Pods, Bots, and the Myth of Going Viral

If you feel like your LinkedIn feed looks… different lately, you’re not imagining it.

The algorithms (yes, plural) have shifted again. And the ripple effects are everywhere: people scrambling to keep their reach up, jumping into engagement pods, automating comments, and chasing vanity metrics like a leaderboard game.

I get it. When you see your post views drop (and drop some more), it’s tempting to do something — anything — to get those numbers back up. But the reality is this: likes and impressions don’t pay your bills, and fake engagement doesn’t build real relationships. And going viral? Yes, it is really fun and great for the ego. But it won’t change your life.

When you outsource your presence to a bot or rely on a pod to prop up your numbers, you’re not just gaming the system. You’re teaching your audience to engage with a version of you that doesn’t actually exist. And that? It’s off-putting.

The people who stand out aren’t necessarily the loudest or the most “viral.” They’re the ones who consistently show up with something meaningful to say, build trust over time, and know how to turn genuine attention into real-world opportunities.

Isn’t that who you would rather be?

Brand Brewing Tip: Beat the Algorithm by Building Your Own

Instead of trying to outsmart LinkedIn’s algorithm, create your own.
Pick five to seven people in your network whose content you genuinely enjoy and want to be connected with. Make the effort to engage with them intentionally every week.

Comment thoughtfully (more than “Great post!”), share their work when it aligns with your values, and send the occasional DM when their post sparks a bigger thought.

This small, steady practice:

• Keeps you visible to people you care about and want to get to connect with in a meaningful way

• Builds trust in a way no automation can

• Turns “algorithm anxiety” into a consistent connection habit

It’s the simplest, most sustainable way to make sure you’re seen by the right people. Best of all? No pods or bots required.

From Presence to Profit: How to Move from Visible to Viable

I’m teaming up with Wendy Shore for a live, unscripted Q&A conversation hosted by our friends at Graphy Inc. We’ll talk about:

• Why visibility alone isn’t enough to grow your business

• How to turn attention into authentic opportunities and income

• Simple shifts to protect your energy while building impact

📅 Date: August 19th 1PM ET
📍 Register here: [Zoom link]

If you’ve been feeling like you’re on the content hamster wheel or struggling to turn online attention into something that actually matters for your business, this is for you.

Your brand and your business deserve more than vanity metrics. They deserve meaningful momentum, without burning yourself out in the process. I hope you can join us for this (free) fireside chat with lot of information to help you move the needle on your business and your brand. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, hit reply and we will do our best to have it included in the session!

And with that, another edition of Brewing Your Brand is in the books. Any day now, the coffee shops will start rolling out their pumpkin spice lattes. And while I’ll be first in line when that happens (no PSL slander here), I’m savoring every iced coffee and sunny afternoon I can before the season turns. I hope you do as well!