#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) – by Matt Lakajev

Updated: July 25, 2026

PlayBook#2 – (Framework sourced from Matt Lakajev’s strategy)

Why Content Matters

Your content is not the business.
It is the trust accelerant that brings the right people to your inbox.
Matt calls this the “Content Engine”—one part of the Three C’s:
Content → Conversations → Conversions

Your goal is simple:

Be seen → Be trusted → Be contacted

You are not trying to go viral.
You are trying to be relevant to a small group who can buy.


Section A — The 5 High-Impact Post Types

These are the only formats beginners need — validated directly from the research:

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev
Post TypeWhat It BuildsWhy It Works
Personal StoryFamiliarity, relatabilityPasses Relevance Gate
How-To / How-I postAuthority, expertiseShows proof via teaching
ListicleSaves & reachPeople like scanning
Contrarian opinionComments ↗You challenge a belief
Lead Magnet postDirect lead flowComments trigger algorithm

(Structured based on Lakajev’s viral content archetypes)


1) Personal Story Post

When your reader says: “This person gets me.”

Simple structure:

  1. The moment something went wrong
  2. The lesson you learned
  3. The belief you now have
  4. A takeaway for others

Avoid: Trauma dumping — keep it useful.


2) How-To / How-I Post

Show your expertise through action.

Template:
How I helped [client type] achieve [result] — Step by Step
Steps in order
Short sentences
No fluff

This passes the Risk Gate by proving capability.


3) Listicle Post

Fast to consume. Great for beginners.

Examples:

  • 5 costly mistakes ecommerce founders make on their website
  • 7 tools I use to build sites in 7 days

Use numbers in headline → scrolling stops.


4) Contrarian Post

People share opinions more than facts.

Example idea:
“Posting daily isn’t growth — it’s procrastination if you avoid conversations.”

This drives debate → more reach.
Based on “comment-hacking” behaviors.


5) Lead Magnet Post (Lakajev’s most powerful tactic)

Posts engineered to produce leads immediately.

You offer a free resource → people must comment to get it.
LinkedIn boosts posts with replies.
You then send them a link and start a conversation.
This is exactly how Matt validates product demand.

Tip:
Announce the offer first.
Create the resource only if enough people comment (market validation).

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section B — Targeting: Write Only for One Audience

Broad content kills trust.
Narrow content builds “He understands my exact situation.”
This unlocks the Snowflake Gate.

Example comparison:

Writing about…Who it speaks to
“Website tips for business owners”Nobody
“Website mistakes killing sales for D2C skincare brands”Buyers

Choose one group and write like you are inside their head.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section C — Video Strategy (2025 Onwards)

LinkedIn now prioritizes vertical short video.

Matt’s structure:

  • First 3 seconds = the hook war
  • Include mini-hooks every few seconds
  • End with a loop-back line so people rewatch
  • The caption starts with the same hook
  • Add text overlay for silent viewers

Hook examples:

  • “Why your LinkedIn posts get ignored.”
  • “One change doubled my replies last month.”

No fancy production needed.
Natural office lighting works best.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section D — Consistency System

Success does not come from one great post — it comes from momentum.
Matt’s recommendation:
3–5 posts per week
Mix the 5 formats above.

Weekly mix example:

  • Monday → Personal Story
  • Tuesday → How-I Post
  • Wednesday → Lead Magnet
  • Thursday → Contrarian
  • Friday → Listicle

Every post should pull a specific audience closer to a conversation.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeBetter approach
Posting about random topicsOne niche, one problem, one solution
Teaching without proofShow real examples
Asking for calls too quicklyStart with value-first CTA
Focusing on likesFocus on profile visits & conversations

Metrics that matter:

  • Profile views ↑
  • DMs ↑
  • Calls booked ↑

Not views and likes.


Quick Action Checklist

Mark these once completed:

☑️ Define your audience in one sentence
☑️ Write one post using each of the 5 formats
☑️ Create a simple lead magnet (checklist or template)
☑️ Post 3–5 times this week
☑️ Track profile views and replies daily

Once this checklist is complete, your content engine is running.


The Goal of Content

“I trust you. I want to talk to you.”
When this happens → the inbox becomes your sales pipeline.
Which leads us to:

Playbook #3 — Finding and Starting the Right Conversations
(Messaging, DM workflows, Sales Navigator strategy)

PlayBook#2 – (Framework sourced from Matt Lakajev’s strategy)

Why Content Matters

Your content is not the business.
It is the trust accelerant that brings the right people to your inbox.
Matt calls this the “Content Engine”—one part of the Three C’s:
Content → Conversations → Conversions

Your goal is simple:

Be seen → Be trusted → Be contacted

You are not trying to go viral.
You are trying to be relevant to a small group who can buy.


Section A — The 5 High-Impact Post Types

These are the only formats beginners need — validated directly from the research:

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev
Post TypeWhat It BuildsWhy It Works
Personal StoryFamiliarity, relatabilityPasses Relevance Gate
How-To / How-I postAuthority, expertiseShows proof via teaching
ListicleSaves & reachPeople like scanning
Contrarian opinionComments ↗You challenge a belief
Lead Magnet postDirect lead flowComments trigger algorithm

(Structured based on Lakajev’s viral content archetypes)


1) Personal Story Post

When your reader says: “This person gets me.”

Simple structure:

  1. The moment something went wrong
  2. The lesson you learned
  3. The belief you now have
  4. A takeaway for others

Avoid: Trauma dumping — keep it useful.


2) How-To / How-I Post

Show your expertise through action.

Template:
How I helped [client type] achieve [result] — Step by Step
Steps in order
Short sentences
No fluff

This passes the Risk Gate by proving capability.


3) Listicle Post

Fast to consume. Great for beginners.

Examples:

  • 5 costly mistakes ecommerce founders make on their website
  • 7 tools I use to build sites in 7 days

Use numbers in headline → scrolling stops.


4) Contrarian Post

People share opinions more than facts.

Example idea:
“Posting daily isn’t growth — it’s procrastination if you avoid conversations.”

This drives debate → more reach.
Based on “comment-hacking” behaviors.


5) Lead Magnet Post (Lakajev’s most powerful tactic)

Posts engineered to produce leads immediately.

You offer a free resource → people must comment to get it.
LinkedIn boosts posts with replies.
You then send them a link and start a conversation.
This is exactly how Matt validates product demand.

Tip:
Announce the offer first.
Create the resource only if enough people comment (market validation).

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section B — Targeting: Write Only for One Audience

Broad content kills trust.
Narrow content builds “He understands my exact situation.”
This unlocks the Snowflake Gate.

Example comparison:

Writing about…Who it speaks to
“Website tips for business owners”Nobody
“Website mistakes killing sales for D2C skincare brands”Buyers

Choose one group and write like you are inside their head.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section C — Video Strategy (2025 Onwards)

LinkedIn now prioritizes vertical short video.

Matt’s structure:

  • First 3 seconds = the hook war
  • Include mini-hooks every few seconds
  • End with a loop-back line so people rewatch
  • The caption starts with the same hook
  • Add text overlay for silent viewers

Hook examples:

  • “Why your LinkedIn posts get ignored.”
  • “One change doubled my replies last month.”

No fancy production needed.
Natural office lighting works best.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Section D — Consistency System

Success does not come from one great post — it comes from momentum.
Matt’s recommendation:
3–5 posts per week
Mix the 5 formats above.

Weekly mix example:

  • Monday → Personal Story
  • Tuesday → How-I Post
  • Wednesday → Lead Magnet
  • Thursday → Contrarian
  • Friday → Listicle

Every post should pull a specific audience closer to a conversation.

#2 Create Content That Brings Clients (Not Just Likes) - by Matt Lakajev

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeBetter approach
Posting about random topicsOne niche, one problem, one solution
Teaching without proofShow real examples
Asking for calls too quicklyStart with value-first CTA
Focusing on likesFocus on profile visits & conversations

Metrics that matter:

  • Profile views ↑
  • DMs ↑
  • Calls booked ↑

Not views and likes.


Quick Action Checklist

Mark these once completed:

☑️ Define your audience in one sentence
☑️ Write one post using each of the 5 formats
☑️ Create a simple lead magnet (checklist or template)
☑️ Post 3–5 times this week
☑️ Track profile views and replies daily

Once this checklist is complete, your content engine is running.


The Goal of Content

“I trust you. I want to talk to you.”
When this happens → the inbox becomes your sales pipeline.
Which leads us to:

Playbook #3 — Finding and Starting the Right Conversations
(Messaging, DM workflows, Sales Navigator strategy)

Author
Written By
Vikash Kumar
Building AI agents, n8n workflows and end-to-end automation for 30+ Brands across India, the US, Europe, Dubai & Australia. 7+ years of Experience saving founders real hours every week - no code required.
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