From Chasing Algorithms to Authentic Connections: My Social Media Journey

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Younes Baghor - WebWizArt
6 min read  •  Oct 06, 2024

As I gathered analytics from various platforms, a disturbing realization hit me: none of it correlated, it was all a bunch of crap.

source: Nano Banana

Two years ago, I embarked on a journey that would make even the most seasoned digital nomad question their sanity. As a freelance consultant in web engineering and digital transformations, I decided to leverage social media for my own business and build up revenue next to my consulting work. Little did I know, I was about to dive headfirst into a rabbit hole that would make Alice’s Wonderland look like a leisurely stroll in the park.

The Social Media Maze

Armed with online courses, video tutorials, and a head full of marketing strategies, I created profiles across various platforms — X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. I did market research, client segmentation, personas and figured out their pains and gains. Facebook was my first battleground, and boy, was I confident. I knew the algorithm like the back of my hand, or so I thought.

The Facebook Fiasco

Reality hit hard. I created reels, images, quotes, tips and tricks, and more reels. I learned the hard way that people don’t read on Facebook. Groups were flooded with useless posts, interactions were as rare as a unicorn sighting, and shadowbans seemed to lurk around every corner.

After eight grueling months, I had a whopping 99 followers on my business page — just shy of the 100 needed for analytics access. When I finally gained access, the numbers seemed as disconnected from reality as a glitch in the Matrix.

I tried paid campaigns, but the traffic was as fleeting as a summer romance — here today, gone when the money ran out. And interaction? Let’s just say my free e-books and audits were about as popular as a vegetarian at a barbecue.

The LinkedIn Labyrinth

I shifted my focus to LinkedIn. I crafted a battle plan that would make Sun Tzu proud, created content calendars, and dove into groups. I tried writing articles, but the limiting features of LinkedIn for articles made it a lost cause. Instead, I focused on creating tips and tricks, images, polls to get info about AI, and questionnaires.

The LinkedIn Grind

The Twitter Tango

On X (formerly Twitter), I tried to post a bit but didn’t like the platform at all since Elon bought it. The constant noise and volatility made it feel like shouting into a hurricane.

The Video Vortex

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, I dipped my toes into video creation on YouTube. Let me tell you, it’s about as fun as a root canal without anesthesia. I managed to post one video, but the whole process was exhausting. Create content, write scripts, record, edit, add effects — it’s like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.

People think influencers just whip out their phones, shoot, and post, but they don’t know the process involved and the additional people working behind the scenes.

The Analytics Abyss

As I gathered analytics from various platforms, a disturbing realization hit me: none of it correlated. It was all a bunch of crap, as disconnected as the plot of a poorly written sci-fi movie. I collected data from:

When I tried to make sense of it all, it was like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Ad stats didn’t match my website traffic, Google Business stats were in a world of their own, and Google Analytics seemed to be playing a different game altogether from my server logs.

The Pivot: From Algorithm Chaser to Authentic Creator

But like any good story, this one has a turning point. As a Stoic, I knew that the obstacle is the way. I decided to stop chasing algorithms and start creating content on my own terms. This journey led me to find my “WHY” — a process I’ve detailed in another article that I’ll link here for those interested in diving deeper into personal motivation and purpose.
Finding My WHY: A Journey Through Focus and Purpose.

I rewrote my website, focusing on personal branding as a freelance digital transformation consultant and AI strategist. My new approach centers on Medium and LinkedIn. I started a Medium account, not for riches, but as a platform to share my thoughts freely. I write a lot for myself anyway, so I figured I might as well share it with the world.

My New Routine

In the past two months, I’ve adopted a new approach on LinkedIn that’s as simple as it is effective:

  1. Connect with everyone LinkedIn suggests in the network tab.
  2. Search for specific segments like CEOs, CTOs, Managers, Team Leads and connect with them.
  3. Send a personalized message to new connections, offering a virtual coffee chat.

The results have been nothing short of astounding:

But beyond the numbers, I’ve gained invaluable insights into AI implementation across industries and levels of employment. It’s like having a front-row seat to the future of work and technology.

For those interested in my message, this is what I send out:

Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn. I appreciate the opportunity to expand my professional network.

I’m always interested in meeting new people and learning about their experiences and insights. If you’re open to a brief chat or a virtual coffee, I’d love to learn more about your work and how we might potentially collaborate or support each other in our professional growth.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there’s any way I can be of assistance.

Best regards,
Younes Baghor

Schedule a virtual coffee:
https://calendar.app.google/WXQ9jnTb99GPoX3E6

The ROI of Authenticity

This new approach isn’t just more effective — it’s healthier, less time-consuming, and infinitely more rewarding. I’m no longer a slave to arbitrary rules or elusive algorithms. Instead, I’m fostering genuine connections and gaining real-world insights that are worth their weight in gold (or Bitcoin, if you prefer).

As I look at my screens now, filled with messages from new connections and insights from recent conversations, I can’t help but wonder: Is it luck? Maybe. But it feels more like I’ve finally found a way for professional networking in the digital age. It’s a far cry from the exhausting content treadmill I was on before, where I was creating more stress than success.

Whatever it is, I’m glad to be on this path of this unfolding narrative, one authentic connection at a time. And who knows? Maybe in this brave new world of AI and digital transformation, the most revolutionary act is simply being human.

So connect with me at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/webwizart/