the rise of vanity metric marketing (and what to do instead)

"Vanity metric marketing" isn't something you can Google. In fact, I made it up.

It's easy to do that online.

I did it for good reason though. I did it because I wanted a phrase to define what I've been seeing in the online business space waaaay too often recently...

The hyper-focus on metrics that don't matter one bit.

Y'know, like focusing on followers as a way to tell if the person is an expert. Or focusing on likes as a way to tell if your strategy is working.

Because here's the thing, all that shit you hear about needing “10K on Instagram to start freelancing successfully” or “500 YouTube subscribers to make any money” isn’t true.⁣

Those are vanity metrics and they don’t tell the deeper story. Let’s stop for a second and think:

• Are you speaking to your potential clients and the things they’re struggling with (that only YOU can solve)?⁣

• Are you sharing content that is engaging, in a way that makes it easy for your potential clients to find you?⁣

• Are you taking it deeper, making real connections and relationships with your potential clients rather than just pitching them?⁣

If you didn’t answer all of those Q’s with a “HELL YES,” you need to get to the deeper story.⁣

I am not making a steady, consistent income as a freelancer because I have a large following, email list, or reach — the opposite actually.

I am making steady, consistent income as a freelancer because I am honing in on that last thing: making real connections and relationships with my potential clients. They’re human, so I treat them like one.⁣

Next time you’re scrolling through social and see another one of those “grow quick and get rich easily” schemes... scroll on past.

There’s no quick or easy way to build strong bonds with those in your community that, down the line, lead to sales, collaborations, or opportunities you can’t even imagine right now.⁣

What you can do instead of vanity metric marketing? Focus on the connections you make as a freelancer, it’s your currency.

Do you have Q’s about how to create a steady income for yourself as a freelancer? Are you a remote worker craving community after COVID? Do you want support as you go from 9-5 to freelance?

Remote ID may be a good fit for you!

Remote ID is a directory and global membership community for freelancers and online business owners ready to do work differently, find their own version of freedom, and reach the goals they set for themselves surrounded by people doing the same.