In a recent LinkedIn post, jessie van breugel discusses the common pitfalls that can lead to ineffective lead generation on the platform, even with consistent effort. Van Breugel highlights the case of a life coach, Julius, who struggled to gain traction on LinkedIn despite consistent posting for six months.
According to van Breugel, Julius’s initial approach involved targeting too many audiences simultaneously and building a network that didn’t align with his ideal client profile. This resulted in content that attracted a broad audience but failed to convert prospects into paying clients.
“He was talking to 3 or 4 different audiences at once, adding fellow founders to his network instead of his actual buyers, and writing polished content that attracted everyone except the people who could pay him.”
The Pitfalls of Undefined Targeting
Van Breugel argues that this scenario is a classic example of “busy work dressed up as strategy.” The lack of a clear focus on a single audience and offer meant that Julius’s efforts, while substantial, were misdirected. Van Breugel explains that this often leads coaches to feel frustrated and disillusioned with their social media marketing efforts.
Shifting to a Focused Strategy
The turning point for Julius, as detailed by van Breugel, came when the strategy was refined to focus on one specific audience, one offer, and one core message. This streamlined approach quickly yielded results.
“He got his first lead within a week. Within four months he’d closed six high-ticket clients — including two in their 60s, which were his actual dream clients.”
Van Breugel emphasizes that this shift was not about working harder but about working smarter and more strategically. The success demonstrates the power of precision in marketing efforts, especially on a platform like LinkedIn where professional networking and business development are key.
The “Boring” but Essential Lesson
Van Breugel concludes by underscoring a fundamental, albeit often overlooked, principle of effective online marketing. The key takeaway is not simply to increase posting frequency but to ensure that the content and audience engagement are aligned with the business’s specific goals and target market.
“The lesson is boring but it’s the one nobody wants to hear: posting more isn’t the answer. Posting for the right person is.”
This advice is particularly relevant for service-based professionals and coaches who rely on building relationships and trust to secure high-ticket clients. By focusing efforts on the individuals most likely to benefit from their services, professionals can achieve more significant and sustainable results, as exemplified by Julius’s journey from zero to six dream clients.
Van Breugel offers further details on the specific changes implemented, suggesting that a well-defined strategy is paramount for converting social media activity into tangible business growth.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by jessie van breugel on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 30, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →