I recently looked at my LinkedIn Year in Review and one statistic stood out: I left 3,510 comments over the last year.

I do not profess to know the inner workings of the LinkedIn algorithm. I am not a "growth hacker." But seeing that number made me happy because it represents a specific philosophy I have adopted: amplification is a form of giving back.

Many people view social media as a broadcast channel. They focus on their own posts, their own reach, and their own viral moments. I take a different approach. I view the platform as a community where the real value lies in rewarding your connections.

My Notification Strategy

To maintain this level of engagement without getting overwhelmed, I have developed a specific workflow. I do not have general app notifications turned on for LinkedIn. That would be too distracting.

Instead, I use the "Bell" feature strategically. I hit "notify me for all posts" on the profiles of specific people—thought leaders, peers, and connections whose insights I genuinely value. I also actively search for interesting posts from people who follow me and engage with my content. This ensures my engagement is targeted and meaningful, rather than reactive.

The Hierarchy of Engagement

My instinct tells me that while engaging is the "right thing to do" for relationship building, the platform likely rewards it too. But not all engagement is created equal. I operate on a strict hierarchy:

• 1. Comments: The highest form of engagement. It requires reading, processing, and adding value.
• 2. Reposts: Valuable, but often passive unless accompanied by a strong take.
• 3. Likes/Reactions: The minimum viable acknowledgment.

When you comment, you are not just boosting a post; you are starting a conversation. You are validating the author's effort and adding your distinct perspective to the mix.

The Business Value

For marketers and leaders, the lesson here is simple. You do not need to post five times a day to be relevant. By amplifying others' ideas, you build a network that listens when you finally do have something to say.

3,510 comments later, I am convinced that being a good community member is the best "algorithm hack" there is.