Spamming People To Get Reads Would Hurt Your Reputation
Know the ill effects, and do this instead to win
I focus on writing on three platforms (LinkedIn, this platform, and my newsletter).
As a writer, I yearn to capture the attention of others to read my work — but it cannot happen by force. You need to think like a seller if you want others to read your work.
Customers do not buy goods or services unless they get some benefit from them. If they do, they are willing to shell money for it — It is the same principle for readers searching for good articles to read.
You cannot merely ask people to read your post — and expect them to act right away in your favor.
As a person who loves to read also, I receive personal messages on LinkedIn from people in my network- and guys randomly send me links out of nowhere — expecting me to engage in their work.
Yes, It is okay to support the work of somebody who you barely know. But if that person does this every day to me, it gets irritating at some point.
I mean, there is a proper place and time for everything.
Get out of my sight
I know you are persistent with your monthly reads.
Probably, your goal is to work on the stats so that you have enough money each month in your account. Some of you want to get more leads in line with your content marketing initiative. So you force people to engage — and get that dwell time you need for others to see.
But if you cross the line and intrude on the privacy of others, people will BLOCK you if they can no longer withstand what you do.
It may seem rude for somebody to be part of the number of people embracing the cancel culture — on the other side of the fence, doing this can also be considered taking care of themselves.
I have done this (blocking people) to several people because they either become a threat to my safety (people bashing my post on LinkedIn — and provoking me to respond angrily). They have lots of time, I guess.
People send me links to their articles on messenger with no other text accompanying it. They are merely implying that I should read their work through the link. Not twice, not thrice — but every single day.
I consider this behavior awkward and disturbing.
I tell them nicely about how I view their practices — and if they do not stop — it is a sign for me to block them already.
You are a joke
It is okay to request people to like your post or message them to support your article. If you DM them every day, they will perceive you as a desperate person.
No matter how great your article is, it turns off people. Readers won’t see how wonderful a person or writer you are if you keep up this behavior.
I recall a writer on this platform bugging me by sending me not just once but twice for the same link.
There are also people asking if I read their work already (come on, we are in different time zones, I’ll get back to you for sure when I wake up — and have completed my to-dos in the morning)
Others prolong a conversation. They ask too many personal questions as if we are close — only to find out that they are hard pitching their work.
Some people would stalk other online profiles — which sometimes bothers me. It takes time to build relationships. You cannot speed up things just like a machine.
Relationships in a limitless world
If you want to get support for your work, there is a right way to connect with people properly.
Connecting online with people has evolved during the pandemic era. On the brighter side, it is good news for everyone.
Interest groups provide options to get to know more people wherever you are. You can connect with people wherever you are around the globe — Thanks to group communities online.
It is hard to build a personal relationship within the boundaries of using a laptop and the internet. Relationships should be with intention — in short, meaningful.
The framework of a good relationship must arise from authenticity and credibility. An attribute to measure how a person is genuine is his openness and vulnerability.
You should also earn the trust of people by reciprocity in your actions.
The roadmap to new people you meet.
One way to set yourself up for better introductions online is to upgrade your headline.
Include a personal element in your headline that would entice people to connect with you. If not done right, they will ignore you. Remember, people generally judge you like a book by its cover.
The headline serves as your first impression.
Another way to connect with people and build a genuine relationships over time is to participate in discussions.
People would appreciate you better when you engage them in a personal conversation. Like a face-to-face meeting, the audience would love productive engagements other than providing them links.
Ensure that you also acknowledge whatever updates are happening in their space.
There are numerous forums out there on Facebook, Slack, and Discord. Have an eye on where people spend their time — and you will be fine.
Final thoughts
The relationship is a give and take. Not take and take
If you join a writing community — and they have questions about a subject (even if you do not have direct answers), share your thoughts right there and there- who knows, they might find it sensible.
If someone requests your time to critique their work, make time to read it and get back to them with relevant comments.
Do this — and people will reciprocate. You do not establish personal connections by spamming people. Meaningful connections grow through time and effort.