The rule: if you can't verify it, don't optimize for it

Verifiable metrics are numbers you can see with your own eyes:

• Likes on your posts

• Comments on your posts

• Connection requests you receive

• DMs that turn into conversations

Unverifiable metrics are numbers LinkedIn tells you:

• Impressions

• Profile views (mostly)

• "People reached"

You can see 47 likes on your post. You can't see if 4,732 impressions actually happened.

Vanity metrics to ignore

1. Impressions

What it claims to measure: How many times your content appeared in someone's feed.

Why it doesn't matter:

• You can't verify it

• It doesn't mean anyone actually read your post

• It doesn't correlate with business outcomes

A post with 10,000 impressions and 5 likes is worse than a post with 500 impressions and 50 likes. The second post actually got attention.

2. Profile views

What it claims to measure: How many people looked at your profile.

Why it doesn't matter:

• Most are accidental clicks or bots

• Doesn't tell you if they're your target audience

• Doesn't lead to conversations

If 100 people view your profile but none message you or connect, it's meaningless.

3. Follower count

What it claims to measure: Your audience size.

Why it doesn't matter:

• Followers don't see your posts unless they engage

• LinkedIn's algorithm doesn't prioritize followers anymore

• 10,000 followers who ignore you = 0 business impact

Better to have 100 engaged followers than 10,000 silent ones.

Metrics that actually matter

1. Engagement rate

What it measures: Likes + comments divided by your follower count (or impressions, if you trust LinkedIn's number).

Why it matters:

• Shows if your content resonates

• Verifiable—you can count every like and comment

• Signals to LinkedIn's algorithm that your content is valuable

How to track it: Count likes and comments manually or use a simple spreadsheet.

2. Meaningful comments

What it measures: Comments that aren't just "Great post!" or emojis.

Why it matters:

• Shows people actually read your content

• Starts real conversations

• Can lead to DMs and business opportunities

How to track it: Read your comments. If someone asks a question or shares their own experience, that's meaningful.

3. Connection requests (relevant ones)

What it measures: How many people in your target audience want to connect.

Why it matters:

• Direct signal that you're reaching the right people

• Potential leads or collaborators

• Verifiable—you see every request

How to track it: Count connection requests. Note which posts or comments led to requests.

4. DM conversations

What it measures: How many LinkedIn messages turn into actual conversations.

Why it matters:

• This is where business happens

• Shows your content or engagement led to real interest

• 100% verifiable

How to track it: Count DMs that go beyond one message. Track which conversations lead to calls or deals.

5. Off-platform actions

What it measures: Newsletter signups, website visits, meeting bookings from LinkedIn.

Why it matters:

• These are actual business outcomes

• Easy to track with links or forms

• Proves LinkedIn is working for you

How to track it: Use UTM parameters in links or ask people how they found you.

The only number that really matters

Business results.

Did LinkedIn help you:

• Get a client?

• Find a collaborator?

• Land a speaking gig?

• Grow your email list?

If yes, LinkedIn is working. If no, it doesn't matter how many impressions you have.

What about tracking vanity metrics?

If you still want to monitor impressions, profile views, or other LinkedIn-provided numbers, you can. Just don't let them dictate your strategy.

MyFeedIn's analytics dashboard tracks all your LinkedIn activity—including vanity metrics—so you can see the full picture without obsessing over it. Use it to spot trends, but focus your energy on verifiable engagement.

How to shift your focus

Stop doing this:

• Checking impressions after every post

• Worrying about follower count

• Posting just to "stay visible"

Start doing this:

• Count meaningful comments on your posts

• Track connection requests from your target audience

• Measure DM conversations and off-platform actions

• Focus on quality engagement over quantity

The bottom line

Impressions don't pay your bills. Conversations do.

Track what you can verify. Optimize for what drives business results. Ignore the rest.

Want to see your real LinkedIn performance at a glance? MyFeedIn's analytics dashboard shows you what matters—time spent engaging, connections made, and activity trends—without the vanity metric noise.

Ready to focus on metrics that matter? Start tracking engagement, not impressions.