Imagine walking away from a YouTube empire with 760,000 followers and over 130 million views to start fresh on a completely different platform.
For most content creators, this would seem unthinkable. But for Finn McKenty, a seasoned content creator and marketing expert, this bold move was a strategic decision to focus on quality over quantity and build a business that aligns with his long-term goals.
In a recent conversation with Fran Callado on the LinkedIn Marketing Mastery podcast, Finn shared why he left YouTube behind in September 2023 to focus on LinkedIn.
His insights reveal a powerful strategy for small business owners, coaches, and service providers looking to stand out, generate leads, and build meaningful connections on LinkedIn.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by LinkedIn’s potential or struggled to make it work for your business, Finn’s story offers a roadmap to success.
Why Finn McKenty Ditched 760k YouTube Followers to Start Fresh on LinkedIn
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Quotes from the Episode
Here are some of Finn’s most compelling insights from the episode:
“Visibility is more important than ability in today’s market. If people don’t know you exist, it doesn’t matter how good you are.”
“LinkedIn offers a higher quality audience and better business opportunities compared to YouTube. It’s not about going viral—it’s about connecting with the right people.”
“Only 1% of LinkedIn users post weekly. That’s a massive opportunity to stand out and make an impact.”
“You don’t need a huge following to succeed on LinkedIn. A clear offer and genuine engagement with the right audience are all you need.”
“Commenting on others’ posts can be more effective than creating your own content. It’s about building relationships, not just broadcasting.”
Key Insights
1. LinkedIn’s Unique Opportunity
Finn’s decision to leave YouTube was driven by LinkedIn’s professional and supportive culture. Unlike YouTube, where the focus is often on viral content, LinkedIn prioritizes meaningful connections and business opportunities. With only 1% of users posting weekly, the platform offers a rare chance to stand out and capture attention.
2. Quality Over Quantity
Finn emphasized that smaller, focused audiences are more valuable than large, unfocused ones. On LinkedIn, it’s not about going viral—it’s about connecting with the right people who align with your business goals. This approach ensures that your efforts translate into tangible results, like leads and clients.
3. Visibility is Key
In today’s competitive market, being visible to the right audience is often more important than having the best skills or products. Finn’s strategy focuses on clear positioning:
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What you sell
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Who you sell to
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Why they should buy from you
This clarity helps potential clients immediately understand your value.
4. Engagement Over Content Creation
One of Finn’s most surprising insights is that commenting on others’ posts can be more effective than creating your own content. By engaging authentically with your target audience’s content, you can build trust, foster relationships, and increase your visibility without the pressure of constant content creation.
5. Building Relationships Naturally
Finn’s approach to LinkedIn is all about authenticity. Instead of aggressive outbound sales tactics, he focuses on helping people genuinely and building relationships naturally. This not only creates trust but also leads to long-term business opportunities.
Actionable Takeaways
Here’s how you can apply Finn’s strategies to grow your business on LinkedIn:
1. Clarify Your Positioning:
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Define what you sell, who you sell to, and why they should buy from you.
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Example: Update your LinkedIn headline to clearly communicate your offer, such as: “Helping coaches generate consistent leads through LinkedIn without cold outreach.”
2. Engage Authentically:
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Spend time commenting on posts from your ideal clients or industry leaders.
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Pro Tip: Add thoughtful insights or ask questions to spark meaningful conversations.
3. Focus on Quality Connections:
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Prioritize building relationships with a smaller, targeted audience rather than chasing viral reach.
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Example: Send personalized connection requests with a note explaining why you’d like to connect.
4. Leverage LinkedIn’s Low Competition:
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Post consistently to take advantage of the fact that only 1% of users post weekly.
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Pro Tip: Share value-driven content, such as tips, case studies, or personal experiences.
5. Be Visible and Helpful:
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Make it easy for people to understand how they can work with you.
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Example: Include a clear call-to-action in your profile, such as: “Book a free consultation to learn how I can help you grow your business on LinkedIn.”
Conclusion
Finn McKenty’s bold decision to leave YouTube and focus on LinkedIn is a testament to the platform’s potential for small business owners, coaches, and service providers.
By prioritizing visibility, authenticity, and quality connections, Finn has created a strategy that not only generates leads but also builds trust and long-term relationships.
Ready to transform your LinkedIn strategy?
Start by applying one of Finn’s actionable takeaways today.
Remember, success on LinkedIn isn’t about going viral—it’s about connecting with the right people and providing real value.
What’s your biggest challenge with LinkedIn?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
