Why Copying Big Influencers Can Be Dangerous for New Content Creators

Have you ever wondered why some posts by big influencers get massive engagement, even when they seem to be full of errors or inconsistencies? I did a social experiment on LinkedIn last Wednesday to test this theory, and the results were quite revealing.

In this post, I'll share the details of my experiment, the insights I gained, and why I believe new content creators should be cautious about copying the strategies of big influencers. Let's dive in.

The Social Experiment

For my experiment, I reposted some content from five months ago that was originally meant for the New Year. The text was designed to support a video at the time. However, I deliberately posted the wrong video with it. The video had nothing to do with the copy I'd written, and the post talked about getting ready for “a new year.”

What I Wanted to Test

I had a few theories I wanted to test with this experiment:

• If you have a larger following, you can post almost anything and still get engagement.
• Those who are “into you” will see past the errors and still look for the lesson.
• New content creators can't just do what the gurus do and expect the same results.

The Results

Only one person picked up on the error. This was a clear indication that when we have put time and effort into our community, they show up for us regardless of the post.

It was an interesting revelation, but it also raised some important points for new content creators.

The Dangers of Copying Big Influencers

When you're starting out, copying big influencers can be dangerous. Even when they tell you how they make content, unless they understand it's different for smaller followings, it'll sound easy when it probably isn't that simple for you.

Earning the Right to Be Heard

We need to first “earn the right” to be heard. This means building a community that trusts and values your content. It's not about the number of followers, but the quality of your engagement.

It gets easier as with most things, the more time you invest in this game. But remember, at the start, you'll need to do a little more than is often suggested by the top guys if you want to get heard.

Focus on Conversion, Not Followers

Don’t kid yourself that you’re here for followers or virality. The real goal is conversion. You want your audience to take action, whether that's signing up for your course, buying your product, or subscribing to your newsletter.

My LinkedIn Essentials course covers what to do at the start when you're small, so you can convert. Because that's what you're here for, isn't it?

Final Thoughts

Copying big influencers can be a shortcut to success, but it's not a one-size-fits-all strategy. What works for them might not work for you, especially if you're just starting out.

Invest in Your Community

Invest time and effort into building your community. Show up for them consistently, provide value, and they will show up for you.

Remember, it's not about the number of followers, but the quality of your engagement. That's what will ultimately lead to conversions and success.

Be Authentic

Lastly, be authentic. Don’t try to be someone else. Your audience can tell when you're being genuine, and they will appreciate it.

So, are you ready to start creating content that truly resonates with your audience? Let's get started.

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