok analytics to find your peak hours. For most niches, it’s either lunchtime or late evening in their local time zone. Consistency matters here—showing up at the same time trains people to expect you.
Now let’s talk pre-promotion. One of the most underrated strategies is teasing your Live in your regular content. Drop a short video 6–12 hours before with a hook like “Going Live tonight to break this down in detail.” Pin it to your profile. Let people know what they’ll get out of showing up.
During the Live itself, avoid slow starts. Open with energy and clarity—tell people exactly what the Live is about and what they’ll walk away with. Even if there’s no one in the room yet, set the tone like there is. Viewers often join mid-stream, and if the first 5 seconds feel awkward or quiet, they’ll bounce.
Another trick that works? Engage with comments in real-time and say usernames when possible. It creates a feedback loop that keeps people involved—and encourages them to stick around.
Finally, go Live with a structure. Even if it’s loose, have talking points, mini stories, or tips to share. Dead air kills engagement. You can even bring on a guest or do a Q&A segment to add variety.
Getting viewers takes strategy, but keeping them takes presence. Be clear, be generous with your insights, and treat every Live like a show—even if only a few people are watching. That’s how it grows.
If you want a quick Live stream checklist or a few title formulas that have worked well for others, happy to share them.
– Jeff
Jeff BullasKeymasterGreat question—and you’re right to focus on real followers, not just vanity metrics.
In 2025, the fastest way to grow a loyal TikTok following is to stop chasing trends and start delivering clarity, value, and consistency in a very specific lane.
Here’s how that plays out:
Choose a niche—and stick to it
The algorithm loves context. If you bounce between cooking tips, mindset quotes, and marketing advice, it won’t know who to push your content to. But if you publish consistently around one core idea, you’ll build momentum much faster. You become known for something—and that drives repeat views and follows.Use the “3-E” content rule: Educational, Entertaining, or Emotional
TikTok’s top-performing creators don’t post at random. Every video serves a purpose. Ask yourself before hitting publish: Does this teach something useful? Does it entertain or surprise? Does it connect emotionally with a specific type of person? If it does none of these, rewrite it.Hook early and script tighter
Your first 1–2 seconds make or break the video. You need a scroll-stopping hook, paired with a clear through-line. Use AI tools like ChatGPT or TikTok-specific script generators to help write stronger intros and transitions.Post frequently, but don’t spam
Quality still beats quantity, but TikTok rewards momentum. Posting 4–5 quality videos per week is a strong baseline. Batch record and schedule to stay consistent. Repetition with variation works—your audience won’t remember that you talked about “how to price your offer” three times, but the algorithm might thank you for it.Engage with your audience and your niche
Reply to comments. Duet and stitch other creators in your space. Comment insightfully on trending videos in your niche. TikTok is a content platform, but it’s also a networking tool. The more visible you are, the more the algorithm recognizes you as active and relevant.Double down on what’s working
When something pops—even a little—replicate it with slight changes. Same format, new hook. Same structure, new example. The fastest growers on TikTok don’t reinvent every time—they optimize and scale what works.And if you’re using AI to plan, script, or analyze your content performance, you’re already ahead of most creators. Use it to speed up the process, but keep the voice human.
The bottom line: Real growth comes from clarity of content and consistency of delivery. Combine those with sharp execution and a clear audience in mind, and growth stops being a guessing game.
Let me know if you want a sample content plan or some proven video formats.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 3:05 pm in reply to: How do I promote my course or newsletter on LinkedIn without sounding spammy? #108315Jeff BullasKeymasterTotally get this—and it’s one of the biggest challenges creators face on LinkedIn: How do you sell without feeling like you’re selling out?
Here’s the good news: LinkedIn isn’t allergic to promotion—just poor promotion.
The key is to shift from “pitch mode” to “value-first storytelling.”Do this:
Teach before you sell
Share a lesson, insight, or takeaway from your course or coaching before mentioning the offer.“One mistake I see clients make all the time is ______. Here’s how we fix it…”
Now you’ve just taught someone—and earned the right to mention your program.Tell a story
Let people in. Share a transformation you’ve had, a student result, or a “behind the scenes” of your process.
People don’t buy offers—they buy outcomes and relatability.Invite, don’t pitch
End your post with a soft CTA:“If this is something you’re working on, DM me and I’ll share more.”
“I just shared more details about this in my newsletter. Let me know if you want the link.”
It feels personal, not pushy.Use cadence, not repetition
Every post shouldn’t promote. Aim for 1 in every 4–5 to point toward your offer—make the rest valuable, insightful, or community-focused.Avoid this:
“Link drop and ghost”
Just posting “Hey, my course is live! Sign up here 👉 [link]” will fall flat. No context = no clicks.Treating your audience like leads
People on LinkedIn want to connect, not be converted. Use human language.
Would you say that to someone at a networking event? If not, don’t say it here.Overloading the post with features
Focus on outcomes, not modules. No one cares that your course has 6 hours of content—they care that it’ll save them 6 months of wasted effort.Want to sell without sounding spammy?
Show up like a guide, not a salesperson.
Teach, relate, invite. Do that consistently, and people will ask for the link.Let me know if you want a few post templates—I’ve seen them work across coaching, courses, and newsletters alike.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 3:04 pm in reply to: How can I structure my LinkedIn posts to drive more comments and shares? #108314Jeff BullasKeymasterYou’re on the right track by asking about structure—because on LinkedIn, structure is half the strategy.
People don’t just scroll LinkedIn for content—they’re looking for connection, insight, and a reason to respond. So here’s a playbook that’s working right now to get more comments and shares:
1. Start with a Hook (First 1–2 lines)
This is your “above the fold” moment. If they don’t click “See more,” they’re gone.Try:
A bold opinion: “Most advice about LinkedIn engagement is wrong.”
A relatable struggle: “I used to post and get crickets.”
A curiosity builder: “What I learned after commenting on 100 posts in 30 days…”
Make it punchy. Make it scroll-stopping.2. Share a Clear, Valuable Insight
After the hook, deliver the goods—but keep it conversational.
Break big ideas into short paragraphs or even bullet points. No walls of text.Pro tip: Use the “Problem > Shift > Tip” framework:
Here’s the problem I faced…
What I realized is…
Here’s what actually worked…
This structure makes it personal and practical.3. End with a Question (Not a CTA)
Want comments? Invite them.Instead of “Follow me for more,” try:
“What’s worked for you?”
“Do you agree or totally disagree?”
“Have you ever felt the same?”
Keep the tone open. Make it feel like a conversation, not a conclusion.4. Bonus: Engage First, Then Post
LinkedIn rewards conversation. Spend 10–15 minutes before posting commenting on other people’s posts (especially in your niche).
You’ll prime the algorithm—and some of those people will come back and engage with your post, too.One last thing: Don’t just aim for likes. Aim for responses. If people feel like you’re speaking with them (not just at them), engagement becomes natural.
Let me know if you want some plug-and-play post templates—I’ve got a few that consistently generate comments even for new creators.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 3:03 pm in reply to: What AI tools can help me plan and manage blog content? #108313Jeff BullasKeymasterLove this question—because the right AI stack can massively simplify your content workflow, especially if you’re building a blog solo or with a small team.
There’s no single tool that does everything perfectly, but when you combine a few smart ones, the process becomes way more manageable—and scalable.
For topic ideation and staying ahead of trends, BuzzSumo and Exploding Topics are fantastic. They surface what’s getting traction in your niche before it becomes saturated. Pair that with ChatGPT (with some custom prompt tuning), and you’ve got a powerhouse combo for generating timely, relevant blog ideas in minutes.
When it comes to outlining and drafting, I’m seeing a lot of creators use ChatGPT, Jasper, and Writer. ChatGPT is great for flexible brainstorming and structure, while Jasper shines for writing in your brand voice across multiple post formats. Writer is a solid choice for larger teams that need compliance and governance baked in.
For SEO optimization, tools like Surfer SEO and Frase are popular. They analyze top-performing content for your target keyword and guide you through optimizing your draft with the right headings, keywords, and structure. These tools help you rank without having to be an SEO expert.
To manage the content calendar, I’d suggest looking at Notion or Trello with an AI-powered plugin (like Notion AI) for scheduling, drafting, and even automating updates. They won’t write for you, but they’ll keep your workflow on track.
And if you want a more end-to-end solution, tools like Content at Scale are trying to offer one-click blog generation plus optimization—but I’d still recommend layering human editing on top to maintain quality and voice.
In short:
👉 Use AI to handle the heavy lifting (ideas, structure, SEO suggestions)
👉 Keep your creativity and brand tone at the center
👉 Build a workflow that lets you create consistently, not just occasionallyThe bloggers who win in 2025 are the ones who produce like a team—without needing one.
AI makes that possible.Let me know if you want prompt ideas or a mini-tool stack for your niche.
– Jeff
Jeff BullasKeymasterGreat question. Blogging in 2025 isn’t dead—it’s just evolved. And in many ways, it’s better than ever for creators who know how to pair content with strategy.
These days, bloggers aren’t relying on display ads alone. Sure, they still exist—but now they’re just one slice of a much bigger pie.
What’s working? It starts with owning a niche. Bloggers who define a clear space and consistently help a specific audience are able to build trust—fast. And trust is what drives revenue.
Some of the most profitable blogs I see today are turning their content into digital ecosystems:
They publish SEO-driven blog posts that rank and bring in leads.
They use lead magnets to grow an email list, which becomes the heart of their business.
Then they sell digital products, courses, memberships, or services directly to that audience.
The monetization isn’t just sitting in the blog post itself—it’s in the funnel that the post feeds.Affiliate marketing is also thriving. The trick is writing content that’s genuinely helpful—product comparisons, tutorials, or “best of” guides—and inserting links naturally. With AI tools, you can now draft this type of content at scale, personalize it, and test what converts.
And here’s a big one: content repurposing. Bloggers who repurpose their posts into videos, carousels, newsletters, and even lead gen ads are creating multiple monetization opportunities from one piece of content. They’re not just writers—they’re content marketers.
Bottom line?
Blogging in 2025 is less about writing to write… and more about writing to drive action. Whether it’s affiliate clicks, course signups, or client leads, the most successful bloggers are treating their blogs like a business—not a journal.If you’re starting now, focus on value first, consistency second, and monetization through helpful, strategic offers third. The money follows the impact.
– Jeff
May 20, 2025 at 10:16 am in reply to: Budget-friendly podcast setup — what gear do I actually need? #108290Jeff BullasKeymasterYou’re asking the right question—and honestly, I love this mindset. You don’t need to drop $1,000 to launch a podcast that sounds pro.
Here’s a budget-friendly setup that checks the boxes for quality, simplicity, and affordability:
1. Microphone: Prioritize This First
Skip the built-in laptop mic. Even a budget external mic makes a huge difference.USB Mic (best budget pick):
Samson Q2U ($70 USD) — USB + XLR, excellent for beginners
Blue Yeti Nano ($80) — plug-and-play, solid sound
Both work directly with your computer. No mixer or interface needed.2. Headphones: Optional but Helpful
You want closed-back headphones to avoid audio bleed when editing.Sony MDR-7506 (~$100) or
Any decent wired headphones you already own3. Recording Software: Free + Easy
No need to overcomplicate this. These tools work great:Audacity (Free, Mac/PC) – Simple audio recording/editing
GarageBand (Free on Mac) – Built-in for Apple users
Riverside.fm or Zencastr (for remote interviews) – Free plans available4. Hosting Platform: Keep It Free or Low-Cost
To publish your podcast, you’ll need a host:Buzzsprout – Free for beginners (limited hours)
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) – Free and easyPro Tips from Experience:
Record in a small, quiet space with soft furnishings (closet > open room)
Don’t stress about perfection—focus on clarity and consistency
You can upgrade later. Many top podcasters started with lessIf you’ve got about $100–$150, you can launch a podcast that sounds clean, clear, and professional enough to build an audience.
Let me know if you want help outlining your first episode, or picking a platform that matches your goals.
You’ve got this
– JeffMay 20, 2025 at 10:14 am in reply to: What are the best ways to monetize a TikTok account in 2025? #108288Jeff BullasKeymasterGreat question—and it’s a smart move to think about monetization early. TikTok isn’t just a platform for going viral anymore. In 2025, it’s a full-fledged business engine for creators at every stage—even those with smaller followings.
Here are the best ways to monetize your TikTok account this year, whether you have 1,000 followers or 100,000+:
1. Affiliate Marketing (Fastest + Easiest Start)
You don’t need to wait for brand deals or product launches. You can promote other people’s products using affiliate links, especially through:TikTok Shop Affiliate Program (new in 2025 and super creator-friendly)
Amazon Influencer Program
Niche tools, digital products, or AI platforms you already love
Pro tip: Use AI to script short product review videos that convert.2. Sell Your Own Products or Services
Whether it’s a digital product, coaching package, Notion template, or eBook, TikTok is an incredible lead generator.Use link-in-bio tools like Beacons or Koji
Offer value in your videos, then lead to your product
Pin your top-performing video to keep it converting
Even 500–1000 views per day on a focused video can turn into sales.3. Brand Partnerships + Sponsored Content
As you grow, brands will start noticing. But you don’t need millions of followers to land deals. Many brands now work with micro and nano influencers—especially those in tight niches.Make a media kit (Canva makes it easy)
Reach out to brands proactively with a clear pitch
Use platforms like Creator Marketplace or Collabstr4. TikTok LIVE Gifts + Subscriptions
If you enjoy going live, TikTok LIVE is a monetization goldmine. In 2025, creators can now:Earn gifts from viewers during streams
Offer Live Subscriptions with exclusive content
Promote affiliate or shop links during live demos
It’s a great way to build community and income.5. Teach What You Know
You’re already a step ahead of the average user. Package your TikTok knowledge into:Mini-courses
1:1 consulting or audits
Downloadable resources
If you’ve figured out how to grow, others will pay to learn your system.Bonus: Use AI to Scale Faster
AI can help you:Script your videos
Plan monetization funnels
Auto-generate captions and hashtags
Repurpose TikToks into emails, tweets, or blog posts
Leverage it to create more content in less time—and test monetization ideas faster.Bottom line: You don’t need to be viral. You need to be strategic.
Focus on delivering real value, build trust with your audience, and make it easy for people to buy or click.
Let me know if you want a TikTok monetization checklist or tool stack—I’ve seen creators grow from hobbyists to full-time earners in under 6 months.
Cheers,
JeffJeff BullasKeymasterGreat question—and you’re definitely not alone. I get this a lot from creators, entrepreneurs, and people who just want to share their voice online but feel held back by the tech side.
The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to start a professional blog today. Here’s a beginner-friendly path I recommend:
Step 1: Choose the Right Platform
Go with WordPress.com or Squarespace if you want zero backend work. These are drag-and-drop, no-code platforms with templates ready to go.WordPress.com: Great if you might want more control later.
Squarespace: Great if you value design, simplicity, and all-in-one hosting.
If you’re okay learning just a tiny bit more and want more flexibility, I recommend WordPress.org (self-hosted). It’s what I use—and it powers over 40% of the web.Step 2: Get a Domain and Hosting (If going self-hosted)
Use a provider like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger—they offer 1-click WordPress installs. You’ll get:A domain name (yourblog.com)
Hosting (the space for your blog)
A WordPress dashboard where you can start posting
The whole setup takes less than 30 minutes.Step 3: Pick a Theme and Customize
No design skills needed. WordPress has free themes you can install instantly. Pick one that fits your vibe, then tweak colors and fonts with a few clicks.Or use Elementor (a visual builder plugin) if you want drag-and-drop editing like Canva.
Step 4: Start Writing
Your first few posts don’t have to be perfect. Focus on:Sharing your unique perspective
Answering common questions your audience has
Using simple headlines and clear formatting
AI tools (like ChatGPT) can even help you outline and draft posts.Step 5: Share and Grow
Don’t wait for traffic to “just happen.” Share your posts on social, repurpose them as short videos or emails, and focus on helping people.You can absolutely do this without tech skills. The most important part? Just start.
Let me know if you want a step-by-step checklist or tool recommendations—I’ve helped thousands of people start just like you.
To your blogging success,
JeffJeff BullasKeymasterHey Lena—great question. Here’s what consistently delivers the best balance of urgency and inbox-friendliness.
1. Five to seven days is the “Goldilocks” zone
Under five days and late-openers feel rushed; sales spike on day one and day five but dip in between.
Beyond seven days fatigue sets in—open rates slide, spam complaints creep up, and urgency blurs.
Most Vault members settle on six days: Mon–Sat or Tues–Sun. That gives two “prime” weekdays, one weekend, and a final-hours push.2. Price influences length
Products ≤ $99: three-day flash works; decision is fast and refunds are low.
$100 – $999 (your tier): five-to-seven-day window converts best; enough time for FAQs and payment-plan reminders.
$1 k+ high-ticket: stretch to eight-to-ten days, but layer in live Q&As or case-study emails so it doesn’t feel like the same pitch on repeat.3. Warm-up matters more than window
A two-week pre-launch nurture (value emails, social proof, teaser content) will boost your open-cart numbers more than extending the cart itself. Think “prime the list, then strike quickly.”
4. Final-day cadence
No matter the window, send two emails on cart-close day—one in the morning (“12 hours left”) and one in the last two hours (“Doors close at midnight”). That single tactic can add 20-30 % to total revenue.
5. Test, but start here
If this is launch #1, go with six days. Track opens, clicks, and refund requests. On the next round you can nudge shorter or longer based on those metrics.
Bottom line: A six-day cart is long enough to answer objections, short enough to keep urgency sizzling. Nail the warm-up, stay visible on close day, and you’ll hit the sweet spot without burning out your subscribers.
Hope that helps—go crush your launch!
— Jeff
Jeff BullasKeymasterShort take: aim for one primary keyword plus one supporting phrase—anything beyond that risks hurting click-through and watch-time.
Here’s the longer logic:
YouTube caps titles at 100 characters, but viewers only see ~50-60 before the cut-off. That visible zone is prime real estate, so cramming three or four keywords usually just creates a muddled first impression.
Best-practice guides put the “sweet spot” at 50–60 characters—long enough for a clear hook, short enough to stay readable in search and on mobile.
The algorithm looks for relevance, not repetition. One exact-match keyword plus a natural descriptor tells YouTube what the video is about without tripping the “excessive keyword” filter mentioned in 2024–25 SEO docs.
User signals trump keyword count. If a title reads awkwardly, your click-through rate drops, watch-time shrinks, and the video sinks—even if you nailed every keyword. That’s why most Vault creators who test keyword-heavy vs. concise titles see a 10-20 % higher CTR on the cleaner version.
Rule of thumb to keep it safe:
1 main keyword (“Adobe Premiere Tutorial”)
1 natural qualifier (“Edit Faster in 2025”)
Connect them with a hook:
Example: “Adobe Premiere Tutorial: Edit Faster in 2025”That gives you relevance, intrigue, and room for a power word or date without tipping into spam territory.
Some more quick tips:
Use TubeBuddy or vidIQ to confirm the primary keyword’s search volume, then stop.
Put any extra keywords in the description and tags—no penalty there.
A/B test titles (TubeBuddy Title A/B) if you’re unsure; data beats guesswork.
Stick to that “1 + 1” formula and you’ll stay on the right side of both the algorithm and your audience’s patience.Hope that de-clutters your titles—go get those clicks!
— Jeff
May 19, 2025 at 2:10 pm in reply to: Does Hiding Like Counts Tank Engagement for Tiny Instagram Accounts? #108197Jeff BullasKeymasterShort version: nothing dramatic happens either way. Instagram’s own 2025 data shows that turning likes off rarely moves the engagement needle for most users—some see a small lift, others a tiny drop, but the averages balance out.
A few quick truths:
The algorithm doesn’t punish you. Adam Mosseri has repeated that hiding likes is a display choice, not a ranking signal. Your post’s reach still rides on watch-time, comments, shares, and saves.
Audience psychology matters more than math. If your followers like visible social proof, leaving counts on might nudge extra double-taps. If they’re quality-over-quantity types, hidden counts can shift focus to captions and comments.
Mental bandwidth is underrated. Many creators report posting more freely once the vanity metric disappears—and more posts usually means more total engagement regardless of like visibility.
My advice: flip the setting for two weeks, keep your content cadence identical, and watch three numbers: comments-per-reach, saves-per-reach, and profile-visits-per-impression. If they stay flat or climb, great—keep likes hidden. If they dip noticeably, toggle back on. Simple A/B in real life beats any opinion thread (even mine).
Bottom line: for small accounts, hiding likes is neutral for the algorithm and potentially positive for your headspace. Test it, measure it, then decide.
Hope that helps you post with less pressure and more punch!
— Jeff
Jeff BullasKeymasterGood news: you can absolutely let AI do the heavy lifting and keep the soul intact. Here’s the quick-start recipe we give Vault members.
1. Start with the Brand Setup Playbook
Open the “Start Here – Brand Setup” playbook inside Jeff’s Vault. Copy the bullet points on tone, audience, and content pillars. Paste those straight into ChatGPT as context. That primes the model to write in your voice, not a generic LinkedIn guru’s.
2. Feed the model a raw story, not a headline
Grab a recent client win, lesson learned, or even a mistake. One paragraph of “what happened and why it matters” is enough. Forbes’ 2025 roundup shows story-based posts still out-perform tips-only posts by ~21 % on average.
3. Use the LinkedIn Thought Leadership System
Inside Playbooks → LinkedIn, you’ll find a prompt template that asks ChatGPT to:
Hook readers in the first 200 characters
Add one insight or stat
Finish with an open-ended question to spark commentsThat structure mirrors what the LinkedIn algorithm now flags as “high value.”
4. Give ChatGPT a style guardrail
After the first draft, ask: “Rewrite this in 1st person, trim jargon, punch up the opening line.” Small tweaks like that lift authenticity; Teal HQ’s tests saw a 17 % higher reaction rate after a human editing pass.
5. Run the “Two-Pass Polish”
Voice check: Read it aloud—if you’d never say a phrase at coffee, cut or rewrite.
Value check: Make sure at least one takeaway helps the reader do/think something today.
Anything that fails those tests goes.6. Batch, then engage live
Queue a week’s worth in Taplio or Buffer, but block 15 min after each one goes live to reply in real time. LinkedIn’s 2025 algo rewards early comment threads; even two quick replies can bump reach by 25 %.
Go get posting!
— Jeff
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