Marketing Dopamine • October 15, 2026
Posting Into Silence
You write the post. You choose the image. You hit publish. And then, almost nothing.
A few likes, maybe a kind comment from someone who always comments. The post disappears into the feed, and the next one does too.
It is one of the most discouraging experiences in marketing, and one of the most common.
The usual response is to post more.
When no one is listening, louder is rarely the answer.
Posting into silence is usually not a volume problem. It is a connection problem. Content shared with no relationships around it has nowhere to land. The algorithm shows it to a few people, few of them know you, and the post fades before anyone has a reason to care.
What changes that is not frequency, but presence. Showing up in other people’s conversations. Responding thoughtfully to the people who do engage. Reaching out to the ones who keep appearing. Over time, a small group starts to recognize you, and your posts begin landing in front of people who are actually looking for them.
That process is slower than posting more. It is also the only one that reliably works.
Content travels on relationships. Build those first, and the posts finally have somewhere to go.
Silence is not proof that your message is wrong. Often, it just has not found its people yet.
Lisa Carmichael is the author of The Marketing Dopamine Workbook: From Awareness to Action, available now, a companion to her book Marketing Dopamine: What Your Brain Is Really Doing When You Think You’re Building a Business, coming soon. Learn more at marketingdopamine.com
“Content travels on relationships” really stood out to me. It’s a good reminder that social media isn’t just about what we publish, but how we show up for others and build genuine connections along the way.
I’m so glad that stood out to you! I think we sometimes forget the social part of social media. It’s not just about getting our message out there, but taking the time to listen, connect, and support one another. Thanks for reading!
So true. I am often posting into silence. It is ok because I’m here for a purpose. I love writing and it helps my mental health. What I am noticing is that now people post early in the morning. By the time I wake up, there’s alot of posts up already. It leaves the rest of the day empty. I get it. It’s good to get it done early so you can move on with the day. It makes it not as interesting and challenging for me as part of the group.
I love that you’re writing because it brings you joy and gives you a sense of purpose. That’s worth so much more than going viral! And I can see how the timing of everyone’s posts changes the experience. I think that’s another reminder that engagement is about more than just publishing. It’s about keeping the conversations going, too.
The great thing about the Ultimate Blgging Challenge is relationship building. It’s been incredible and also something that I true didn’t expect. I had no idea that so many bloggers would become friends and that we would all become so invested in one another’s stories. I do have to say, though, that I am far from viral, but it’s okay. Who knows? Maybe someday. Anything is possible.
I love that! And isn’t it wonderful how something that starts out as a blogging challenge can turn into genuine friendships? That’s what makes it so worthwhile. And who knows, maybe going viral is still in your future! 😊
This is great perspective! I am going to try this out. Thank you!
I love hearing that! Sometimes a small shift in how we show up can make such a difference. I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
It can be discouraging to put time and thought into a post and wonder if anyone is reading. I like the reminder that building connections and engaging with others matters just as much as creating content. It’s all about building relationships, even through the screeen.
Yes! And I think that’s something we all need to be reminded of now and then. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and forget there are real people on the other side of the screen. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
We sometimes focus so much on creating content that we forget the human connections that give it meaning. A thoughtful comment or genuine interaction can go much further than another dozen posts.
Exactly! It’s so easy to get caught up in creating more content that we forget about the relationships we’re trying to build in the first place. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!