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How to Get Clients on X (Twitter) by Being a Reply Guy (Proven Strategy)
How Can I Generate Leads on X (Twitter) When No One Engages With My Posts?
The key to generating leads on X (Twitter) isn't just posting your content - it's building genuine relationships through engagement with others first. Instead of focusing solely on your own posts, spend time supporting other users by leaving thoughtful comments on their posts. This strategy creates reciprocity where they'll return the favor while also helping boost your visibility in the algorithm. When you prioritize making connections and adding value to others before asking for anything in return, you'll start seeing increased engagement, more DMs, and most importantly, qualified leads.
Questions People Ask
What's wrong with just posting content on X without engaging with others?
When you only post without engaging, you're missing the relationship-building aspect that makes social media effective. The X algorithm also prioritizes accounts that create engagement and conversation. Without commenting on others' posts, your content will likely be seen by fewer people, resulting in minimal engagement and lead generation.
How many people should I engage with before expecting results?
Start by engaging consistently with 20-30 accounts daily that align with your ideal customer profile. Leave thoughtful comments that add value rather than generic responses. After 2-3 weeks of consistent engagement, you should start seeing reciprocal engagement on your posts and potentially direct messages from interested prospects.
Is there a way to scale engagement without resorting to spam?
Yes, tools like Creator Buddy's Reply Guy feature help you efficiently engage with multiple accounts while keeping your comments authentic. It saves time by organizing posts from accounts you want to engage with but still requires you to craft personalized responses. Avoid automation tools that leave generic comments, as they'll damage your reputation and trigger algorithm penalties.
What should I say when commenting on others' posts?
Focus on adding value, asking thoughtful questions, or acknowledging something specific about their content. Avoid generic comments like "Great post!" Instead, reference something specific from their post, share a related insight, or ask a meaningful question. Your goal is to start conversations, not just leave a digital footprint.
How long does this strategy take to generate actual leads?
With consistent daily engagement (20-40 quality comments per day), most businesses start seeing increased engagement within 1-2 weeks. Actual leads typically begin appearing after 3-4 weeks of consistent effort. The quality of your engagement and the relevance of the accounts you're targeting will significantly impact your timeline to results.
Why This Strategy Works for Any Business
- Builds genuine relationships that convert to sales by prioritizing others first, establishing trust before any sales conversation begins
- Increases algorithm visibility without gaming the system, leading to more organic exposure for your content without additional ad spend
- Creates reciprocity naturally when people notice your support and feel inclined to return the favor by engaging with your content
- Differentiates your brand from competitors who only broadcast content without engaging, making you memorable in a crowded space
Why Posting Alone on X Doesn't Work
Have you ever crafted what you thought were brilliant posts on X, scheduled them perfectly, hit send... and then crickets? No likes, no comments, no engagement, and definitely no leads? You're not alone, and there's a simple reason why.
The problem isn't your content - it's your strategy. You're making it all about yourself instead of others.
Brad Smith, owner of Automation Links with over 10 years of experience working with more than 2,500 brands, explains that success on X comes down to relationships. "Put the effort into them and then they'll come back and support you," he advises.
The Reply Guy Strategy: Building Relationships First
If you're just posting and leaving X, you'll never scale your presence because you're not building real relationships. The key is to engage with others before expecting engagement on your own content.
Before Brad would even post his own content when starting on X, he would first leave 20-30 comments on other people's posts. This strategy demonstrated that he cared about others first, provided value to them first, and helped boost their content in the algorithm first.
The result? When those people saw Brad's posts later, they thought, "Brad already liked mine, so I'm going to leave a comment on his." This reciprocity is the foundation of relationship building on social media.
Using AI to Scale Genuine Engagement
While manual engagement works, it can be time-consuming. Brad recommends tools like Creator Buddy's Reply Guy feature to streamline the process without losing authenticity.
This tool allows you to:
- Plug in usernames of accounts you want to engage with
- See all their recent posts in one place
- Craft personalized responses
- Post genuine comments efficiently
Learn more about social media automation tools in this blog. Click here!
Why Fake Comments Destroy Your X Strategy
A critical warning: many software options will leave generic, automated replies on your behalf. This approach will damage your reputation and trigger algorithm penalties.
"There's a lot of software out there that will go and leave fake replies for you."
"You never want to do that because the algorithm will see it and they'll stop your account and no one will care because it's just a bunch of clickbait."
The algorithm is designed to detect authentic engagement versus spam. When you use bot-generated generic comments, you're signaling to both the algorithm and potential clients that you're not genuinely interested in connections.
Building Your Reply Guy Strategy
To implement this approach effectively:
- Create a list of target accounts: Identify accounts run by your ideal customers, potential partners, and industry influencers.
- Set aside daily engagement time: Schedule 15-30 minutes daily specifically for engaging with others' content.
- Craft thoughtful comments: Show that you've actually read/watched their content by referencing specific points. Ask questions or add insights that demonstrate your expertise.
- Be consistent: Engage daily rather than sporadically to build recognition and relationships over time.
- Use tools wisely: Consider tools like Creator Buddy to help organize your engagement efforts without resorting to fake comments.
For businesses looking to build more comprehensive social media marketing strategies, explore our complete relationship marketing guide. Click here!
Real Examples of Effective Engagement
Brad demonstrates how he engages with others' content with examples like:
- "This is super helpful Andrew" - A simple acknowledgment that shows genuine appreciation
- "Your biggest enemy isn't competition - love this post, this is really good" - Quoting the content shows you actually read it
- "Hey by the way I'm recording my YouTube video about you right now" - Creating mutual promotion opportunities
These comments build relationships rather than just trying to boost the algorithm.
Take Action Today
The Reply Guy strategy is simple but powerful: put others first, and they'll naturally reciprocate. By consistently engaging with your target audience's content before expecting engagement on your own, you'll build genuine relationships that lead to more engagement, followers, and ultimately, clients.
Start by identifying 20-30 accounts in your industry and commit to leaving thoughtful comments on their posts each day. Use tools like Creator Buddy to stay organized, but always ensure your comments are genuine and personalized.
Remember that social media success isn't about broadcasting - it's about conversation. When you make others feel valued, they'll naturally want to support you in return.
Ready to transform your X strategy with a complete system for generating and nurturing leads? Book a free 15-minute consultation session to discuss how we can help you implement this approach for your specific business. Book Now!
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How does the X algorithm determine which content gets more visibility?
The X algorithm prioritizes content that drives engagement—especially replies, shares, and longer interactions. It looks for signs that a post is sparking conversation or providing value. Posts from accounts that regularly engage with others also tend to get boosted more often. When you comment on other users’ posts, you signal to the algorithm that you’re part of active conversations, which increases the visibility of your future content.
What's the difference between engaging with followers versus engaging with potential customers?
Engaging with followers helps deepen existing relationships, build loyalty, and maintain your current audience. Engaging with potential customers, on the other hand, is about outreach—introducing yourself, offering value, and starting new relationships. A successful strategy includes both: nurture your existing followers while intentionally seeking out and engaging with people who fit your ideal customer profile.
How can I track whether my engagement strategy is working for lead generation?
You can track progress through a few key indicators:
Engagement metrics: Are more people liking, commenting, and sharing your posts after consistent replying?
Profile visits: Are you seeing an increase in profile views?
Follower growth: Are relevant, quality followers being added daily?
DMs and inquiries: Are people reaching out to you after seeing your comments?
Link clicks or conversions: Are your replies eventually leading people to your offers, sign-up pages, or website?
Use tools like X Pro, Typefully, or native analytics to watch these trends week-over-week.
Should I focus on engaging with large accounts or smaller ones in my industry?
Ideally, both—but for different reasons:
Large accounts give you visibility when you leave thoughtful comments that others see and engage with. It’s like commenting in front of an audience.
Smaller or mid-tier accounts are often more responsive and more likely to notice and engage back. These are often real people who will check out your profile and possibly connect with you directly.
Focus most of your efforts on accounts that align with your ideal client profile, regardless of size.
How can I transition from engagement to actual sales conversations without being pushy?
Let relationships develop naturally by engaging first, then transitioning into DMs when it feels right. Reference something specific from your interaction, like: “Hey [Name], really liked your post about [topic]—happy to share what’s been working for others I’ve helped.” Keep it helpful, not salesy. You can offer value with a soft ask like, “I’ve got a quick tip if you’re interested,” or, “If you’re ever looking to automate that, I might be able to help.” The goal is to start a real, friendly conversation—not pitch right away.
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