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- Vanity metrics are dead
Here’s something that might sting a little…
Your follower count doesn’t matter anymore.
That’s not just us talking, it’s straight from Gary Vee.
In a recent Q&A, Gary showed how even with 15M followers, his posts sometimes underperform compared to his smaller accounts with just a few hundred followers.
Why?
Because social media today rewards content, not clout.
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The harsh reality: Vanity metrics are dead
The social media game has shifted. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even YouTube are increasingly feed-first, not follow-first.
In other words:
• It’s less about who follows you.
• It’s ALL about how good your content is and how relevant it is to your audience.
Gary predicts that public follower counts may soon disappear entirely. The feed is the new battleground, and it’s democratizing content.
What’s the biggest mistake brands & creators are still making?
They’re acting selfishly on social.
• “Buy my product.”
• “Check out my brand.”
• “Here’s my discount.”
It’s all “me, me, me.”
And guess what? Audiences are tuning it out.
Instead, Gary’s mantra applies more than ever:
Jab, jab, jab… right hook.
• Jab = Provide value. (Educational tips, behind-the-scenes, entertaining or relatable content.)
• Jab again = Engage with your community. (Go live, reply to DMs, run giveaways, collaborate.)
• Right hook = Ask for the sale. (But only when the trust is built.)
What about local businesses & small creators?
Whether you’re running a catering business, a clothing brand, or you’re a solo creator—Gary hammered this point home:
Start with outreach.
1. DM local businesses or potential collaborators on Instagram or LinkedIn.
2. Search your town on social platforms and get involved in your local creator community.
3. Then layer in content marketing to build authority and presence.
Gary also gave advice to creators stuck in a rut:
✅ If your content is plateauing, don’t just “boost” underperforming posts.
✅ Try new formats like vulnerability posts, comedy skits, or completely different topics.
✅ Go live. A lot more than you think. Direct interaction beats polished content every time.
A mindset shift worth noting:
Too many people default to fear when facing change (hello, AI panic).
But as Gary put it bluntly:
“AI isn’t showing up to your next listing, realtors.”
Or…
“China isn’t coming for your algorithm, YOU are your algorithm.”
Harsh? Sure. But true.
The algorithm reflects YOU, your actions, and your engagement habits. Want a more positive, inspiring feed? Change what you interact with.
The big takeaway for YOU this week:
1. Stop focusing on followers—focus on VALUE.
2. Prioritize personal engagement (DMs, comments, going live, answering questions).
3. Experiment with new content styles. Don’t get stuck in your usual playbook.
4. Act now, don’t overthink. Imperfect action beats perfect ideas on paper.
5. Be consistent. A “C player” who shows up daily will outwork an “A player” who disappears.
🔥 Influencer shoutout
Paisanonthemic, also known as Angelo Molinari, is an Italian-American actor and content creator who brings a fun, high-energy presence to social media. With a background in acting, pitching, and media, Angelo combines humor, charisma, and a relatable, everyman style across his content. From comedic skits and product features to lifestyle snapshots, he embodies a classic, family-oriented “paisan” vibe. As CEO of Manor Media Group and the face behind the character “Salesman Pete,” Angelo is both a performer and entrepreneur, engaging his 13.2K+ followers with authentic charm and a strong Philly personality.
🔥 New brand on Social Cat
Author Clock is a beautifully crafted timepiece that blends literature and functionality, displaying the current time through hand-selected quotes from classic and contemporary works. Every minute, users are greeted with a fresh literary excerpt that creatively incorporates the exact time, turning each glance at the clock into a moment of inspiration and discovery. Designed for book lovers, writers, and those who appreciate thoughtful design, Author Clock adds a unique, intellectual charm to any space while celebrating the timeless art of storytelling.
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See you next week!
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