The 5-Comment Rule: A LinkedIn Commenting Strategy

You don't need a massive following to generate leads on LinkedIn. You don't need an ad budget. You don't even need to post every day.

What you need is a commenting strategy.

I've landed 5-figure clients from 30-second comments. Not from viral posts or clever carousels. From showing up in comment sections where my ideal clients were already reading.

The visibility you want is hiding in plain sight. It's in the comment sections of posts your ideal clients already engage with.

Why Most LinkedIn Comments Fail

Scroll through any popular LinkedIn post. The comment section is a graveyard of wasted opportunities:

• "Great post!"
• "Thanks for sharing"
• "I agree"

These comments are invisible. The algorithm ignores them. The original poster forgets them. Other readers scroll past them.

Worse, they position you as forgettable. Someone with nothing to add.

A thoughtful comment can do the opposite. It can drive traffic to your profile, spark a DM conversation, and turn into a qualified lead. But only if you stop commenting like everyone else.

The 5-Comment Rule Explained

The rule is simple: leave five thoughtful comments per day on posts from your ideal clients. Not influencers with huge followings. Not random posts in your feed. Posts from people who could actually hire you.

Why five? It's enough to build momentum without becoming a full-time job. At 30 seconds per comment, that's less than three minutes of your day. But those three minutes put you directly in front of the people who matter.

The key word is thoughtful. Each comment needs to add something. Here's what works:

Share a quick story. Connect the post to your own experience. "Your point about consistent posting resonates. I've seen clients triple their leads just by showing up daily for 90 days."

Add your perspective. Agree, disagree, or expand on what they said. "I'd push back slightly on point two. In my experience with B2B consultants, the opposite tends to be true."

Ask a follow-up question. Show genuine curiosity. "What's been your biggest consistency challenge?" This invites dialogue and often gets a reply.

When you comment this way, something shifts. The original poster notices you. They reply. Other readers join the conversation. Your comment becomes a mini-thread showcasing your expertise.

Where to Focus Your Comments

Not all posts deserve your attention. Your LinkedIn personal branding strategy should guide where you show up.

Comment on posts from:

• Potential clients. People who fit your ideal customer profile. This is the highest priority.
• Referral partners. People who serve the same audience but don't compete with you.
• Peers in your space. Building relationships with people at your level creates opportunities later.

Skip commenting on posts from mega-influencers just for visibility. Yes, thousands of people see those comments. But they're not the right people. Your ideal clients aren't scrolling through comment sections with 500 replies.

Thoughtful comments on your ideal clients' posts beat generic engagement with big influencers every time.

What Happens After the Comment

A good comment opens doors. The question is whether you walk through them.

When someone replies to your comment, keep the conversation going. Add another insight. Ask another question. Build the relationship in public.

When someone visits your profile after seeing your comment, your profile needs to convert that visit. Make sure your headline speaks to their problem, not your job title. Make sure your About section shows you understand their world.

When someone DMs you after a comment exchange, resist the urge to pitch immediately. Continue the conversation. Add value. Let the relationship develop naturally.

The comments create awareness. Your profile creates interest. Your DMs create relationships. Your relationships create clients.

This connects directly to your broader content strategy. Posting and commenting work together. Your posts establish expertise. Your comments expand reach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Commenting only when you feel like it. Sporadic commenting doesn't build momentum. Consistency compounds. Five comments every day for 30 days will transform your visibility.

Mistake 2: Writing essays in comment sections. Keep it tight. Two to four sentences is plenty. Your comment should add to the conversation, not hijack it.

Mistake 3: Always agreeing. Respectful disagreement stands out more than enthusiastic agreement. If you have a different perspective, share it. Just don't be combative.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to check notifications. When someone replies to your comment, that's an invitation to continue the conversation. Don't leave them hanging.

Mistake 5: Pitching in comments. Never. Your comment should showcase expertise, not sell services. The sales conversation happens later, in DMs or on calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a LinkedIn comment be?

Two to four sentences is the sweet spot. Long enough to add real value, short enough that people actually read it. If your comment needs more than a short paragraph, consider writing your own post instead.

Should I comment on competitors' posts?

Generally, no. Your time is better spent commenting on potential clients' posts or posts from referral partners. Commenting on competitors' content can feel awkward and rarely leads to business opportunities.

How quickly will I see results from commenting?

Most people notice increased profile views within the first week. DM conversations typically start within two to three weeks of consistent commenting. Client inquiries usually follow within 30 to 90 days, depending on your sales cycle.

Your Homework

Open LinkedIn right now. Find five people who match your ideal client profile. Follow them if you haven't already.

Tomorrow morning, before you post anything, check their recent content. Leave one thoughtful comment on each of their posts. Share a story, add your perspective, or ask a genuine question.

Do this every day for the next 30 days.

Track your profile views. Watch for DM conversations. Notice how people start recognising your name.

Commenting is the best algorithm hack. No ad budget required. No big audience needed. Just three minutes a day and something worth saying.

You have work to do, my friend.

🍗 String