Some people want full control. That's fair.
But if you're going manual, do it strategically or don't do it at all.
(Timing is everything. Miss this and you're invisible.)
<aside>
The algorithm rewards early engagement.
If you're late to the party, your comment gets buried under 47 "Great post!" replies.
Here's what to do:
→ Track when your top 5-10 influencers post each week
→ Be online during those exact times
→ Comment within the first 5-10 minutes of them posting
Why?
Posts that get strong engagement in the first 10 minutes get pushed to 2nd and 3rd degree connections.
That's where YOUR audience is.
Pro tip: Use a tool to track posting patterns. Don't just wing it.
</aside>
<aside>
Counter-intuitive? Maybe.
But here's the thing...
The best comments come when you're relaxed.
Not when you're treating it like a TASK.
Good times to comment:
→ After a long client call (your brain needs a break anyway)
→ After finishing a challenging project
→ During transition periods in your day
Bad times to comment:
→ When you set a timer and force yourself
→ When you're rushing to "hit your quota"
→ When you're stressed and just want to check it off
Comments people engage with? They feel natural.
Comments people ignore? They feel forced.
</aside>
<aside>
This is a hack most people miss.
The algorithm notices if you're just here to post and ghost.
Here's the routine:
Before you publish:
Comment on 10 posts (focus on 2nd and 3rd degree connections)
After you publish:
Comment on 10 more posts
Why 2nd and 3rd degree connections?
Because when THEY engage back, their network sees YOU.
That's how you grow.
</aside>
Bad week: 30-100 comments. Expect 2-5 to actually perform. Good week: 150+ comments. Expect 10-20 to gain traction.
If you're only dropping 10 comments weekly, you might get 1 that generates impressions. Maybe.
That's not a strategy. That's hoping.
<aside>
1. Actionable Tips
Give people something they can implement immediately. Show you read the post AND you're adding value.
</aside>
Works: "My follow-up hack: 'By the way, saw your post about [specific pain point] last week...'" Fails: "Thanks for the tip!"
<aside>
2. Demonstrated Expertise
Show you know what you're talking about without being preachy.
</aside>
Works: "People who understand positioning never complain about saturated markets." Fails: "I agree! Positioning is important!"
<aside>
3. Informed Disagreement
Disagree intelligently with data or experience to spark conversation.
</aside>
Works: "We tested this extensively. Posting 3x daily actually tanks impressions. Quality over quantity wins." Fails: "I disagree."
<aside>
4. Specific Recognition
Acknowledge exactly what they did well, not just generic praise.
</aside>
Works: "Mentioning your competitor here is incredibly classy. Following immediately." Fails: "Love this!"