Why Engagement on LinkedIn Isn’t the Whole Story (And What Really Counts)

Look, if you’re grinding on LinkedIn, you’re probably watching your engagement numbers - likes, comments, shares, connection requests. It’s natural. Engagement is the lifeblood of LinkedIn, right? It’s how the algorithm decides who sees your content, and it helps you get noticed.

But here’s the kicker: engagement alone doesn’t move the needle like you think it does.

Engagement is the foot in the door - not the finish line

Sure, likes and comments show your content is landing. More engagement means more profile views, more connection requests, maybe even more opportunities. But that’s just the start. Engagement is how you open the door.

The real game? It’s what happens after the content stops scrolling.

The real impact happens in your DMs

I’ve seen it time and time again. Some of the most valuable LinkedIn growth doesn’t come from viral posts or huge engagement numbers. It comes from real conversations in your DMs - those one-on-one chats with people who actually want to work with you, collaborate, or learn more.

Engagement sparks interest. But it’s those private conversations that build trust and move things forward. You can’t run a business on likes and comments alone. You need to turn that engagement into genuine relationships.

And don’t forget your PFCs—People For Coffee

Offline conversations matter just as much, if not more. Your PFCs - clients, prospects, collaborators you meet over coffee, on calls, or in person - are the ones who drive real growth.

LinkedIn helps you find these people. But it’s the face-to-face meetings, the video chats, the real talks where trust grows and deals happen. It’s where you really get to understand their needs and show you’ve got the solution.

Quality always beats quantity

If you’re obsessing over numbers, stop for a second and ask yourself:

• Are those likes and comments coming from people who actually matter?
• Are you having the right conversations with the right people?
• Are you spending enough time nurturing relationships that lead somewhere?

Chasing numbers is a trap. Focusing on quality connections and conversations is what makes the difference.

What’s next?

This article is about why engagement is important but only as your starting line. The real growth happens in your DMs and your offline chats with your PFCs. That’s where trust builds, needs get real, and opportunities open.

Conversion - turning conversations into business - is a story for another day (and yes, that’s coming soon). For now, shift your mindset: use engagement to get in front of the right people, but don’t confuse it with the goal.

Bottom line?

LinkedIn isn’t just a numbers game. It’s a relationships game. The better you get at turning engagement into meaningful conversations, and those conversations into connections that count, the more LinkedIn will actually work for you.

So stop chasing likes. Start having real conversations online and offline. That’s where the work is - and where the real wins come from.