The dark world of social media growth - how not to grow your brand
Let’s face it. We all want more reach and engagement for our social media posts. Imagine if there was a way to fast-track that, multiplying your visibility almost overnight. Well, welcome to the secret world of engagement pods.
What Are Engagement Pods?
Engagement pods are groups of people who have agreed to like and comment on each other’s posts to game social media’s algorithm. They operate under the radar, usually on platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp. These pods aren’t exactly new, but they’ve stayed low-key.
Here’s how it works: someone posts on content, and everyone in the pod jumps in to like and comment as soon as possible. Sometimes, there are pre-written suggestions on how to reply. Other times, it's a free-for-all. The idea is simple—mass engagement in a short time frame boosts the post’s visibility.
Now, let’s zoom in on LinkedIn, where engagement pods have been making a significant impact. Like all social networks, LinkedIn uses a complex algorithm that prioritizes content receiving quick and substantial engagement. This has led to the rise of LinkedIn-specific engagement pods, which function similarly to those on other platforms but with a professional twist.
LinkedIn engagement pods are usually invite-only and organized on platforms like Lempod or through messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. The goal remains the same: boost visibility through rapid, coordinated engagement.
Why LinkedIn Engagement Pods Are a Bad Idea
Engagement on its own doesn’t bring you new business. Sure, you might get a temporary boost, but it won’t last. And here’s the kicker: it messes with your strategy. If you’re serious about growing on LinkedIn, you need to test and refine what works and what doesn’t. Engagement pods throw a wrench in that process. You’re no longer getting genuine feedback.
Think about it: if all your engagement is coming from a pod, you’re not learning what truly resonates with your real audience. Your analytics are skewed, and you can’t accurately track what content is working. You might feel good seeing all those likes and comments, but it’s not translating into actual business growth.
The Problem with Inauthentic Engagement
When you rely on an engagement pod, you’re not building authentic relationships. Instead, you’re creating a illusion. People can usually tell when engagement is fake. It’s like buying followers on Instagram. You might look popular at first glance, but a deeper look reveals it’s all smoke and mirrors. This can damage your reputation, making you seem desperate and inauthentic.
LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t static. It evolves, and it’s getting better at spotting inauthentic activity. If you’re flagged for unnatural engagement patterns, you could face penalties or even have your account suspended. Is that worth the risk?
No Real Business Impact
Fake engagement doesn’t translate to real business outcomes. The likes and comments you get from pod members aren’t from potential clients or industry peers who genuinely value your content. They’re just going through the motions. This means you’re not converting this engagement into meaningful business relationships or opportunities.
The Real Lesson
Don’t confuse the power of community with these shortcut schemes. True engagement comes from building a real connection with your audience. There are no shortcuts. It’s about consistently putting out valuable content, engaging authentically, and learning what works through trial and error.
Think about it this way: would you rather have 100 genuine likes and comments from people who are actually interested in what you have to say, or 1,000 likes from a bunch of randoms who are just in it for the engagement swap? Quality over quantity, every time.
Bottom Line
While engagement pods might seem like a good idea at first, they’re a trap. They promise the world but deliver very little. Instead, focus on real engagement. Build a community that cares about what you have to say. Test your content, learn from it, and double down on what works. That’s the path to real, sustainable growth.
So, what’s your growth hack? Let me know your thoughts. And remember, there are no shortcuts to success. It’s all about putting in the work and building something real.