The Comment That Became a Client Call
Maya left a thoughtful comment on a marketing director's post about content strategy. She didn't pitch. She didn't self-promote. She just shared a specific insight from her own experience and asked a genuine question.
The director replied. Maya followed up with another comment. Then, two days later, she sent a simple DM: "Hey, really enjoyed our thread on [topic]. Would love to keep the conversation going—any chance you're open to a quick chat sometime?"
Within a week, they were on a call. Within a month, Maya had her first freelance client from that connection.
That's the power of converting LinkedIn engagement into conversations. Most people leave comments and hope something happens. Smart networkers use comments as launchpads for deeper relationships. Here's exactly how to do it.
Why Comments Are Networking Gold
Public comments have a unique advantage: they're social proof. When you engage thoughtfully on someone's post, you're:
- Demonstrating expertise in front of their entire network
- Showing that you're not just a random stranger—you're engaged and thoughtful
- Creating a warm introduction before you ever send a DM
Comments lower the barrier to conversation. By the time you reach out privately, you're not a cold contact—you're someone they've already interacted with. This builds on the concept of micro-interactions creating familiarity.
The Comment-to-DM Funnel
Think of public engagement as the top of your networking funnel:
- Comment: You add value publicly
- Reply: They engage back (this is the warm signal)
- Follow-up comment: You deepen the thread (optional but powerful)
- DM: You transition the conversation private
- Call or collaboration: The relationship becomes real
Most people stop at step 1. But the magic happens in steps 3–5.
The Art of the Meaningful Comment
Not all comments are created equal. Generic comments like "Great post!" or "Thanks for sharing!" won't start conversations. Here's what does:
Add Value or Depth
Share a related insight, example, or experience that builds on the original post.
Example:
"This resonates. I've found that when we shifted our content calendar from weekly to bi-weekly, engagement actually went up—less frequency, but higher quality. Curious if you've experimented with posting cadence at all?"
Why it works: You're not just agreeing—you're contributing. And the question invites a reply, which creates the opening for deeper conversation.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Questions naturally invite replies and show genuine curiosity.
Example:
"Love this framework. When you apply the '80/20 rule' to content, how do you decide what falls into the 20% that drives results? Do you track metrics or go by intuition?"
Why it works: Specific questions demonstrate that you actually read the post and want to learn more. This builds digital rapport through genuine curiosity.
Share a Contrasting Perspective (Respectfully)
Polite disagreement or nuance can spark great discussions.
Example:
"Interesting take! I've seen the opposite in B2B SaaS—short-form content often gets more shares, but long-form drives actual conversions. Maybe it depends on where your audience is in the funnel?"
Why it works: Thoughtful disagreement is memorable. It shows independent thinking and invites dialogue.
When and How to Transition to DM
Here's the moment most people freeze: When do I move from comments to a DM? And more importantly, how do I do it without being awkward or pushy?
The Warm Signal: When They Reply
If someone replies to your comment—especially with a thoughtful response or follow-up question—that's your green light. They're signaling interest in continuing the conversation.
The formula: Engage publicly 2–3 times, then transition to DM if the conversation has momentum.
The Graceful DM: How to Follow Up
Your DM should feel like a natural extension of the public conversation, not a cold pitch. Here's the structure:
1. Reference the conversation
Start by acknowledging the thread you just had.
2. Add value or depth
Share something you didn't want to post publicly—an article, resource, or deeper thought.
3. Invite dialogue (low-pressure)
Give them an easy way to reply or continue the conversation.
DM Template After a Comment Thread
"Hey [Name], really enjoyed our thread on [topic]! I didn't want to clutter the comments, but I thought of this [article/resource/example] that relates to what you were saying about [specific point]. Figured you might find it interesting.
Also, I'd love to hear more about your experience with [related topic] if you're ever up for a quick chat. No pressure—just always great to connect with people thinking deeply about this stuff."
Why it works: It's specific, value-driven, and low-ask. You're not pitching—you're continuing a conversation that's already started.
Real Examples: From Comment to Conversation
Let's look at a few real-world scenarios and how to transition smoothly:
Scenario 1: Shared Experience
Public comment: "This is so true. I went through a similar experience launching a product in Q4—timing is everything. We learned the hard way that even great products struggle against holiday budgets."
They reply: "Exactly! What did you do to adjust? We're facing the same issue right now."
Follow-up DM: "Hey [Name], saw your reply on the Q4 launch thread. I'd be happy to share what worked (and what didn't) for us. Want to hop on a quick call sometime? Or I can just send over some notes if that's easier."
Scenario 2: Asking for Advice
Public comment: "This framework is brilliant. I've been trying to figure out how to structure my outreach process—this is exactly the clarity I needed. Thanks for sharing!"
They reply: "Glad it helped! Let me know if you have questions as you implement it."
Follow-up DM: "Hey [Name], I've started using your framework and have a quick question about [specific step]. Would you mind if I ran it by you? Totally understand if you're swamped—just thought I'd ask!"
Scenario 3: Complimenting Their Work
Public comment: "Your content on [topic] has been incredibly helpful. I've been following your posts for a few weeks now and always learn something new."
They reply: "Thank you! That means a lot. What area are you most focused on right now?"
Follow-up DM: "Hey [Name], thanks for asking! I'm deep into [specific area] right now. If you ever want to chat about it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also happy to share what I'm learning on my end—always better to learn together."
Notice the pattern? These transitions are warm, specific, and conversational. You're not pitching—you're deepening a connection. This approach works especially well for those who prefer low-pressure networking strategies.
Timing, Tone, and Authenticity: The Final Pieces
Timing Matters
Don't send a DM immediately after a single comment. Let the public conversation breathe. Wait 1–2 days, or until you've had 2–3 exchanges. This builds rapport and avoids feeling rushed or transactional.
Match Their Tone
If they're casual and friendly in replies, be casual in your DM. If they're formal and professional, match that energy. This is conversational mirroring—it makes people feel comfortable and understood.
Authenticity Always Wins
The best DMs don't sound scripted. They sound like real people having real conversations. Adapt templates to your own voice. Add personality. Be yourself.
People can tell when you're following a formula versus genuinely connecting. Choose the latter. Once you've built rapport through comments and conversations, you may be ready to explore opportunities for moving to collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many comments should I leave before sending a DM?
There's no hard rule, but 2–3 meaningful exchanges in the comments is a good baseline. If they reply to your first comment, that's often enough of a warm signal to transition to DM.
What if they don't reply to my DM?
Don't take it personally. People are busy, and not everyone checks DMs regularly. Wait 1–2 weeks, then follow up once. If there's still no reply, move on. Focus your energy on people who engage back.
Should I send a connection request before or after the DM?
If you're already connected, go straight to the DM. If not, send a connection request first with a personalized note referencing the comment thread. Then follow up with a DM once they accept.
Can I use this strategy if I'm an introvert or uncomfortable with networking?
Absolutely. This approach is perfect for introverts because it's low-pressure, asynchronous, and relationship-focused. You're building connections through thoughtful conversations, not performative networking.
Next step: Take control of your LinkedIn relationships — Try ANDI Free.
