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- Attention is Cute. Impact Pays.
Attention is Cute. Impact Pays.
Don’t confuse attention for success. Here’s what to focus on instead.

Hey friend, quick question…
Do you consider attention success? And what’s your definition of a quality flex?
Here’s mine — a real flex isn’t attention, it’s proof.
Quiet wins. Client wins. Revenue receipts. Not just content that pops—but a business that scales.
If you’re new here, welcome to Content to Commas— a weekly playbook for creatorpreneurs who want to think like CEOs, monetize like a pro, and build something real from the content they already create.
I promised you a no-fluff newsletter and this week will be no different. This week, I’m unpacking what actually matters and what you should really focus on tracking.
Let’s get to work. 👇🏾
This week, you'll get...
💪 The “Real Flex” Playbook
After a full day of ideating content, posting content, or let’s be real — spiraling over what to post and never actually hitting publish…
It’s easy to start treating likes, comments, shares, or even follower growth as the definition of success.
But let’s be clear: Those are signals. Not success.
Don’t get it twisted—hitting 100K followers is dope. A post with 100+ comments? That’s a conversation you sparked. These things matter.
They’re indicators that you’re doing something right. But too often, we treat them as the goal instead of what they really are: indicators.
So this week, I want to help you recalibrate.
Because the real flex isn’t just reach—it’s results.
Here are 3 things to start tracking instead:
1. Track outcomes, not applause.
Impressions don’t pay the bills. Start measuring testimonials, link clicks, conversions, and revenue per post
One of my favorite tactics comes from my guy Lloyd, a brilliant creator.
Every time he wraps a brand deal or client project, he sends a Typeform asking for feedback, results, and ultimately a quote he can use to get another higher paying deal.
Simple. Smart. And wildly underused.
Most creators never think to ask how their campaign actually performed—so they never learn they might’ve driven the most revenue…and are still undercharging.
Ask the brand:
Any stats or results you can share?
What was the experience like working with me?
Anything I can improve?
Takeaway: Success isn’t how many people saw your post—it’s what happened after they did.
2. Audit your wins.
Instead of just counting views, focus on what helps you reach your goals.
For me, video views aren’t a top priority right now—because they don’t move the needle on what I’m trying to build.
Here’s what does:
Audience growth (specifically my newsletter)
Saves & Repost (my favorite metric—because it signals value)
Subscribers (this newsletter has nearly tripled in size)
And 45% of those subscribers? They’ve come directly from LinkedIn.
Takeaway: Visibility is great—but double down on what actually fuels your business.
3. Shift your content strategy.
Start treating your content like a living case study.
Share the proof. Document the process. Highlight the impact.
This isn’t about just having opinions—it’s about backing them with outcomes.
Whether it’s a client win, a product launch, or growth from this exact strategy, start showing the receipts.
Takeaway: Proof builds trust. And trust builds your business.
Numbers can look good on the outside.
But the real flex is building something that works behind the scenes—quietly, consistently, and on your terms.
This week, pick one post or piece of content.
Ask yourself: Did this drive results? Or just applause?
📰 In Partnership with Beehiiv
Last week, I hit 40,000 followers on LinkedIn, but I also had a post that got just 232 impressions. I deleted it, reposted it the next day, and it hit over 72,000 impressions.
The truth is, even established creators still battle the algorithm, face platform suppression, and have to play the game just to reach their audience.
But ever since I launched this newsletter, I haven’t had to fight for visibility.
I can reach thousands of you instantly. No guesswork. No gatekeeping.
If you’re thinking about launching a newsletter, building a community, or simply owning your audience, I can’t recommend Beehiiv enough.
Many of you keep asking, “How are you monetizing your newsletter?”
Truth is, Beehiiv is doing 80% of the heavy lifting. They’re connecting me with sponsors, publishers, and brands who want to reach this exact audience.
Creators and entrepreneurs: this is your sign to build something you control.
Morning Brew, Time Inc, LA Mag, and You
What’s the connection? beehiiv.
Our founders engineered the growth machine behind Morning Brew. They're now bringing that expertise to media juggernauts like TIME and LA Mag, helping them build best-in-class newsletters.
And all of that support, all of those tools, and all of that expertise is available to you. In short: no gatekeeping here.
When you work with us, just like Time and LA Mag, you’ll get:
The industry’s most powerful no-code website builder
Access to our ad network and sponsors like Nike and Netflix
Growth tools that help you scale with ease
Stop limiting your growth potential. Let proven experts working with the world’s biggest brands help you scale your content.
🗽 Pull Up On Me … Virtually & NYC & Amsterdam
I’ve got a few upcoming events where I’ll be dropping even more insights on content, growth, and the business behind it all. If you’ve ever wanted to see the strategy live and unfiltered, now’s your chance.
🔥 The Creative Spectrum: Fireside Chat & Mixer
Tuesday, April 22 | NYC
I’ll be speaking on The Business of Creativity panel alongside some incredible voices shaping content, branding, and strategy today. Expect real talk, networking, and a room full of creatives doing the work.
Space is tight—RSVP here if you’re trying to pull up.
☕ #CreatorTeaTalk: The Tea on Brand Partnerships
Thursday, April 24 | Virtual
I’m joining Jayde I. Powell and a few sharp minds for a live convo on what it really takes to land and keep brand deals.
We’re getting into the strategy, the mindset, and the truth most creators don’t hear.
Catch it live on LinkedIn—RSVP here.
🌍 Semrush Spotlight
October 29 | Amsterdam
I’ll be speaking at Semrush Spotlight in Amsterdam—breaking down content strategy alongside some of the brightest minds in marketing.
If you’re in the EU (or down to travel), this one’s worth the flight.
📚️ Free Resources to Scale
Playbooks for Creatorpreneurs who think like CEOs.
ICYMI — I’ve dropped a few free tools designed to help creators like you grow faster and earn smarter—without the guesswork.
From planning your goals, to landing brand deals, to writing scroll-stopping hooks—there’s something in here for wherever you’re at.

Brandon Smithwrick
Thanks for reading!
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