Are you spending time on LinkedIn but not seeing real business results? Have you ever noticed how some people seem to attract new clients simply by showing up in the comments section? The truth is, you don’t need paid ads to generate leads on LinkedIn. With a simple, repeatable commenting strategy, you can turn visibility into booked calls and clients.
Why likes and views don’t equal new clients
It’s easy to get caught up in the dopamine rush of likes and views. But here’s the problem: neither of these metrics pays your bills. A post with 10,000 impressions but no conversations in your inbox is nothing more than vanity metrics.
Clients don’t buy because your post went viral—they buy because they trust your perspective, believe you can solve their problem, and feel connected to you. Strategic commenting helps bridge this gap by putting your insights in front of the right people, in the right conversations, consistently.
The type of comments that actually get DMs
Not all comments are created equal. Dropping a simple “Great post!” won’t get you noticed. What works are thoughtful, value-packed comments that expand on the original post. Think of your comments as mini contributions to the conversation:
- Add a real-world example that reinforces the post’s point.
- Share a quick framework or tip that helps others apply the idea.
- Ask a clarifying or thought-provoking question that sparks discussion.
This kind of comment shows that you’re not just a passive consumer—you’re an active problem-solver. And when the right people see you consistently showing up with valuable insights, they’ll often DM you directly to continue the conversation. Beware, however, of comments that sound like you are belittleing the other person, or the infamous “Well, actually…” type of comments. Always make sure you sound nice and not pedantic.
How I turned five minutes of commenting into a booked call
A few weeks ago, I came across a post about the challenges of scaling a consulting business. Instead of just liking it, I left a detailed comment outlining a 3-step approach I’ve used with clients: narrowing the service offering, implementing a client referral process, and setting up a basic CRM.
Within an hour, I received a DM from another consultant who resonated with my comment. We exchanged a few messages, scheduled a call, and by the end of the week, I had a new client. That entire chain of events started with less than five minutes of intentional commenting.
Commenting as mini-thought-leadership
Think of every comment as a micro piece of thought leadership. You don’t always need to publish long-form posts to build credibility—your comments can position you as an authority just as effectively.
The key is consistency. Over time, people begin to recognize your name and associate it with practical, helpful insights. This makes you memorable. When they’re ready to buy—or when they know someone who needs your expertise—you’re the first person they think of.
Another advantage of this approach is that it lowers the barrier to engagement. Not everyone will read a 1,000-word post, but many will skim through comments. If yours stands out, you’ve just made an impression on a new potential client.
How to create a repeatable commenting system that compounds results
The biggest mistake people make with LinkedIn commenting is treating it as random. To see real results, you need a system. Here’s a simple structure:
- Identify key people: Make a list of 10–20 industry leaders, potential clients, or connectors whose posts your ideal audience engages with.
- Block time daily: Spend 10–15 minutes per day scanning their posts and leaving thoughtful comments.
- Engage with variety: Mix between insights, examples, and questions so your comments don’t feel repetitive.
- Track outcomes: Keep a simple log of comments that generate replies, profile visits, or DMs to understand what works best.
This process compounds over time. The more consistently you show up, the more people see you as part of the conversation. And as trust builds, so does the flow of inbound opportunities.
